Am I missing something?

[Bug]

Generally speaking, I'm a hunter first, shooter/plinker/paper-puncher second, and a reloader third. Most of my efforts are geared toward developing top loads for my Contenders with hunting in mind. I want all the velocity I can get, provided the accuracy doesn't suffer. It matters not if it is a cast bullet load (my first choice), or a jacketed loading, it is geared to hunting.
 I read a lot of discussion on the board about light, midrange, and plinking loads. I pretty much develop a full-bore hunting load, and use that for everything.
 An example is my load for the .357 mag. I run a 158-180gr bullet as fast as I can, accurately. Never fired a .38 spl. in it, that I can remember. though I've lots of cases. Likewise in the .44 mag. I use 240-300gr+ bullets as wide-open as I can. Never tried any .44 spl.-level loads.
 Then I see someone ask about shooting 38 specials in a mag/max barrel, and wonder. Am I missing something by not playing around with light loads (and light-bullet loads)?
 BTW, I realize that the loads like those using Blue Dot might be reduced-powder loads, but they are still FULL PRESSURE loads, in some instances. I'm just wondering if this is something I should be pursuing? Like I reeely NEED more projects!
 From those of you that shoot light/reduced loads, what do you figure are the benefits, and the drawbacks? Oh, and THANKS for sharing...

[Gregory]

Well the benefits of reduced loads are reduced cost per shot and less recoil.  
But try as I might, I've never come up with a reduced load out of my Contender that shoots to the same point of aim as my hunting load.
So I shoot my 22 Mag barrel with the same scope and barrel length and use it for my "practice gun" for my 357 Max.

[Redhawk1]

Bug, I know what you mean. I don't understand the benefit. Cost of powder is not much of a savings for plinking loads. I buy my guns to shoot full loads out of them. I guess it is just not for me.  

[weemsf]

I used to shoot my 44 mag Contender full velocity.  Used some VV powder and was really "walking the dog" with the velocity and recoil.  I have since found the reasonableness of shooting some nice 44 Special like loads using 215 grain lead out of my T/C.  Hardly any leading and extremely accurate.  And no more sore hands and numb arms from HEAVY recoil all day long.

[Bug]

Weemsf,
 Now wait a minute,  :wink:  I didn' say I was a masochist! I don't get sore hands or numb arms either! Maybe I don't shoot enough!  
Either that, or I usually have too many combinations to try, that I don't dwell too long on the ones with the heavier recoil. Usually 20-30 of each load; maybe 10-15, different loads... That's a fair amount of shooting!
All my barrels are in 10" bull, and I guess the .44/315gr, and the .357herrett/180gr are the heavys. I really don't find the recoil to be objectionable. Stout, but not obnoxious... Unless I forget, and rest my elbow on the bare (rough) concrete bench! Now the * " .44 octagon I HAD, was pretty stiff!
I don't have any leading, either. I attribute that to Felix, and his FWFL, not to any particular expertise on my part. The bullets fit my barrels, and the lube works. I do use gas-checked designs most of the time. Like Redhawk, I don't see the powder/cost as an issue. But then, that's why I asked this question in the first place. It seems a good idea to get y'alls responses/reasoning.

[Keith L]

If all I shot were the hardball loads I would flinch so bad I couldn't even hit the target.  Most of the year I shoot rimfire to keep my hand in.  In the fall I start mixing in 30-30, 45lc, and 357 barrels with hunting loads to make sure they still are zeroed.

[ME]

Good post Bug. I had to respond that you might or might not be. If recoil, muzzle blast and overkill in some cases are not a problem for you then you are probably not missing a thing. I have a 357 Max barrel in the 10 inch persuasion. When I carry it afield here in Kansas There is always a chance at a shot at a cottontail, squirrel or other target of opportunity. Have you ever shot a cottontail with a 357 Mag? It doesnt leave much to eat left. A 357 Max would obviously be worse. You can obviously load down however a 38 special with a lead round nose bullet and mild load make a nice little pop and do not tear the rabbit up much at all. During deer season they dont scare all the game in the country away either.

So my point is I do enjoy shooting mild loads in my guns. I find them useful and enjoyable to shoot and save as much of my disappearing hearing as possible. You might or might not. Either way is good shooting.

[Racepres]

I also do not have many reduced loads for my contenders, But, I have "less stout" calibers like .22 rf etc... I guess I do shoot 45acps out of my 45 win mag bbl. more than virtually all the others put together, tho the acp's are not reduced in any way, they are mild in that bbl to be sure...and mucho fun!!. Marty

[palgeno]

Light loads might serve as a way to get used to a trigger, grip, or other characteristic of a gun as you work up to more powerful loads. However, the beauty of T/C's is that you can change barrels and use the same frame (or frames set up the same.) I tend to find a good accuracy load for a particular caliber barrel and then switch to bigger bore barrels if I want more power.  love shooting .22's and it is good practice for the bigger stuff. pg

[KYODE]

i'm like you bug :shock: lol........ i want a all out hunting load first n foremost, as long as it's accurate.
i got way more guns than i need to hunt with and i enjoy shootin them. i look to develope just plain "shootin loads" for fun n more pleasant shooting in the future. i see shootin as a sport as well as huntin. i only get to hunt ocassionally as seasons permit, but you can shoot dang near all year long.
i've used a top end blue dot load in the 14" .223 and am impressed with accuracy, and MUCH reduced muzzle blast. velocity is still very usable at modest ranges with 40gr bullets(around 3000fps). just showed me how much fun and the possibilities of other uses there are for reduced velocity loads.