Need opinions on .44 Special vs. .357 mag

[srcjahc]

I was looking at some .44 special only revolvers and they intrigued me. From a self-defense point of view what would be the advatantages/disadvantages of both. Yes I know .357 is more versatile and easier to buy at the store but if you reload is the ballistics/size of the .44 spc worth it?

[Jim n Iowa]

To me the 44sp was the way to go for carry. I bought a 2" Taurus and put the 4" 357 in the night stand. I believe the sp is under loaded and I load near max for mine with 200 xtp at -900 fps.

[MS Hitman]

I just started loading the 200 grain Speer GDHP designed for the .44 Spl.  First round of load development was with 8.0 grains of Unique for 810 fps nominal out of my 3".  Got about 9-10" of penetration in soaked phonebooks and 100% weight retention on the slug recovered.  I'd say go with the .44 Spl as well.

[Ed Harris]

I went with the .357 (Ruger Security Six, I have both 2-3/4" and 6" versions) because of the greater variety of factory loads available, and being able to use .38 Special ammo for practice.  While largely a matter of personal preference, you can get .38 Special or .357 ammo anywhere worldwide, whereas .44 Spl. is a boutique item you won't usually find at Walmart.

[securitysix]

You should be able to get better than 9-10" of penetration.  FBI standard requires 12"+ and I would think a .44 SPL could do that with a 200 gr. bullet.  

For those who have problems with using handloads for carry, Wichester is loading SilverTips for the .44 Special and CCI loads Blazer 200 gr HP ammunition as well as Gold Dots.  There are other factory .44 Spl. HP loads as well, plus you could always carry a factory 240-246 LSWC if you're worried about being able to penetrate thick winter clothing.  You can also shoot .44 Russian ammo out of a .44 Spl. if you are possessed with the desire to do so.

As far as .357 Magnum, it's quite sufficient for the job at hand, too.  It is easier to find factory HP ammo if you only shop at Wal-Mart, plus you can shoot .38 Spl ammo out of it if you want.  Muzzle blast/flash out of a .357 Mag starts to get excessive as the barrel gets shorter, and this is especially true with defensive ammo.

I wouldn't feel under-armed with either, but I think I'd carry the .357 Magnum myself just because I'd probably carry a 2 3/4" Speed or Security-Six.

[Mikey]

srcjahc:  If you want this for self defense and if you reload the 44 is better.  If you want better performance from the 44 spl than the 9-10" of penetration that was mentioned, reload the 240 gn Keith style semi-wadcutter over a decent charge of Unique or 2400, to bring it to about 900'/sec or a bit less, and that's about all you should ask for in a self defense big bore caliber.  HTH.  Mikey.

[1GLOCK]

I would go with the 44 spl. Ive always like the larger bore cartridges over the small fast ones. My favorite boonies gun is my 415 Taurus 41 mag. If you go with the 44 though get it in a 44mag. you can always shoot the 44 specials but have the magnum option as well.

[MS Hitman]

Like I said, I just got started messing with this bullet.  I am also guessing at the penetration distance through the phone books.  I do know a 240 grain cast SWC ahead of 7.0 grains of Unique will get 21" through soaked newsprint.  

As has been said, either round is certainly up to the task.

[Dan Chamberlain]

Love them both, but in a shorter barrel, the .44 has a lot less blast and muzzle flash!  It's just plain a more comfortable round to shoot out of a snubby barrel.

Dan C

[Catfish]

I`ve got a 629 Smith foe a carry gun, but if I can find a liter .44 sp. or .45 colt I would go with one of them. I`m a big bore fan. As far as stopping power the big bore have more. According to the Taylor Knock Down formula the .357 with a 158 grn. bullet at 1250 fps. has a stopping power of 10. A .44 Sp. with a 240 grn. bullet at 900 fps has a stopping power of 13, about 30% more. I personally don`t want to take a pea shooter to a gun fight.

[44 Man]

As I type this I have a Charter Bulldog on my hip.  Only 18 oz and those big slugs get attention immeadiately.  The Charter, being so light, is not fun to shoot with full loads (200gr/950fps) but it's an excellent carry gun.  It is pleasant with cowboy loads (240gr/680fps).  The .44 spl will do anything you ask of it from plinking, to defense, to hunting and then some.  I also find the boom of a big bore more pleasant than the crack of a .357!  44 Man

[J.Solo]

I had similar questions and received 50+ responses over on the Smith & Wesson Forum. Great reading and information on the .44 Special. Those guys talked me into buying a S&W Model 696, 3", Stainless .44 Special available at my local gun shop. I plan on shooting it for the first time this weekend. The factory load of choice seems to be the CCI Blazer with the 200 grain, Gold Dot,  jacketed hollow point.

Go th the S&W Forum and look for my post, "Need Help....Don't Understand The Need For The .44 Special", in the "Revolvers 1945 to Present" Section. Good Luck - J.Solo