.44 vs 357 magnum.

[ozstriker22]

After the "Sidearms, Anyone?" post, I've decided it may be in my best interest to pick up a backup while hunting in tight spots for potentially aggressive game. I understand the .44 packs almost twice the punch of the .357 mag, and would prefer to purchase a Ruger .44 (Always wanted one anyways).

However, I have a friend who is willing to sell me a .357 5 1/2" barrel revolver for a song. It's not a big brand name gun, but I've fired it and it works well at close ranges. It's only been fired on 4 occasions.

Is this ENOUGH GUN to carry as a backup? Is this enough gun to take down a pig from 20 feet away? Should I pay twice as much for a used .44 7 1/2" from a dealer?

Jesse.

 

[Backcountry]

I have a Ruger GP100 with 6" barrel and I carry it as a sidearm (where legal) when hog/deer hunting and when simply hiking in lion country. I prefer it to the .44 because (1) it's significantly lighter and smaller and easier to carry, and (2) I don't have a .44 (yet).

Corbon's hunting loads for the .357 are smoking hot and will kill pigs at 20 feet (or 20 yards) no problem if placed in the sweet spot.

Corbon .357 load data

The problem you're faced with though is that if the .357 you’re thinking of buying isn't a Ruger or a newer model S&W, then it won't handle repeated firing of the hot Corbon loads and might even by dangerous. Since you specifically state that you want to use the pistol as a sidearm for defense against aggressive animals, it’s wise that you're questioning purchasing the off-brand .357.

Corbons disclaimer...

CorBon Ammunition is a high performance ammunition intended for use in recently manufactured quality firearms from well know quality manufacturers. Ammunition that is rated as +P should only be used in modern firearms in good condition rated for this type of ammunition. Older guns, or guns that you do not know the history of, probably should not be used unless checked carefully by a competent gunsmith.

Sounds like the .44 would be a better purchase for your needs since you’ve always wanted one (who hasn’t?).

Cheers,

p.s. Another reason to get the .44 is that you'll then have a reason to buy this TINY companion carbine... Winchester Trapper, 16" barrel, 9 shot magazine, 6 pounds!

 

[Speckmisser]

If the money is an issue, then go with your friend's .357. Do you know what brand it is? Someone here may have some info about it that could help your decision.

If you think you'll eventually go to handgun hunting, the .44 would be the definite choice. THe .357 will certainly kill a hog, but the .44 gives you the extra leeway you might want in a tight spot or less than optimal shot angle. Use the same considerations you would for any big game round.

That 7.5" Blackhawk is a heavy beast if you're just carrying for backup. It's what I have, and I don't mind carrying it, but my eventual plan is to start leaving the rifle in the truck, so I want the stability of the longer barrel.

If you don't plan to use the pistol as your primary hunting gun, you might do better to go with one of the lighter framed guns and some reasonable loads, or at least select a shorter barreled Ruger. The S&W Mountain Gun is a pretty sweet setup, as are some of the other titanium frame hand cannons.

If it's just for shooting at 20 feet, you don't need the hottest, super-duper loads available. Hogs are tough, but they aren't Patton tanks. The .357 would be fine for this application too, with that in mind. But if you think you'll start shooting at 20 yards, go ahead with the .44 mag.

For playing at the range, get some 44 Spl loads. The recoil is way lighter, and you can have more fun with the gun.

 

[Bishop]

Originally posted by ozstriker22@Jan 12 2004, 10:44 AM
However, I have a friend who is willing to sell me a .357 5 1/2" barrel revolver for a song. It's not a big brand name gun, but I've fired it and it works well at close ranges. It's only been fired on 4 occasions.

Is this ENOUGH GUN to carry as a backup? Is this enough gun to take down a pig from 20 feet away? Should I pay twice as much for a used .44 7 1/2" from a dealer?

Jesse.

The .357 is marginal on pigs at best. I know some people swear that the .357 will do the job, but pigs are a very tuff animal. They're heavy and solid. And the boars have some very thick shields covering their vitals. At 50 yards you can take a chance on whether you stop the pig or not. At 20 feet away, you don't want to take that chance.
If the .357 your looking at is not a Ruger, Colt, N frame Smith, or Dan Wesson, your not going to be able to shoot heavy handloads or Corbons.
There are deals out there on used Ruger .44 mags. If it's just a backup, I'd suggest a 4 5/8" Super Blackhawk, or a 5 1/2" Redhawk. If you want to spend more you can get a Colt, Smith, or Freedom Arms. Other than the Freedom Arms, your not going to notice any differance in quality between the Colts, Smith's, and Rugers.

