Author Topic: 357max or 44 mag? (Read 758 times)

jeff223 · « **on:** October 29, 2004, 07:16:44 AM »

i have a 223 barrel on my new g2 and love it but i still dont have a deer barrel for it yet.straight walled cases only here in Michigan where i hunt so its down to 357max or the 44 mag at this point.what do you like best?

we went over this some time ago and many ideas came from that trend such as 375 Win and the 45-70 but i think these are to big with to much recoil so what do you all think?

and as always,please and thankyou

Special Ed · « **Reply #1 on:** October 29, 2004, 07:47:36 AM »

I also live in mid-Mi & I use a 44 mag (14") on my Contender. I guess I never thought about anything different since I used my 44 Redhawk very sucessfully before our wonderful govt. legalized single shots in our part of the state. I guess I've taken 5 deer with my 44's, all 1 shot kills so why screw with something that works. I use a 200gr XTP with 22 gr of 2400 in my guns & it has worked excellent so far.

Bug · « **Reply #2 on:** October 29, 2004, 08:41:05 AM »

Just opinion, so it's worth what you paid, maybe!

I really don't think that the .357 Max gives up very much to the .44 Mag, if you only consider whitetails, even though your whitetails get quite large, comparatively.
Now, it has to be a given, that you reload for the Max, and use bullets 180gr and up. Trajectory will be slightly flatter, and recoil will be less. Plus, bullets are marginally cheaper. :?
That said, if you don't reload, the .44 is the way to go. Ammo is accessible almost anywhere (a big factor with the max), there are lots of loads to choose, from very mild .44 special loads to full-house factory & custom loads like Cor-Bon & Buffalo Bore 300+gr heavies.
Also there others to consider. What about the .45 Colt? 10mm? .45Win Mag? There are lots of choices. Don't ya just LOVE Contederitis??? :-D
Personally, I use both the .357 mag, and the .44. Our deer are smallish, and both perform well. I use 180gr in the .357, and 240 and up in the 44. Both are cast bullets. Just depends on which I decide to pick up that day.
Again, JMHO.................

Pie-bald · « **Reply #3 on:** October 29, 2004, 02:28:48 PM »

Yes it's a toss-up. I've killed deer with both in 14" Contenders. I used 200gr XTP's in the 44 and 180XTP's in the 357Max. All one shot killls. The Max did the # on the deer and impressed me alot!!!!! Plus it'll shoot! My buddy wanted a T/C Contender to start hunting with here in Ohio(also straight-walled only) and I sold him the 44, just couldn't let go of the Max. I shoot a healthy charge of H110 and Hornady 180XTP's seated to the bottom groove. If you do go 44 ignore everything you hear about 200gr's out of a 44, it'll flat out knock the stuffing's out of everything you shot with it. The max sits if the back of the safe now, it has taken back seat to 375Win, 45/70 and a 450Marlin,if you really want to get serious try one of these!!!

C A Plater · « **Reply #4 on:** October 30, 2004, 02:20:04 AM »

The Max is easier on your hand than the .44 magnum. I am not especially recoil sensitive but I found the .44 more punishing in my Contender than in my revolver. Neither is a bad choice though and you'll probably end up getting both in the end. :grin:

MAX HUNTER · « **Reply #5 on:** October 30, 2004, 03:12:36 AM »

I got to go with you C A Plater. You'll probably end up with both ! Both great calibers. Get Out And Vote !!! If Your A Hunter Or A Shooter, Do The Right Thing!

Max Hunter[/quote]

Reed1911 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 30, 2004, 01:01:21 PM »

I've tested and developed loads for both. Depending on your situation will dictate what you need to buy. If you own a .44Mag revolver the interchangability of ammunition is a plus, on the other hand you might just want a new caliber. Ammunition supply is a bit problematic, you'll either need to handled or buy from a custom house (like us) for the .357Max. The .357Max shoots a bit flatter, and accuracy is a toss-up. With the .357Max barrel you will have the option of shooting .38Special, .357Mag, and .357Max. And with the .44Mag you can shoot the .44Special as well. The only thing I caution you of, is if you buy a .44Mag and load to the T/C levels, either use nickle for it and brass for the revolver or vice versa. It's a lot easier to keep separated and reduces the :eek: of shoot a too powerful round in your revolver.

Gregory · « **Reply #7 on:** October 31, 2004, 09:24:03 AM »

Jeff

I don't have much to add, you've received lots of great advice, I own both 357 Max and 44 Mag barrels. I handload for both so ammo is no problem. I've taken deer with both, all one shot kills.
My preference is the 357 Max for deer, because of the milder recoil and flatter trajectory. Only caution I'd add is TC does not recoomend shooting large quantities of 38 Spcl or 357 Mag out of Max chambers. They say a ring will develop and then the Max brass may fail at that ring.

jeff223 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 31, 2004, 01:29:57 PM »

thanks for all the responces.i think i would like to start off with the max for now but if i run onto a good used 44 mag barrel i may get that.i am thinking a 10 inch or a 12 inch with a 2-7 power scope like i have on my 223 barrel.that should make a fine deer gun and also good at the range with the added power

thanks again,
jeff

Bullseye · « **Reply #9 on:** October 31, 2004, 04:46:49 PM »

I would take the 44 Mag in a heartbeat over the 357 Max, and I have had and shot deer with both. My deer shot with the 357 usually went about 60 -100 yards. The 44 is just more devasting in my experience and gives quicker kills. The recoil of the 357 is more punishing in my opinion. It does not have quite the kick the 44 does, but it always seemed to twist in my hand. If I shot 50 rounds with it my wrist would hurt, and none of my other calibers do that. Factory ammo is gone, who knows how long brass will be around.

All that said, I have a 44 but do not usually hunt with it either. I use a 41 Mag, 375 Win. or 45-70.