Author Topic: .357 vs. .44 (Read 4417 times)

slickest · « **on:** January 13, 2009, 02:36:55 AM »

What would you guys choose the .357 or .44? my use would be target shooting or plinking, back up for deer hunting and possibly black bear, and for my canoe trips. How is the handling of a .44 compared to a .357? im sure the .44 has more range and knock down power but is it easy to shoot as a .357? Im asumming the ammo is also way higher priced?

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2009, 02:45:31 AM »

It sounds to me like you might never have shot either. Some recommend jumping straight to the .44 but I'm not one of them. I still remember the early days of the round and how many new guns showed back up after one cylinder full had been fired and you'd see them in the case used with the box minus five or six round also available to you if you bought it.

The .357 is much easier for an inexperience shooter to master and is perfectly adequate for deer within the range you can place bullets in the lungs of that deer. Yeah the .44 mag is a better choice IF you can accurately shoot it but if not the .357 is better.

bluecow · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2009, 02:48:56 AM »

i love my 44, but if i didnt use it as my primary hunting gun then i would have a 357 DA w a 3" barrel. ruger or smith. still might just get this set up for kicks now that we talk about it.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2009, 03:00:07 AM »

If you are talking 44 spl. i would go with the 357mag. ammo is better priced and a case can be made that the 357 mag. will do what a factory loaded 44 spl. will do in most cases at less cost. Now if you are talking 44mag. and big bear is a real threat then the 44mag. If you want a handy gun to carry then a 357mag. or light weight 44mag. would work. If you really don't need a bear hammer and like to shoot alot then the 357mag. is nice as 38spl. ammo can be used and cost less than anything going in a 44 mag. or spl. Then 357mag. can be carried for soical events and hunting .
My advice as always is get the 357mag. then save up and get the 44mag. when funds are right . Only offer this order as the 357 would work for CC for most better. Now if ya want a pocket gun - 340 S&W or ruger sp 101.
handling - either can be had in several frame sizes , grip shape and weight . All things equal the 44 mag. kicks more . a heavy 44mag with a light load and good grip vs. a light 357mag. with a heavy load and small grip might be real close in felt recoil . I have never found either to much . I shot the 340 the other day with 125 gr mag. loads , in a couple magazines it was reported that this 12 1/2 oz. gun had broken hands , most likely BS or someone who should have not been shooting in the first place .

paul105 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2009, 03:41:57 AM »

The S&W 340, 360 should be the last gun(s) recommended to a "new" shooter. No matter what some may say, the recoil is downright uncomfortable at best. The light weight, rudimentary sights, 1 7/8" bbl, substantial recoil (and double action only in the case of the 340) are just not conducive to accuracy and are certainly will not be fun to shoot for the novice.

Given the situation slickest describes, and in the proper platform, the .357 would be a great choice with the option of .38 specials for fun and practice and full house mags for field use.

Would suggest slickest handle (and possibly shooting) as many guns as available to see what might work best. Everyone is different in terms of recoil tolerance and what type/size of gun/grips best suits them personally.

FWIW,

Paul

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2009, 03:54:30 AM »

If self defense is the goal the 340 with laser would be the first and last choice for a new shooter who wanted a revolver as the gun can shoot any load from wad cutter to full house 357 mag. the laser or large night sight on it would aid in shooting over most any other sight day or night .
I agree that handing a new shooter a light gun with heavy loads is not a good idea . But that is the beauty of the 340 the ammo selection is plentiful. And with pratice the shooter can find what combination is best for them and save the cost of buying several guns LIKE I DID !

Graybeard · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2009, 03:56:37 AM »

Agree Paul. A S&W K or L frame .357 or a Ruger GP or an old Security Six would be a good choice.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2009, 05:22:53 AM »

Quote from: Graybeard on January 13, 2009, 03:56:37 AM

Agree Paul. A S&W K or L frame .357 or a Ruger GP or an old Security Six would be a good choice.

Plus 2 here I happen to really like Rugers but would never turn down a Smith, My Ruger 6" GP 100 is a tank, its been my constant hunting compainion for over fifteen years and still shoots like new with thousands of full house mags shot thru it.

.357s are the smallest thing I'd think to shoot a bear with, But, With a full load of H110 under a 180gr LBT style hardcast bullet It will do the job and do it well. I have left the rifle at home and taken very nice deer with this pistol and load. This revolver is Very accurate.

I like 6" barrels and have no complaints in carrying them but a GP 100 4" would be handier and also double as a CCW type its a little large but in a high belt carry it will lay nicely under your coat.

I have two .44s a super red hawk and a super blackhawk but with a 9.5 and 7.5" barrels they don't carry as well as the GP and get left at home much more often.

