Which handgun caliber?

[cgturner7]

Originally I was going to buy a .357 barrel for my Ultra frame and ream it to max.  I figured having 3-in-one would be a good thing (.38, .357 and .357 max).  I am going to buy a revolver to compliment my new NEF barrel.  After doing some research on pistol calibers I am more confused than ever.  The .357 route looks good but it isn't the best for handgun hunting.  The .45 Colt looks good but I don't reload and am not sure about factory loads.  The .44 mag is the most recommended handgun caliber but I've read about problems with the NEF barrels on this site.  The barrel and revolver will be used to hunt Texas-sized whitetails, axis deer and plinking all within 50-75 yards.  Any recommendations on which caliber barrel I should choose and which handgun as a compliment would be great.  Thanks.       

[troy5775]

I recently traded for a 44mag barrel and I love it. I have been shooting 44 special ammo through it. The ammo is cheaper than the mag ammo and makes a great reduced recoil load for my kids. We have been knocking over soda cans at 35 yards with open sites shooting free hand. I figure it would have no problem taking out a deer at the range you listed.

[rbergum95]

the .44 problems have apparently been soved on the 2007 and newer barrels. as far as the .45 colt goes there are good factory hunting loads out there. on deer size game the .357 is enough, but as with any other caliber (pistol or rifle) shot placement and bullet construction are key. any way you go should be fine for your needs.

[Ditchdigger]

I would go with the 44 mag barrel,and if you decided it was'nt enough,ream it to 445 supermag. I've got 1600 plus fps.with the 300 gr.Hornady with the 44 mag and 1975 fps. with the 445. The 445 shot 1 1/2" at 100 yds. with the old oversized barrel that I had,and was almost the equal of the 444 Marlin in performance. The 44 mag in a handgun may be a handfull for you if you're not used to it.   Digger

[Badnews Bob]

.357s work alot better than people want to give them credit for, Its my favorite hunting round and has put plenty of meat in the freezer. And the Max is just smack down on whitetail, and fun to shoot.

[Lon371]

     Let me add a little more confusion. If you are in texas, why not go with a bigger caliber? As far as a handgun, I suggest looking at a T/C Contender(huge barrel options) I do have the SB2 in a .44 mag and love it. I also have a Contender it has the .357 barrel for the moment. I do plan on getting the .44 barrel to mate the rifle. I live and hunt in Indiana. Our shots are mostly 25 to 75 yards. That is why I opted for the .44. If you like handguns, at least try a Contender they are great! Good luck.

[Ranger J]

I recently acquired both a .357 and a .44 mag barrel for my Handi.  I am happy to say that both barrels seem to be shooters.  I was one of the main 'complainers' about the old .44 barrels when I had one but this new barrel is a different kind of beast.  Out to 100 yards I would not hesitate to use either on deer size animals.  Loaded with 180 gr bullets the .357 is very accurate and packs quite a punch.  I am still wringing the two barrels out as to what they will and won't shoot well.  I haven't got to spend a lot of time at the range as my days off and the nearly constant rain have not cooperated.  I'm not a pistol hunter although I carry a .357 with me when I deer hunt.  I have that dream of a deer walking right under my stand, about the only way I could hit it, or I use it to put dispatch a deer that is down but not out.

RJ

[cgturner7]

After doing more research I have eliminated the .45 Colt, mainly because I don't handload.  So that leaves the .357 and .44 mag.  I've found that .38 special ammo is cheaper than .44 special.  This being my first revolver I think it might be wise to start on the low end of the recoil spectrum.  I can always upgrade later if I ever feel undergunned.  I currently shoot a RIA .45 acp and find it's recoil acceptable.  I have a lot to learn about handgun recoil.  It looks like I've talked myself into the .357/.38/.357 max barrel for the NEF.  It seems like the .357 has a reputation similar to that of the .243 in deer hunting.  Some people like it, some people don't think it's enough gun.  I will be using my .357 barrel and revolver for deer within 75 yards.  Like some have said it will be used like a really loud bow.

[murphdog]

If you bowhunt at 75 yards, then I'm really impressed.   

[petemi]

I'm very happy with my .357 Handi and 6.5 inch Ruger Blackhawk.  They are both new to me, but they are shooters and have been with me on every snowshoe trip out back.  I have no doubt I can take deer with either one, but I have Handis in 7mm-08, .30/06 and .45-70 that leave no question.

[djturnz]

Won't a 460 revolver chamber the 460, 454, and 45LC?

That could be a usefull barrel, but mostly if you handloaded.

[safetysheriff]

Any recommendations on which caliber barrel I should choose and which handgun as a compliment would be great.  Thanks.       

i agree with buying the .357 rifle barrel; and suggest you buy a Ruger 6 1/2" barreled BlackHawk in .357 magnum (stainless steel).   the revolver is heavy and will absorb recoil very well.    it is basically a .44 magj' revolver by Ruger, but only punched-out to a .357" diameter for its ammo'.    the installation of a Hogue MonoGrip will help with accuracy.   consistent hand position on the grip, consistent strength of grip, etc. will aid your accuracy with the revolver.   but the MonoGrip is a very good start.    you can buy ANY load out there for .357 mag that meets SAAMI spec's and know that the Ruger will handle it.    it will probably outlast an M-1 Abrams! (tank).

take care,

ss'