Well, it looks like Iowa is finally going to jump on the bandwagon and allow us to use rifles chambered in straight-walled cartridges of .357" caliber or larger. I've been using an 18" .357 Maximum barrel made by MGM on my TC Encore in pistol configuration for years, topped with a Leupold 2.5-8x32 VX3 Handgun Scope. It's worked well, but not exactly the best off-hand shooting option, but GREAT from a good rest. Now I'll be putting the buttstock on my frame and using this setup as a carbine for a little more versatility in the field. What scope would you recommend? Max range for my shots is 225 yards, most are going to be well under that - 75-150 yards is pretty normal. I don't want something to monstrous, but I also like magnification in the 8x-10x range at the top end. I'm open to suggestions.

What's the budget?

Good question. Let's say...under $350.

I have a Vortex 2-7x35 on my 357 Max. CVA Apex barrel.

I thought about a 2-7x, but I know how much I like 9x. Then again, I used a Leupold 6x for many years on my .30-06 out to 400 yards on deer.

Leupold 2.5-8x36 or VX-2 3-9x40

Not to derail your thread too much but what bullets and velocities are you using for your deer hunting loads in the 357 max?

Derail away! I cast my own for my .357 Max. I use a Ranch Dog 359-190-RF GC - .359" 190 gr. flat nose bullet with a gas check. It's specifically designed for use in the Marlin 336 in .35 Remington, but it's a great bullet for the Max. 27 gr. of AA1680 yields over 1900 fps from my 18" barrel and MOA or better accuracy out to 200 yds.

Nice!!! I was looking for a mild hunting load for my ultralight 358 win and figured if I could get a pistol bullet like a 180 xtp fp down to like 2000 fps from my 16" barrel it could be a nice mild recoiling load that will still expand at slower speeds rather than the typical rifle bullets that need more speed to expand. But obviously very green to the whole .358 rifle world.

Btw to keep this post legit my 16" 358 win wears a 2-7 Leupold VX-2

2.5x8 rifle scope is hard to bear.

Ed

I've taken a bunch of deer with this bullet from 50-175 yards and have yet to "catch" a bullet. .35 caliber hole in, .45 caliber hole out, blood pouring out both sides on chest shots.

Sounds like I should be looking for the rifle version of my current handgun scope. 2.5-8x36 Leupold should work very nicely.

So, my 16.25" long throated 357 max runs a Leupold 1-4x, which keeps everything light, handy, and good to well past 200. My 356/358 normally runs a Leupold 1.75-6, but will likely get swapped to a 2-7, as I'm pondering swapping the 1.75-6 over to a different .356 lever. In the Max, 180gr cast GC loads run 2200-2300....not near my logs right now. My 180 SSPs and Speers chrono to over 2300. Don't ask about my loads, but my brass is still good. LOL

I'd look to a VX1-2, 2-7 or 3-9, or a Nikon 2.5-8. The Vortex 2-7 isn't bad. I hear good things about a Terra 2-7, also. I really like the VX-R, but that's a little more $. Weaver 3-10 isn't 'huge'....but most stuff is huge on a 16.25" TC.

Is Iowa really that populous to pose a threat from high powered rifle cartridges?

Why use it then?

No. It is no longer densely populated in rural areas. It's very similar to East River South Dakota where I grew up and rifles are allowed.

Fixed 6x.

Light, rugged, plenty of magnification for your purpose.

I too think a fixed power scope is a good match for slower, medium to large caliber rifles and would agree with Pappy that a 6x might be a good match. I would suggest an SWFA but, they are larger (and heavier) scopes. I would probably take a look at the Leupold FX series.

I have a Leupold VX II 2-7x33 on my 358 Winchester and its power is good out to 300 yards and beyond, which is probably longer than I consider taking large game with this rifle. I wouldn't hesitate putting a fixed 6 power scope on this rifle.

It might be Overkill but some of the Leupold mark-ar are on sale at some pretty good prices in these give you a VX2 glass.
Fx Leupold are also popping up on some pretty good sales sometimes too.