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Post by Encore64 on Nov 18, 2023 18:32:50 GMT -5
So, we've discussed this in several previous Rook Rifle Threads. I decided it had to be tried.
My LGS has had a Beautiful Henry Single Shot chambered in 357 Magnum for some time. Recently, I approached them about moving it at a better price and they were glad to do it.
I picked the rifle up today in tandem with the Colt KC 22 LR.
Like all these rifles, it came with really nice wood. The metal is well fit and finished.
I installed a Nikon 2-7x BDC Scope in a DNZ Mount. These mounts aren't cheap, but machined to be so much more attractive and strong. To ease function, it got a hammer extension to boot.
The 357 Magnum is very similar to two of the Original Rook Cartridges. Namely the 380 Long Rook and the 360 #5 Rook. The above cases are the same. The 380 Rook had a healed bullet whereas the 360 Rook was internally lubed like our modern rounds.
While I have a Baby Rolling Block in 357 Magnum, this will hopefully make life easier for guys wanting to get into an Economy R&R Rifle.
Almost all the Rook Rifles I've experimented with have been 30/32 Caliber.
It's time to move on to 25s and 35s. Cast Bullets Only!!!
I'll post in due time...
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Post by x101airborne on Nov 19, 2023 7:02:24 GMT -5
Anxiously awaiting a range report!
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 19, 2023 8:09:13 GMT -5
I'm hoping to shoot some today if time allows.
This being a Single Shot gives me a whole lot of wiggle room. Since this gun is also available in 243 and 308 Winchester, strength is not in question. This opens the door to John Taffin's 353 Casull Data too.
I'll check the throat length later today. If the bullets can be seated long, look out...
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Post by bisleyfan41 on Nov 19, 2023 14:10:48 GMT -5
Congrats. Looking forward to your adventures with this one.
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 19, 2023 14:18:19 GMT -5
Congrats. Looking forward to your adventures with this one. I'm wrapping up my first bench session right now. Report shortly...
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 19, 2023 14:39:44 GMT -5
I had three loaded rounds left to fire when Bisleyfan41 posted.
Starting at 25 yards, I sighted the scope in. At that distance, I leave rifles shooting 1" low.
Then, I broke out the chronograph. Using Gardner's 165 grn SWC and 2400 Powder.
The bullets come equipped with dual crimping grooves. These are Powder Coated and GC'd. They chamber fine when seated to the rear groove and measured COAL 1.680".
14.0 grn 1670 fps 14.5 grn 1710 fps 15.0 grn 1740 fps
I settled on the last load as maximum. It's about on par with most manuals and powder nearly touches the base of the bullets.
I put up a clean target at 75 yards and started shooting. The largest group was 1.5" with the majority ranging 1-1.25". I'm thrilled with this with cast bullets.
Best of all, the bore was lead free and looked great.
There's little doubt that AA#9, H110/296 or Lil Gun would produce more velocity. But, I'd self imposed 1800 fps as max with cast bullets. Plus, (maybe it's me) but 2400 sure doesn't produce the annoying muzzle blast the others do.
I'll load a box of this ammo and wait on the yard critters to start...
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Post by bisleyfan41 on Nov 19, 2023 20:51:45 GMT -5
I had three loaded rounds left to fire when Bisleyfan41 posted. Starting at 25 yards, I sighted the scope in. At that distance, I leave rifles shooting 1" low. Then, I broke out the chronograph. Using Gardner's 165 grn SWC and 2400 Powder. The bullets come equipped with dual crimping grooves. These are Powder Coated and GC'd. They chamber fine when seated to the rear groove and measured COAL 1.680". 14.0 grn 1670 fps 14.5 grn 1710 fps 15.0 grn 1740 fps I settled on the last load as maximum. It's about on par with most manuals and powder nearly touches the base of the bullets. I put up a clean target at 75 yards and started shooting. The largest group was 1.5" with the majority ranging 1-1.25". I'm thrilled with this with cast bullets. Best of all, the bore was lead free and looked great. There's little doubt that AA#9, H110/296 or Lil Gun would produce more velocity. But, I'd self imposed 1800 fps as max with cast bullets. Plus, (maybe it's me) but 2400 sure doesn't produce the annoying muzzle blast the others do. I'll load a box of this ammo and wait on the yard critters to start... Glad you found success this easily. Sounds like you have a shooter. Problem is, since you created this thread, I've been ogling these on Gunbroker the past few days. Like I need another iron in the fire right now. Thanks for the report.
