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December 4, 2011
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Took my new (to me) model 40 to the range today. VERY smooth gun! I shot a few cyls. of 357mag to warm up then shot two cyls of Reeds 180gr xtp. I must say that the Reeds ammo was underwhelming. In fact, it had less recoil and less report than the American Eagle 158gr SJSP 357 mags. It actually felt like I was shooting 38 specials in a 15-2. They smoked alot and the cases were covered in soot when ejected. I didn't fire anymore as the B/C gap was fouling from the 357mags and getting tight. I wonder if Reeds didn't load these very hot or what. The box of 20 felt really light weight in comparison to a box of 357 mags. Other than that, the gun shot great and is VERY accurate.
Took the 7445 along too and ran a box of 44mag thru it since I don't have any SM rounds loaded yet. Also a very smooth shooter and very accurate. I'll have to see if I have any of my targets to post.
Shot my SIG SAUER P250 also, after shooting the SM's in DA that SIG felt like a toy in my hand. I did find it easier to shoot than I have the last few weeks. I think firing the big revolvers in DA is good practice for shooting the SIG (DA only trigger).
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
May 17, 2010
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Sounds like a good time!!!
I understand that the 357 max is a very hard round to load "right". Basically what I read ( I think right here ) is that the .357 max needs to be loaded all the way to max spec. The smoke tells me someone loaded it fast burning powder and/or did not use a gas check.
Soap Box, Ballot Box, Ammo Box
in that order.
4 Monson Model 15's
1 Palmer FB 15
1 Rossi 357 Model 92 (lever)
1 CZ 75B
May 3, 2011
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Well it sounds like you had fun. Thats great! I usually start out with the smaller calibers first then work up to the SM. I need to shoot the 445 some. I have 110 rounds or 445 ready. I made up some .375 SM and 357SM rounds. I'm trying some different primers. Thanks for the range report and keep them in the 10 ring. 
February 11, 2010
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Don't know what loads you bought, I have the 180 grn XTP and 170 grn
Speer's in 357 max from Reeds and you would never mistake them for
a 357mag much less a 38 special. Something is wrong and I would give
him a call.
-Blacktop
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December 4, 2011
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180gr XTP was all they had available and they were definately on the light side. I'll send them and email about it.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
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January 24, 2009
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I have only shot 6 rounds of Mag ammo through my Maxi, but didn't feel as though the Maxi rounds had less recoil. I will say that I was initially surprised by the *tame manner of my model 40, but I know that first batch of 60 Reed's Maxi's were no slouch. I wonder if yours were accidentally loaded with a Magnum amount of powder, instead of Maxi?
*I soon discovered that the SM frame weight & barrel length had much to do with it's overall tame feeling. Of course, the larger caliber SM's get a whole lot less tame rather rapidly, as the caliber increases.
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December 4, 2011
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Just saw a new email from Reeds this AM (its only 7:00AM eastern) telling me they mixed up my order with another guys order and I need to send it back and they will exchange ammo. I sent one back asking if they were light loads. I think perhaps we found the problem.
Wonder if they read this forum and saw my post last night?
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
February 11, 2010
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There you go, something had to be wrong. I read REED dose some
custom ammo and the stuff you got must not have been regular
production.
I'd still give him a call and ask how he wants you to ship this and the
cost. I'm sure he will compensate for the mistake.
-Blacktop
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December 4, 2011
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I just received an order from Reeds today, apparently the mixed up order was for some 32 S&W which showed up today, so there is still something to clear up about those rounds.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
February 11, 2010
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So what happened here ? Did you get a chance to shoot some real SuperMag ?
-Blacktop
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December 4, 2011
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I'm still waiting on the rest of my order from them, they were backordered on some loads. They said that what they sent me was full loads but I still find it hard to believe. They felt very light. The factory 158gn SJHP I was shooting had more kick than the super mags.
I got a box of 445 Supermags from them and they ARE Supermags, there is a huge difference between factory 44 mags and the Reeds 445 SM. Shooting them was a very physical experience, almost vicious, they really kick, fun shooting.
I've got some empty 357sm brass now and I'm going to work up a load and try some of mine and see how they feel.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
February 11, 2010
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I was going to make an order but I think I will see how this plays out.
keep us updated.
-Blacktop
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December 4, 2011
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They seem really backed up, I am still waiting on four boxes of 357 SM and four boxes of 445 SM from them. I'm waiting for my credit card bill to see if they charged me yet for the stuff I'm waiting for. I hope not. Almost a month to get 120 rounds of ammo is a little bit too long in my opinion. I realize these are unusual calibers but still, a month. I picked up some brass for both my SMs and I'm going to give it a try with my press and see what I can do.
BTW, the brass for the 445 is brand new and has a GATES headstamp on it, I wonder if I should load it or save it?
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
February 11, 2010
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I had one small problem once with a Reed order, he switch bullet types
because they ran out of XTP. I called him on it and he apologized that
he sent me Speer's because he thought I needed something to shoot.
-Blacktop
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January 24, 2009
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SCORPIO said:
BTW, the brass for the 445 is brand new and has a GATES headstamp on it, I wonder if I should load it or save it?
I know what ya mean, I've got a box of these & I'm too chicken to load 'em up.
I've got 200 Starline cases though, so I have enough to keep myself in ammo.
April 25, 2008
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Reloading sure saves the hassle of waiting on someone else to ship ammo to you, especially on these unusual calibers. Load that .357 SuperMag with 170+ grain bullets, that is what it was designed for.
I really like shooting my .445SM, it tends to clear the range out pretty quickly. My 300 grain loads are a handful, but they just make me smile knocking over rams with them.
The Savantist
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