Caliber Choices

[Argonaut]

I was wondering about the Caliber choices the folks here make, plus it always makes interesting reading.  I recently purchased a new Vaquero, and I took sever days to decide the caliber.  I went with the .357 Mag.  though I already have Molds (2)  , Dies, for a .45 (same is true for the .357) so the expense of new reloading equipment is already covered.  My choice was recoil.  I started out shooting a Colt Combat Commander .45 automatic when I was 14.  (I killed lots of rabbits and a few bushytails with it). Then I got a Liberty model SBH .44Mag.  I shot that gun until I could hit those little Catsup packages for McDonalds at 20-25 yards or so with it near every time. (helluva splat).   Then I  got a Dan Wesson .445 super mag (260 gr .429 with a heavy charge of Imr 4227) . I shot IHMSA matches with it. Until I couldn't stop the trembling in my hand for 2 hours. My other single action currently , is a BH in 41 mag that I load lite rounds (220 gr cast at about 950 fps) for and even they are uncomfortable after 40 or 50 rounds .  I suppose that if the new Vaguero was offered in 38-40, thats the round I would have bought despite the trouble it is to reload. 

So witht the available choices I picked the .357 mag.  I can shoot it alot with no pain in my wrist. it uses 100 grains less lead per shot. So I shoot more per pound of lead and powder, with light loads plently of fun, ammo can be gotten anywhere. In full power form it is as good a defense gun as can be had  (last I read a 125 gr JHP from a .357 Mag was rated at 80% one shot stop)   except for Big bears and such of course my .41 with full power hard cast would go for that i can take a few of those .

 I like the old .45 Colt  I just want to shoot more for my $ and enjoy it more.  A 255 grain bullet out of medium from SA has got to have some real snap to it even with light loads!

[Steve P]

I have revolvers from .22LR up to 45LC.  Most of my single actions wear a Hogue grip.  It is more ergonomic and less painful with stouter loads.  I also shoot with a leather glove.  Easiest ones to find are in the weight lifting area of sporting goods stores.  I have shot 357 Supermag with 210 grain bullet at 1350, 357 mag with 200 grain bullet at 1250 and 41 mag with 245 at 1250 in silhouette.  Matches up to 60 rounds.  I have never had pain in my hand or wrist.  Whether it be the glove, the grip, or condition of my arms, I don't know.  But the combinations work for me.

I load for all of my revolvers, except .22s.  There is a difference in powder costs due to volume.  Primers and bullets are close enough to not make much difference in costs. 

I applaude you in your choice of 357.  They are a fine round.  The 125 JHP is the stopping round if using for personal protection.  If you want to use it for a backup gun in the woods, use a wide meplate bullet such as those cast from an LBT mold.  I have a 200 grain bullet I have been buying from a friend that casts with LBT molds.  I would not be afraid to use these for back-up.

Good luck and enjoy your new toy.

Steve

[Catfish]

I chose abt.every thing from .38 up. to and including the .500 S&W. I hunted deer with a .44 mag. for alot of years, but have taken several in the last few years with a .357 max. I have been know to carry a .454 and a .500, but have yet to take a deer with either. One of my favorite vido clips is of a little girl, 110 lbs. soaking wet, shooting one of my .500`s with a 440 gn. bullet loaded to the max.

[44 Man]

My only complaint with a .357 in a full sized single action is the weight.  That small hole leaves a lot of metal around it.  I think it makes more sense if you prefer a medium caliber, is to buy the smaller frame Uberti in .38.  My love of single actions is their great character, ease of use, nice lines and feel in my hand.  They just feel 'right'.  And as a perfect 'woods walking' gun, it should also be light for it's caliber.  So with that in mind make those holes BIG, and I will be happy.  But I do have to agree that if I had your problem with recoil, I would reduce caliber rather than stop shooting.  44 Man

[.357 shooter]

Nice choice. Any 158 grain soft point at around 1200-1300 will handle any deer size game and two legged critter. With that said I have been shooting 125gr.Rem. soft points at around 1450-1500 with good success on deer. And one black bear. I do not feel under gunned with this round and it does not have much recoil and very accurate with the weight of the stainless Black hawk I shoot. In NY I do not worry about the black bears, they are alot more scared of me than I of them. So they are usually on the run when I see them. I mostly hunt deer, with black bear being an opportunity game. But For two legged critters, such as the unfriendly types, they are in trouble with this round. For light loads I load them at around 1260-1300 for range use. As you probably noticed I do not like hollow points for hunting in this caliber. For personal defense they would be ok.

[petemi]

It sounds like I have the same revolver as .357 shooter, .357 Blackhawk, stainless, 6.5 inch barrel.  I shoot 158 and 125 gr. JHPs and SPs. and I can't fault it.  I'm a skinny little runt with arthritis, and the recoil doesn't bother me with factory grips.  my wife's got Pachmeyers on her S&W .357, and it is more comfortable to shoot, but I hate the way they look.....like they belong on Park Avenue and not in the woods!.  I had trouble with the black sights in gloomy, "dark thirty" woods, so I put on a red ramp front sight and a white outline rear.  Problem solved.