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 19, 2023 21:05:19 GMT -5
I've never dealt with a more accurate cast bullet rifle. This one even has an excellent trigger pull.
Producing 1100+ fpe, this will be good from Armadillos thru Deer. This gun is even legal for our Primitive Weapons Season.
I will add that I'm taper crimping the bullets. I've just gotten better accuracy when using taper crimps.
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jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,606
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Post by jeffh on Nov 22, 2023 11:56:26 GMT -5
Being a single-shot, you have a lot of latitude with bullet weights an seating depths too.
I have a 190 grain bullet which would do 1804 fps in a Ruger 77/357 with shortened brass (magazine restrictions) and no "pressure signs*" using 300MP. I'd like to see what it does with full-length brass in the Contender Carbine, but just have not had time.
Most of my 357 Mag loads are well below "normal" 357 Mag levels, but it's nice to have a Rook Rifle you know can stand in as a deer rifle if needed.
Otherwise, the 357 MAX Contender Carbine is the designated "deer gun" here.
*Extraction and appearance of cases/primers was identical to 158 grain loads using 6 grains of Unique. The VERY few factory 357 cartridges I have, and use for testing, show significantly more case expansion and primer flattening than I'm seeing in either mentioned cast load. STILL, I proceed with the utmost caution, because I don't completely trust the traditional "signs" on straight cases. I do NOT recommend this to anyone.
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 22, 2023 12:11:58 GMT -5
Jeff, I don't doubt this one bit.
I've shot 158 grn XTPs out of a 358 Magnum Carbine at 2000fps.
Going against my original plan, I'll likely test the 180 grn XTPs for deer size game.
Not only does the Single Shot provide a lot of bullet length and seating depth options, it's necessary in my state for legal hunting during Primitive Weapons Season...
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jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,606
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Post by jeffh on Nov 22, 2023 12:40:44 GMT -5
...Not only does the Single Shot provide a lot of bullet length and seating depth options, it's necessary in my state for legal hunting during Primitive Weapons Season...
Ohio is a "straight-wall" state, without the length limitation. We CAN use repeaters, but you may only have three rounds, total, in the gun.
I do not feel the least bit deprived by not using a repeater, as most times I've used on for hunting, I almost forget to jack the next round into the chamber as I hold for follow-through and to watch the game after the shot.
With a break-action 357, "Speed Strips" are a boon. Load three cartridges into a five or six-shot strip, with a space between each and you can reload fast. I was able to reload H&R Handi-Rifles faster than the Ruger 77/357! I will refrain from venting my disgust with THAT rifle, but even if it HAD been worth what I paid, it still did not have the advantages we see in the break-actions.
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 22, 2023 12:56:23 GMT -5
Our rules do not include straight walls. But, has to be 35+ Caliber, Single Shot and Exposed Hammer...
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brant
.30 Stingray
Posts: 336
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Post by brant on Nov 22, 2023 13:08:42 GMT -5
...Not only does the Single Shot provide a lot of bullet length and seating depth options, it's necessary in my state for legal hunting during Primitive Weapons Season...
Ohio is a "straight-wall" state, without the length limitation. We CAN use repeaters, but you may only have three rounds, total, in the gun.
I do not feel the least bit deprived by not using a repeater, as most times I've used on for hunting, I almost forget to jack the next round into the chamber as I hold for follow-through and to watch the game after the shot.
With a break-action 357, "Speed Strips" are a boon. Load three cartridges into a five or six-shot strip, with a space between each and you can reload fast. I was able to reload H&R Handi-Rifles faster than the Ruger 77/357! I will refrain from venting my disgust with THAT rifle, but even if it HAD been worth what I paid, it still did not have the advantages we see in the break-actions.
I use speed strips that way as well for my contender and cva
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 23, 2023 14:46:31 GMT -5
I'm more enthused with this inexpensive rifle than I should be.
But, anything that shoots cast bullets into groups like this thing does is of interest.
It'll do anything I need around my place.
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44guru
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 77
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Post by 44guru on Nov 24, 2023 21:48:59 GMT -5
I really considered buying one and reaming it out to a .357 Max.
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