Silly idea: 356 GNR J Magnum Frame or SP101
I stipulate that this idea is ridiculous.
That said, after about 30 secs of thought and a few back of the envelope trigonometric calculations, it looks like an sp101 or j magnum frame (post '96) in 357 magnum could be rechambered to 356 GNR.
Although K frames are too crowded, the j frames, being 5-shot, actually give more room for larger calibers even with the smaller diameter cylinder. Ignoring overall strength, it looks like the biggest issue would be rim interference with the ratchet. A solution could be as simple as turning down the rim. Alternatively, neck-up the 300 gnr to 35 caliber, but use 225 Winchester brass (which already has the .473" rim, significantly smaller than 41 magnum's).
I like your zeal. But the ballistics are not favorable.
even if it were possible and I'd think not as to the minimal cylinder wall thickness. They are thicker than the antique .38 Spec. spec. and materials are better today but not that much.
You really need a 6" barrel to get worthy performance gains and a longer one still is even better. Those are HUNTING rounds as designed. The .356 GNR is essentially a .357 Maximum in a shorter package. Ditto the .300 GNR, a .30 Herrett in a size befitting a large frame SA revolver window.
as much as I hate to admit it, WB is right
I know, blasphemy. But the 41 Magnum base case would give the cylinder paper thin walls and I really wouldn't feel comfortable with that. The 356 GNR is a cartridge you have to load and some folks like to start at my max loads and work up from there (not talking about WB in this instance). So liability wise I would have to pass on this idea.
So, no centennial for personal protection in bear country :)
- No text -
356 GNR
Why not do like I did. Buy a new Ruger 357mag Blackhawk. Send it to Gary. Have him rechamber or make another cylinder. I have other 357s, so I had him rechamber. You have a choice of 4 5/8" or 6 1/2"barrel. I know it is not as compact, but the conversion is safe, powerful and accurate. Use Hornady 158fp XTP or 180 XTP or Swift 158gr or 180 gr. I killed a deer with the 158gr Swift and a case full of H-110.
I shot a 500 lb Nilgai with my little 9" G2 in 356 GNR
![[image]](images/uploaded/202111061821146186c79ac7f26.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/202111061826226186c8ceb2281.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/202111061827006186c8f41a711.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/202111061827386186c91a11ea0.jpg)
Totally agree
Cylinder walls might be papier-mâché if cut that thin. A 35 caliber cartridge based on the 300 GNR would help a bit with the thicker brass and 12 thou smaller case diameter.
On the ballistics, one of these S&W 60-18 with the 5" barrel or a SP101 with the 4.2" barrel could get you close to something useful.
![[image]](images/uploaded/202111052253356185b5ef6925e.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/202111052252406185b5b8d94fc.jpg)