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Post by Encore64 on Feb 13, 2024 13:07:33 GMT -5
Picked this one up at my LGS this morning. Was in no hurry, so it's been on layaway a couple months.
Fit and finish are perfection. I've seen BFRs with finish issues, but they're generally easy to touch up on the brushed stainless. I didn't have to do that to this one.
Throats are all six exactly .357". This became unimportant when the barrel slugged just under .356". I've been loading .358" cast bullets with zero issues.
Lockup is tight as is the barrel gap at .0015". A .002" feeler gauge won't start on any of the six chambers. A good sign there's no run out on the cylinder.
Action is so smooth I won't even change a spring in it.
Barrel is listed at 7.5". But, measured from front of the frame. I measure it at 8.2".
The only small issue I've found is it's shooting low. I can adjust, but the rear sight is cranked up too high to suit me.
A small issue. I plan on a Fermin Front Sight, so I'll text him the height I need and be good to go.
Load information in my next post...
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Post by Encore64 on Feb 13, 2024 13:23:24 GMT -5
Now, buying a BFR 357 Magnum just makes no sense shooting factory spec ammo. At least it doesn't to me.
So, I started with 195 grn RN Cast Bullets intended for the 35 Remington. These seat shallow for their weight, about the same as my 158 grn Cast SWCs.
OAL of loaded rounds is 1.745". That's 1/10" under what the cylinder will accept.
I started with 12.0 grn of 2400 for a velocity of 1250 fps. Going to 12.5 grn got me 1310 fps.
The magic hit at 13.0 grn. All six rounds chronographed 1348-1350 fps. That's the lowest spread I've ever encountered in a revolver.
Accuracy was superb at about 1.2" and no leading was present.
I doubt I'm over standard pressure for the 357 Magnum. If so, it isn't by much. I loaded the same six cases 3 times and primer pockets are still very snug. Cases drop out with no problem and resizing requires little effort.
Some of Taffin's Loads exceed mine by 200+ FPS. But, I'm not going there. These loads will do all I want and offer acceptable case life.
Life is good...
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Post by hunter01 on Feb 13, 2024 16:01:26 GMT -5
Sounds like you got a good one.
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Post by Encore64 on Feb 13, 2024 16:47:14 GMT -5
Certainly appears to be the case. Plus, I wasn't completely fair in my previous statement.
The scared guns I've seen have been at gun shows. No guarantee that the guns weren't damage after leaving the factory. I've seen other brands with battle wounds at gun shows too.
Heard back from Magnum Research. No problem on 360 Dan Wesson Cylinder. Only $350 plus $90 Round Trip Shipping. That's a no-brainer.
Uncle Fermin is working on a front sight too...
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Post by hunter01 on Feb 13, 2024 17:55:42 GMT -5
Certainly appears to be the case. Plus, I wasn't completely fair in my previous statement. The scared guns I've seen have been at gun shows. No guarantee that the guns weren't damage after leaving the factory. I've seen other brands with battle wounds at gun shows too. Heard back from Magnum Research. No problem on 360 Dan Wesson Cylinder. Only $350 plus $90 Round Trip Shipping. That's a no-brainer. Uncle Fermin is working on a front sight too... Ive been talking to matt at MR about sending one in for a 360dw and a couple for 45acp cylinders of all things. He priced a complete action job at $85 which i will get on any that make the trip. Outstanding customer service is one more leg up of MR over FA. |
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Post by Encore64 on Feb 13, 2024 18:13:54 GMT -5
We think frighteningly alike. I'm on the Allocation List for a 6-Shot 454 Casull Bisley. It may get an auxiliary cylinder or two. I'd love a 45 ACP Cylinder cut for Auto Rim.
I'd bet money I'm a minority that has a FA83 45 Auto Rim...
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Post by RDW on Feb 13, 2024 18:52:41 GMT -5
We think frighteningly alike. I'm on the Allocation List for a 6-Shot 454 Casull Bisley. It may get an auxiliary cylinder or two. I'd love a 45 ACP Cylinder cut for Auto Rim. I'd bet money I'm a minority that has a FA83 45 Auto Rim... Ya well Huey. If any one else would try an 45 auto rim revolver you wouldnt be!!!!!! i GARRANTY DAM T IT. 45 Auto rim has proven to me over and over and over that it aint no Punk. I love it. several of my favorite short frame revolvers, that is the only cylinder i have made for it because it is so easy to use. R |
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Post by Encore64 on Feb 13, 2024 19:18:53 GMT -5
Clements built and converted more revolvers in 45 Auto Rim than any other caliber. I believe five in total.
You're correct in it not being a punk. With Power Pistol and Longshot, it's downright snappy.