 

[hntboar]

ozstriker22-
I have to agree with Bishop. See my comments under "Sidearms anyone"? I am firm believer and proud owner of a Freedom Arms Casull. Although it packs a wallop, you can shoot the pig at 20 feet or as Speckmisser mentions, he would like to put the rifle away and shoot a handgun (which is what I do most of the time) then you can shoot them out to 100 yards with the .454. Almost like shooting a short barreled 30-30. Pretty close to the same ballistics. Big Boars usually will go the other direction, untill wounded. Come up on a wounded Boar with some size and teeth, the fight is on. Especially in those tight spots in the brush where they will go. So if you are going to invest for a back-up, consider some time in the future you may want to hunt with it. Get the .357 if it is a good deal and save for at least a .44 as Bishop suggested. The major difference is shot placement. Perfect shot placement with the .357 (if you can do it) vs. shooting with the .44 with a hot load or the .454 and putting a big hole in them anywhere you hit them.
To your question about "Should I pay twice as much for a used .44 7 1/2" from a dealer"?
My answer if it is only twice as much. Buy the .44 Mag. !!

 

[bigtusker]

I'd go with a .45 long colt.

 

[wmidbrook]

If you can buy the 357 for a song and sell it off for a profit within a month or two, you've got that much more money for a .44.

I've finished off 3 pigs with .45 ACP but those were coup d' grace shots within 5 yds--they worked. The largest shot was a 250 lb boar. Hit it in the side of the head in its temple region or boiler room, not from the front to finish it off.

Since I don't plan on using anything but a rifle, bow or muzzleloader to do any future pig hunting, I'll stick with my GP100 in .357 or Kimber .45 ACP.

 

[Bishop]

Originally posted by hntboar@Jan 12 2004, 06:30 PM
ozstriker22-
I am firm believer and proud owner of a Freedom Arms Casull.  Although it packs a wallop, you can shoot the pig at 20 feet or as Speckmisser mentions, he would like to put the rifle away and shoot a handgun (which is what I do most of the time) then you can shoot them out to 100 yards with the .454.  Almost like shooting a short barreled 30-30.  Pretty close to the same ballistics.  The major difference is shot placement.  Perfect shot placement with the .357 (if you can do it) vs.  shooting with the .44 with a hot load or the .454 and putting a big hole in them anywhere you hit them. 

HNTBOAR, we have the same tastes;

 

[DILPRXO]

Hi Oz...
I think you have recieved some great info so far with regard to your question. If pressed I would have to chose the .44,being as I like heavier larger diameter bullets to start off with. This coming from a guy who carries a .45 auto as a back up gun to a rifle. There's that large diameter bullet popping up again..I like a big hole to hide behind if things turn to poop. My choice may come from the fact that the 357 I own, while a wonderful weapon, is a full size model..if I'm going to carry its size and weight, in addition to the long gun I'll pass over it in favor of my .44. If I want relatively light and easy to carry the Kimber gets the nod.My best suggestion to you is to go to a range and rent both calibers your interested in using. Find a model that feels good to you, get some first hand experience with the cartridges your interested in...does one just seem to "fit" you better than the other..can your seem to get on target just a shade easier with a particular one. Which are you going to feel comfortable with practicing with regularly? Can you afford to practice with one regularly..if not its just gonna be extra weight on your belt.

The .44 is easy with the reduced loads made for cowboy action shooting thats become so popular recently.. but maybe the 357 just fits your style better. If you truely intend this gun as back up for a "close encounter of the worst kind" it would behoove you to answer some of these questions for yourself before trusting said weapon to such a situation. Don't just buy something because its a deal..buy it because you enjoy it and it fits your needs/style.
Good Luck

 

[UPER]

My

I carry a Ruger .44 super Redhawk as my back up in the bush and am very confident with it on my hip if things turn to crap in a hurry. Size and weight may be an issue for some but it does not bother me at all. If you really want a 44. mag save up for it and get one. That's what I did and am really glad I waited instead of settling for something that I may have not been totally happy with, that and I wanted a .44 mag as long as I could remember. Personnally I think the .357 is an awesome pistol for home defense "top of the line manstopper" but when it comes to the time where the rubber meets the road I believe it is not suited for allot of situations that could be encountered when hunting game that can turn on you. But in the end you are the one that is going to be buying and shooting the gun so it's your choice. If the .357 makes you happy get it.