I have seven .357s four revolvers (all Rugers) and three rifles, althou one rifle and two pistols are .357 maximums.

Get a .357 practice learn how it works and I don't think you will be disapointed, If Jerry chimes in here I think he'd agree also, That fellow is a .357 Guru.

deerhunter · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2009, 06:39:05 AM »

Check out the Smith 620. I just picked one up and its great. A 7 shot .357 on an L frame with a 4" bbls and a half lug. It looks like a stainless version of the old model 19.

I think the .357 is a better cartridge as a general purpose revolver unless you are in Grizzly bear country. For a Coyote, Deer, or Black bear, a 158 grain jsp is all you need. You can get the Federal American Eagle 158 grain jsp for about $22 for a 50 round box. for field shooting thats all you need.

for personal protection from 2 legged varmints, get the 110 grain jsp Winchester USA loads which cost about the same as the Federals.

If you reload, you can load a Lee tumble lube 158 grain LSWC to about 1000 feet per second for a great plinking and small game load. That would also dispatch any downed big game animals that you were hunting also.

Good luck.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #9 on:** January 13, 2009, 06:42:13 AM »

it is a much stronger gun than the old k frames

i have the 619

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #10 on:** January 13, 2009, 06:52:40 AM »

For arguments sake I am going to go the other way and say get the 44.
While ammo is more expensive the gun will give you greater range. The 44 mag will do what you want and with specials you can do everything that a 357, 38, 45acp or 45 colt can do +.
With reloads you can change bullets and customize the gun to do exactly what you want it to do.
I am one of the guys who beneifited from the New/ used 44 deal and was able to get mine with about 1/2 a box through it. I changed the grips to wide wood target stocks and have loved the gun since.
It does take some to learn how to handle the recoil but it can be managed with the help of a friend.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 14, 2009, 04:09:43 AM »

Quote from: mcwoodduck on January 13, 2009, 06:52:40 AM

For arguments sake I am going to go the other way and say get the 44.
While ammo is more expensive the gun will give you greater range. The 44 mag will do what you want and with specials you can do everything that a 357, 38, 45acp or 45 colt can do +.
With reloads you can change bullets and customize the gun to do exactly what you want it to do.
I am one of the guys who beneifited from the New/ used 44 deal and was able to get mine with about 1/2 a box through it. I changed the grips to wide wood target stocks and have loved the gun since.
It does take some to learn how to handle the recoil but it can be managed with the help of a friend.

I would have to agree with you on this. The 44 Mag will handle the 44 special with very little recoil, actually less than the 375 Mag. And stepping up to the 44 Mag is just a change of bullets, not a gun.

slickest, if you are concerned about price of ammo, why not get a 22 for plinking?

More back ground on your handgun experience with help also.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #12 on:** January 14, 2009, 06:01:40 AM »

In the early 90's with the wonder black 9's out there I desided I wanted one and went into local shops looking. The counter guy asked what I owned, told him a 22 Browning and a M29. He said to spend that $ I was planning on spending on the 9 on ammo for the 22 and the 44 and just get better with them or better get a press and start making 44 ammo. I still bought the 9 but later did get a press and I make specials in the mag cases for my 44's and they are a pleasure to shoot for plinking, bowling pins, or steel. I still will practice with the magnum loads for hunting. The powder and bullet I use in the specials is green dot and the 180 grain Berry fmj bullets for around 1,000 fps ( a hot special) and if I replace only the bullet with the 240 grain JSP I get my hunting load at 1200 FPS. Never have to change my primers, cases, powder, or powder measure to go from loading plinker to hunting. Yes I know it's not the hottest 44 out there but it is good for me.

Old Fart · « **Reply #13 on:** January 15, 2009, 05:59:55 AM »

Here's the best darn advice you'll get.
Find someone who has a 44 mag and go out and shoot some full house load 44 mag rounds.
Doesn't need to be the baddest round out there, just an honest full house load.

Until you personally have shot a full house round you won't know if you even want to shoot one again.
I've seen people walk away from one shot and say I never want to shot that dang thing again.
Some of my buddies wouldn't stand next to me at the range because of it.

I hunted for years with a 629 as both a back up and a primary weapon.
My old hands won't take it anymore.

Fortunately I reload and I'm able to load down a little where I can still bang that big dog.
Otherwise it would be my son's gun now.
Lot's of people swear by them. I used to.
Not anymore, as I said my hands won't take it.

Just the idle ramblings of an old fart........

