If you've shyed away from the 357 Maximum due to brass non-availability, Starline to the rescue:

https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cases/357-357-MAXIMUM/index.cfm

I wish I would of seen this earlier. I went into a little shop today that had 100 new Remington 357 Max brass. He wanted a $100 bucks for them. I told him I would give him $80 and he didn't hesitate to say yes so I bought them. I have been wanting a 357 Max ever since I started looking at the contender. I would of paid the 100 but he didn't need to know that. What is every one's opinion on the perfect length barrel for the 357 Max in a contender? I'm thinking 10in for a light easy carrying gun.

I also bought a box of 180gr xtp's and dies. I'm going to order a barrel from MGM so should I just order a regular 357 max? Or should I seat the bullet out to the second cannelure and have them make the barrel to that?

My thoughts too, mine's a 10"er.

Great news. I know I emailed Starline a few times about this. Love my Contender 11" Max.

Good news! I hear they're working on 444 Marlin too.

WPrather, in regards to barrel length of 357 Max, you might seriously consider a 12".Having had/shot most lengths of contenders in many calibers, I have opinied that 12" is about ideal in compromise of portability , velocity & balance . I have two Max barrels ,both S14'S. One is a Hunter w/ muzzle break. Both good performers w/favored loads. I think the 12" replacing the 10" was a good move on TC"s part , for most calibers, but 10" .22 rimfires are neat rigs also. Good Luck w/ the Max !

I ordered my MGM in 13" tapped for the 6 Hole Base. I sent in both a long seated NOE 360 180 load and a 180 XTP seated in the lower crimp groove with instructions to optomise for both.

Starline making brass for it will make the 357 Maximum single shots a much better choice to own.
Jamerson Brass was too hard a couple years back and would split. My 357 Max Jamerson brass from back in the Summer had no splitting issues, but primer pockets got loose way to soon.

I did a lot of experimentation with 360 Dan Wesson Starline Brass in my 357 Maximum MGM barrel. I was very happy with it, as I have been with all the Starline brass I have bought over the years. No doubt the 357 Maximum Starline brass will be some of the best brass ever made for the 357 Maximum.
I am really glad to see the Starline 357 Maximum brass finally in production.

Bob

I just returned from a South Carolina deer hunt where I took a 85 pound doe with the Max out of a Super 14 at 30 yards. The 180 XTP failed to expand...passed through on near side shoulder hit, exit through rear of rib cage. You might consider the 158 XTP if you'll be using your max for deer. The 180 probably will work OK at 35 Remington velocities or on tougher game (large boar hogs, etc).

maplefytr what load were you shooting under the 180 XTP??
Any idea of the velocity of your load??

Bob

The 180 should expand down past 1100 easy id be afraid the 158s would turn into bombs at max velocities it should've expanded unless the deer was just that small and you hit no ribs or anything it may not have.... Still hard to imagine at those speeds

Hornady offers two styles of 158 XTP, the HP and the FP. The flat point works at a slightly higher velocity range and is better suited to the Max.

That's true I forgot about the FP version it would be good choice still i find it hard to believe the 180s didn't expand they'll open up out of a 6 inch wheel gun if you're not to far away