44mag or 357mag for hunting/ camping/ trail

[Archblackmage]

I wonder if anyone has any recomendations such as the blackhawk, superblackhawk, hunter, hunter bisley etc...

[Dusty Miller]

I think you'll get a better response if you post what  YOU think and then ask for responses to that.

[Catfish]

It really depends on what size game your hunting. The .357 mag. is about minimum for deer and I think the .44 mag. is a far better choice. It also depends on how much recoil you can handle with getting the shakes. I`m a big bore fan. I have 3 - .44 mags, 2 - .454`s, and a .500 S&W. Most people don`t like the kind or recoil the guns I shoot most of the time have, but there are some who do. If you can`t handle .44 mag. recoil you might also try a .41 mag. Not quite the knock down of the .44 mag., but far less recoil and far more knock down than a .357 mag.

[bigbore442001]

When given the two calibers, I would go with the larger one every time. You can do a lot more with it and if it is too much, always shoot 44 Specials out of it.

[Jerry Lester]

If hunting big game is your primary purpose for this revolver, and you can handle the recoil, then go with a 44 magnum.

If you're mainly looking for a handy all around carrying revolver that'll be used for protection, plinking, and busting pests around camp, then I strongly suggest a 357 magnum Blackhawk. This revolver in stainless with a 4 5/8" barrel will take any kind of enviromental conditions, and will easily handle anything you'll encounter around camp, while hiking, or any truck, or trail needs you'll encounter. It'll also, with full house 158g SP loads take deer cleanly up to 50-60 yards if you choose to do so with it. It'll also be a joy to pack around with you on your daily wanderings which means a lot after several hours of carrying it.

What ever you decide to get, make sure it's a revolver that feels good in your hand, and that you can shoot a lot with no problems. The biggest baddest revolver in the world ain't worth a hoot if you miss what you're trying to kill with it. I personally hate heavy recoil. I don't even like the recoil of full house 357 loads(it's more the noise for me), so I shoot mild loads in mine all year except for deer season.

[Steve P]

I agree with JerryL's reply, but the Blackhawk will take full power 180gr bullet loads with no problem.  

Get the .357!!

Not that I'm partial or anything!

Steve  

aka Shaggy357

[williek]

I have both; a .357 Ruger singlesix, 4 inch barrel; and a 8 3/8" barrel S&W .44 Mag.
If my object is hunting I carry the .44.
If I'm just enjoying the woods with a possible shot at something I carry the .357.
I can almost forget the .357 is on my hip.   I can NEVER forget the .44 is on my hip!
I love them both and they each have their place.  If I had to have only one it would be the .44.
Good luck in your choosing.
williek

[Tn Jim]

I agree with Bigbore442001. I'll take the 44 every time, even though I think the 357 is a great cartridge.

[bigger e]

I have a 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk in 44MAG. With the factory grips recoil was OK. I just put on a set of Hogue Rubber Grips and tamed the recoil. I got myself a nice shootin' ladies gun now.
     Honestly the best $20 I've ever spent, it tamed the recoil to neglible levels.And I'm shooting 240 gr. HP factory loads.

[LMM]

I have a Ruger Redhawk 7.5" in .44 Magnum, Ruger GP100 6" in .357 Magnum and Ruger Blackhawk in .357 Magnum 6.5" barrel.  Personally I consider them to be mild recoil.  Some would consider them to be heavy recoil.  Either caliber is great for deer.  In the hands of a capable shooter the .44 Magnum can give you a little more effective range.  I have taken deer with both calibers and in my experience one doesn't kill a deer any more dead than the other.  Regardless of caliber it is always ALL about shot placement.