My favorite revolver is my used FA97 that was converted to 45 Auto Rim...
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Post by Encore64 on Feb 17, 2024 15:02:48 GMT -5
So, today I became really impressed with this gun.
I'll start out by saying most should not try this at home. THESE LOADS EXCEED PUBLISHED 357 MAGNUM DATA...
I've had great success with the Gardners 165 grn SWC Cast Bullets. They are both powder coated and gas checked. It's an effective combination.
They have two crimp grooves. Seating to the rear groove, COAL is 1.675". Powder capacity is increased accordingly.
First I tried H110. Never a fan of this powder for the 357 Magnum. Today's results didn't change my opinion.
Now, 2400 is a different story.
I started with 16.0 grns, eventually working up to 17.0 grns. Powder is not compressed, but is mighty close to the base of the bullet using Starline Brass.
Velocity was very consistent and averaged 1625 fps. There were no signs of excessive pressure. Cases fell out of gun, resized easily and I reloaded this load 6 times. Primer pockets did not loosen.
This load produces 967 fpe and is firmly in 41 Magnum Territory.
I referenced John Taffin's FA353 Data and I'm 2 grn below his. Also, these bullets seat out providing more case capacity.
These loads will do all I ask and provide decent case life.
I'd say who needs a 360 Dan Wesson Cylinder. But, I think I do...
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Post by seminolewind on Feb 17, 2024 15:51:02 GMT -5
Very interesting load development for the 357 Magnum cartridge and your new gun. I enjoy seeing the original magnum cartridge taken to new levels in revolvers like your BFR, the FA 353, and to a lesser extent, the FA 97. Even if no one revives the 357 Maximum revolver, we can still have very effective hunting guns that don’t put too much abuse on hands and wrists. The 360 DW is interesting too, but until more guns are chambered in this cartridge, I doubt brass will be plentiful, unlike 357 Magnum.
I hunted with a 9” FA 97 in 357 Mag this year, and it was very effective on deer with a 158 gr Aframe at 1600+ fps with Accurate #9. XTP Flat Point bullets are very accurate in the FA too at that fps range. I had not heard of Gardner cast bullets, so thanks for making me aware of them. I’m looking forward to following this thread.
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Post by Encore64 on Feb 17, 2024 16:22:36 GMT -5
I appreciate that. I just wrapped up for the day. All I can say is this is one incredible revolver.
It's hard to be scientific, so I don't even try. But, quickly I'll say this gun provides the power of a 41 Magnum with the recoil and trajectory of a 327 Federal.
Of course, the BFRs aren't small guns and the weight eliminates most recoil.
Groups averaged about 1.2" with some producing 1" ragged holes. These bullets were more accurate than the 195s. But, not by much.
I'll record data and proceed with the Missouri 180s next...
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Post by hunter01 on Feb 17, 2024 17:00:19 GMT -5
Sounds awesome! Truthfully, what is the point in a maximum or 360DW? Yes, we all know equal ballistics with less pressure, but if brass falls out of the gun and you can load 6+ times without losing primer pockets, you are hardly on the "ragged edge". I had every intention of a 360DW but now im not sure. I have a lifetime supply of 357 brass and if a heavy .358 bullet wont do it at 1600+ fps, i think you need more mass (bigger bore) not more velocity. Very nice write up and great info!
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shorty500
.327 Meteor
too many dirty harry movies created me!
Posts: 934
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Post by shorty500 on Feb 17, 2024 17:26:57 GMT -5
Curious??? What the absolute max cartridge OAL you can fit in? Never owned or measured one of the short frames!
Had a couple in .500S&W and a .45-70 but the short guns do appeal to me. My preferred liad for the Maximum
comes in at 1.930 COAL using an as water dropped ww alloy and hornady gas check weighing in at 193grains.
In .357 magnum brass it barely fits in the shortest cylinders as in my M27s
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Post by hunter01 on Feb 17, 2024 17:31:21 GMT -5
Curious??? What the absolute max cartridge OAL you can fit in? Never owned or measured one of the short frames! Had a couple in .500S&W and a .45-70 but the short guns do appeal to me My loads with a very long 200gr bullet are 1.797 and they have a LOT of room to spare. Cylinders are around 1.850. |
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Post by sixshot on Feb 17, 2024 17:43:37 GMT -5
Sounds like your BFR 357 is a real hummer. Seating those bullets long is reducing pressures for sure and getting 6+ firings at over 1600 fps is very impressive. Plus the accuracy is all you could ask for. The extra weight of the BFR wouldn't bother me a bit, actually I like a heavier gun. less recoil. Very nice write up.
Dick
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