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #14 on:** January 15, 2009, 06:51:37 AM »

Old Fart,
I own both a 44 and 357.
I have 2-357's at the moment. One is an N frame 4" and the other is an L 6",
When you fire the full house 158 or 180 grain bullets out of either of these guns it is not exactly a 22.
I have had a couple of K frame guns and the light small frame was a handfull with hunting loads.
If he is looking for a trail gun then I would say 357 if he is looking for a hunting gun then 44 as the secondary duties are going the be the same.

Old Fart · « **Reply #15 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:42:35 AM »

mcwoodduck

I don't disagree with anything you say.
All I'm saying is the 44 mag offers a lot more bang (pun intended) for the buck.
Some people just can't tolerate it.

OF

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #16 on:** January 15, 2009, 11:57:36 AM »

OF,
Sorry I took what you said as the 44 is a big boom and the 357 even with hunting loads is not.
The big N frame with a good set of wood or other target grips hepls to spread out the recoil.
I got my 29 with the pachmyer combat grips on it and it really hurt to shoot. After I stuck on the target grips it was a handfull but not painfull.
Have you tried shooting 180 grain HP or JSP from Remington? at 1600 fps they are real big bang but with less recoil. At dusk they throw a huge flame. Looks good on film.

ftlupton · « **Reply #17 on:** January 16, 2009, 03:32:13 PM »

I've had many handguns but I keep coming back to a 4" .357 double action. Presently it is a great Security Six with an action job, custom grips and bead blast blue finish. Beautiful, comfortable, and much more accurate than I can hold. For carry in town I have a S & W Terrier, lower power but perfect carry size and weight.

Troyboy · « **Reply #18 on:** January 17, 2009, 03:14:20 AM »

I shoot my 357 lots more than the .44. The 44 is a huge gun not much for packing around the 357 is not a compact but is much smaller. The 357 is what i take to the range the most. The 44 is fun but not for long. To get good at hitting what you are aiming at you have to practice.357/38spl is more comforable for me.

tc scout · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2009, 12:54:07 AM »

I like the versatility of the 357 caliber.

I load 38 special,357 Mag & 357 Max, all on the same dies. Bullets can be used in all cases for various uses.

My wife mostly shoots the 38's, I shoot the 357 Mag, sometimes with 38 special loads and hunt with the 357 Max.

I have had 2 44 mags and 1 44 special, did not enjoy shooting for long periods at the range.

As one stated, you have to practice a lot to get good with a handgun, I just couldn't handle that much recoil for extended periods.

Lazermule · « **Reply #20 on:** January 18, 2009, 02:34:22 AM »

As a primary hunting weapon, go with the 44. As a backup weapon as you have said, I'd choose the 357. I have a Taurus Tracker Titanium 6" in 357 and you can carry it all day and not even know it's there. The gun is very accurate as I have produced kill shot groups and even taken one deer out to 75 yards with it off a rest. With that said, I do not recommend taking these types of shots unless you have all of the right conditions and are up to the task as the 357 is not a good shoulder buster. A hit in the shoulder with a 357 could leave you trailing a deer for quite some time. The only deer I lost with my 357 was shoulder hit shot at a range of 20 yards and I trailed him for 1/2 mile before losing the trail.

gldprimr · « **Reply #21 on:** February 27, 2009, 04:22:54 PM »

I am going to echo some of the advice you've already received.
I currently have (and have had others) and shoot both 357 and 44 magnum revolvers. I would strongly suggest that the 357 is a better all around, easier to handle revolver for most use.

I like each for what they are good for and love shooting my 44. That said, if you've not a lot of experience with either then start with the 357. Start with wadcutters for practice and work up. If after using and getting comfortable with full house 357 loads you want more gun, then by all means get the 44.

I generally carry and shoot my 44 with a mild load of Unique under a Kieth semi-wadcutter and that is plenty of gun for anything where I live. I have shot the same revolver with full house loads using 300 gr bullets loaded to 1300 fps and it's not nearly as pleasant though certainly accurate enough.

I don't find that the rubber grips on my 44 handle recoil as well as a set of wooden grips that fit me better.

I'm sure you'll receive further recommendations on this, but FWIW I'd again suggest starting with the 357.

mray · « **Reply #22 on:** March 06, 2009, 03:32:31 PM »

I have a 6" python, an 8 3/8" 686 in 357. I also have a 7 1/2" Super Rendhawk and a FA 6" in 44 mag.. Personally, I prefer the 44s. It's only personal opinion, but I don't find the recoil from the single actions 44s to be an issue and we all know the 44 will kill a deer much deader than the 357. At least that's what people tell me...

suba · « **Reply #23 on:** March 09, 2009, 02:07:43 PM »