 

[pbrdog]

I have a Dan Wesson .357 8" Heavy Basrrel and a Ruger Super Blackhwk .44 Mag 7-3/4" barrel. I prefer the .44 as far as a backup, but Vandenberg AFB doesn't allow handguns on base.

 

[pbrdog]

Found this on the recommended rounds here on the hunting site:

HANDGUNS
Caliber Bullet Weight (grains) Recommended for Pigs under 90 lbs. Recommended for Pigs over 90 lbs.
.22 to .41 (including .357 magnum) all no no
.44 Smith & Wesson 200 no no
.44-40 Winchester 200 no no
.44 Remington Magnum 240 yes no
.45 ACP 185 no no
.45 Colt 225 no no
.454 Casull 260 yes yes
.50 Action Express 325 yes yes

 

[ratthevol]

Buy the .357 now, and enjoy it while you save a little money for a .44 later. You already shot it, so you know you like it to some degree, and if it doesn't work out you can sell it and not lose much (if any) in the whole process.

 

[Rick]

If it's not what you want, and it is marginal for the job, do you save any money?

 

[hntboar]

Bishop-
Nice one! Looks like you have the Premier grade model. I have the .454 in the field grade model. Comes with magaport and pacymeyer (sp) presentation grips.

I tried the wooded grips and just found it a bit slippery and small for my hand.

Shot any hogs with it? Nice Bio also. We have more than handguns in common!

 

[Bishop]

hntboar:

Yea it's a Premier Grade. The guy I bought it from actually paid extraa to get Pachmeir grips. Since nobody was making wooden grips for Freedom Arms it cost me $150.00 to have custom ones made.
I haven't had the chance to shot a pig with it yet. Did shoot one with the .454 Super Redhawk I had before this one.
So, what else do we have in common?

 

[hntboar]

Bishop-
I read your bio and we have the same interests. Also went to your website, very cool! My 10 year old son is testing for his black belt in July. I was also a Reserve PO with a local city for a few years.
Also one of my hunting buddies is a Assistant DA with Santa Clara County.
All of the pigs I have shot with a handgun were with my Casull!

Cheers!

 

[ozstriker22]

Okay, here's a new twist on my first post.

I told my friend I would have to decline the .357... and he asked why. Told him I wanted a bigger name handgun. So, he said he'd sell me a different .357 - Ruger Gp100 6" Blued Barrel (I think he said it's a 6"?). Not as cheap as the other one though... $280 bones. It's been used a little more, but still not very much at all. Bought it for his wife for self defense... she doesn't carry it - or have any desire too, really.

So, what do you think folks? A .357 Gp100 for $280 with those CoreBond super slugs, or should I pay more for a used .44 7 1/2" from a dealer?

Thanks for re-reading and letting me know!

 

[quigleysharps4570]

My vote is for the .44! Seems a .44 is what you're wanting anyway, I'd save my money and get it. I bought a Super Blackhawk not long after they came out with them, was a damn fine shooter. When I didn't shoot full-house loads I was shooting them loaded down to the .44 Special velocity. Made for a nice change and still had plenty of wallop. Wish I would've kept that one, let someone talk me out of it though. Someone mentioned a .45 long colt, that's another one to think serious about. In a Ruger you can load her up pretty hot. Plus the fact that a 260gr. lead bullet carries alot of authority.

 

[oneclearshot]

Oz,...Quigs right! The price seems pretty fair for the .357...but if you go a little more money and hold out for a .44 or greater...you'll be able to Goose Up your powder loads AND bullet weights, so there won't be much that'll get BY you...or AT
you! I carry a .357 as a back-up, cause' I've had it so long...it's just an extension "Of Me" and I load my own right to the "Envelope"... so I'm confident that in a tight spot...it'll serve me well. Also put Hollowpoints thru it, and in a close range situation, they're not pretty either! All you gotta figure after Cal. decision is,
how much weight do you want to carry? (Frame weight)=Recoil