I prefer the 44's. Even as a first gun, 44 specials are easy to shoot, and if you reload your good to go. There's a small weight penalty with a 44 unless you want to go light like the Mountain Gun which btw I think is a really nice gun although I've never shot it. 357's are great too. I once had a GP 100 6" that was tuned and it handled and shot very well. If you want to hunt deer at close range I'd get a 44. If target shooting and a easy carry gun are what you want I think a 357 probably is a better choice.

tc scout · « **Reply #24 on:** March 09, 2009, 03:40:10 PM »

Quote from: mray on March 06, 2009, 03:32:31 PM

I have a 6" python, an 8 3/8" 686 in 357. I also have a 7 1/2" Super Rendhawk and a FA 6" in 44 mag.. Personally, I prefer the 44s. It's only personal opinion, but I don't find the recoil from the single actions 44s to be an issue and we all know the 44 will kill a deer much deader than the 357. At least that's what people tell me...

I hunt with a 357, just wondering, How dead can a deer get when it's laying on the ground ?

skarke · « **Reply #25 on:** March 09, 2009, 05:21:57 PM »

I've hunted with a contender 3030 for years with a pachmayr presentation grip. It is a perfectly fine rig, and recoil is manageable. I'd say that it is about like the 44 mag loaded up. That said, it isn't something that I'd like to shoot a lot.

I just got a new SW 627 V Comp last week before TEOTWAWKI, and it is fabulous. It is one of only two 8 round 357s that are available (i think). I followed the SW Shop Manual by Kuhnhausen and did a little, very judicious, stone work on the non-sear surfaces and replaced the lawyer springs, WOW!!!! What a difference a nice trigger makes!!!

I can shoot this all day, which allows me to practice without developing a flinch. I bought it for plates and pins, but I'll hunt with it this fall.

Being able to hit what you are aiming at, IMHO, is as important as howitzer projectiles for killing deer sized game.

mray · « **Reply #26 on:** March 10, 2009, 05:39:24 PM »

I just feel "under gunned" when hunting with a 357, knowing I have a 44 back home. If I only had one gun, I'd want the 44 for sure. It's not even a question... Since I reload, I tone down the power for practice, but I know that when I need the big bang for hunting, I'll have more than enough. And even at full out, it's still very controllable and still fun to shoot. I think the key, is getting a heavy gun (rbh hunter) and reloading. For a newbie, getting a heavy gun sounds silly, but you'll be glad you did come shooting time, whichever caliber you choose. I own 2 44s and 3 357s, and by far, my most painful gun to shoot is my air weight smith in 357. After the first ever cylinder shot with that gun, I was bleeding. Not fun at all to shoot. Someone would really have to piss me off, before I'd shoot him with that gun! Now, I've put on some bigger grips, but to tell you the truth, I'd much rather shoot either of my 44s with full-house hunting loads. Get the 44!

Mikey · « **Reply #27 on:** March 11, 2009, 12:26:38 AM »

I really don't see how anyone could feel 'undergunned' with a 357 while hunting whitetail or black bear. But, that's just my opinion......................

tc scout · « **Reply #28 on:** March 11, 2009, 01:18:27 AM »

Quote from: mray on March 10, 2009, 05:39:24 PM

I just feel "under gunned" when hunting with a 357, knowing I have a 44 back home. If I only had one gun, I'd want the 44 for sure. It's not even a question... Since I reload, I tone down the power for practice, but I know that when I need the big bang for hunting, I'll have more than enough. And even at full out, it's still very controllable and still fun to shoot. I think the key, is getting a heavy gun (rbh hunter) and reloading. For a newbie, getting a heavy gun sounds silly, but you'll be glad you did come shooting time, whichever caliber you choose. I own 2 44s and 3 357s, and by far, my most painful gun to shoot is my air weight smith in 357. After the first ever cylinder shot with that gun, I was bleeding. Not fun at all to shoot. Someone would really have to piss me off, before I'd shoot him with that gun! Now, I've put on some bigger grips, but to tell you the truth, I'd much rather shoot either of my 44s with full-house hunting loads. Get the 44!

Perhaps you should just sell all your 357's since you feel "undergunned". JMHO

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #29 on:** March 11, 2009, 01:23:31 AM »

Quote from: Mikey on March 11, 2009, 12:26:38 AM

I really don't see how anyone could feel 'undergunned' with a 357 while hunting whitetail or black bear. But, that's just my opinion......................

Deer I can see within the limits of the 357 Mag, black bear I will go bigger. The problem with the 357 Mag is, people try to push the distance they use it for. In my opinion the 357 Mag is good too about 40 yards. Black bear I would not go below 41 Mag.

I just never understood why people want to use a marginal caliber to hunt with. I was always told, bring enough gun. And in my opinion the 357 Mag is not enough gun.