What's the main argument to go .44 over .357 in a Lever Rifle?

Alex McKr said:
tokguy: No argument here. The .45 Colt is a potent and versatile hunting round. Personally, I still think it's best suited as a black powder cartridge. Which is mostly how I load it. But certainly performs well with smokeless powders. I do disagree with you on the .38 Special, though. Not all that useful as a hunting round....except for small game. But, as a plinker and target round, it's hard to beat.....at least in my opinion.

Al
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I tend to disregard the plinking aspect. Ever read 'Six Guns' by Elmer Keith? The man had absolute distain for 38 spl.
This was the father of the 357 and 44 magnums IMO... but he did love that 45 LC. I am referring to SBR's here, not restricted handguns, I didn't like the 44 Magnum, muzzle blast would about 'Blow your hat oft'. Always found the 357 is an excellent way to turn gunpowder into tinnitus... right up there with compounded 6-71 Detroit's. The bullets don't hold together that great on a 357 either.
 
44 mag is legal to hunt with in Sask, 357 mag is not. Incidentally, neither is 45 Colt(WTF), 44-40, 44 sp, the list goes on. Not sure who the genius was that came up with that.
 
tokguy: Yes....been following Keith's work, for years. "Six Guns" was one of his best, in my view. A real classic and full of solid information. The book deserves a place on every shooter's book case.
Keith possessed a wealth of practical shooting knowledge and experience that would be very hard to duplicate, today.
Every time I shoot a Ruger Blackhawk, I think of the influence he had on its design. Likewise when casting bullets. The "Keith-type" bullet, being a perennial favourite. Keith was also very fond of the .44 Special. You may already be familiar with this cartridge. If not, and get a chance to shoot a revolver chambered in this well balanced cartridge, you may take a liking to it, too.
Keith may have had his biases, as we all do. But, it would be hard to fault his influence on the shooting world.

Al
 
Mr.Rigpig said:
44 mag is legal to hunt with in Sask, 357 mag is not. Incidentally, neither is 45 Colt(WTF), 44-40, 44 sp, the list goes on. Not sure who the genius was that came up with that.
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They would have used SAMMI info to determine the energy levels. 45lc loaded to SAMMI pressures are kind of anemic. 45lc loaded to Ruger, Freedom Arms & T/C Only loads are a different matter.
 
If you are looking for a good comparison between ballistics of .44 and .357 mag, have a look at this video from Lucky Gunner.

https://youtu.be/H8SHPYTdPh0

Personally I prefer the .357mag for range work and hunting up to about 100m. As had been said before, shot placement and working within its range limitations is key for either round.
 
CzyHorse said:
They would have used SAMMI info to determine the energy levels. 45lc loaded to SAMMI pressures are kind of anemic. 45lc loaded to Ruger, Freedom Arms & T/C Only loads are a different matter.
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Yes, I agree, but it boils down to common sense..... I don't go goose hunting with 2 3/4" trap loads....
 
Zulu10 said:
If you are looking for a good comparison between ballistics of .44 and .357 mag, have a look at this video from Lucky Gunner.

https://youtu.be/H8SHPYTdPh0

Personally I prefer the .357mag for range work and hunting up to about 100m. As had been said before, shot placement and working within its range limitations is key for either round.
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I always find testing into mediums of some sort fascinating, but there seems to be IMHO one thing missing. Everyone tests basically at the muzzle (where most people don't hunt) and not in 0, 50, 100, or 150 meter increments. You don't need to set them up far away, just reduce the velocity to what it would be according to math.
 
If you are allowed to sit over bait or something. I think a 357mag would be just fine Inside 50yrds.
Really if you can hunt like a Bow hunter. Most cartridges in the the heart/lungs will work.

IMO when you lack speed you want weight to compensate.
44mag you can get that weight in factory rounds.
Not so much with 357mag unless reloading. Then 200-210g is possible.

If you just want to plink and maybe blast a gopher and are using factory ammo. 357 and have some fun.
 
regulate34: You are right. Where allowed, treat deer hunting with the .357 just like you would bow hunting. Hunt from a stand, if possible. Keep your shots within 50 meters, where you can. Be patient. Place your shot carefully. Do it all right, and venison will soon be in your freezer.
You can get away with a bit more with the .44 Mag. But, I recommend sticking to the same basic rules as with the .357.
The .357 and .38 Special are a good choice for small game, targets and casual plinking.

Al
 
I'm thinking I need to expediate this purchase before the .357 carbine is considered a high capacity assault rifle.
 
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My thoughts are get the 357 for plinking, it's cheaper to feed and use your 45/70 for hunting.

If you wanted it primarily for hunting or woods carry then I'd go for a 45 Colt if you reload, otherwise 44 mag. In your case you have the big game chambering already so grab the 357 and enjoy the cost savings while shooting.
 
Iron Sighted said:
My thoughts are get the 357 for plinking, it's cheaper to feed and use your 45/70 for hunting.

If you wanted it primarily for hunting or woods carry then I'd go for a 45 Colt if you reload, otherwise 44 mag. In your case you have the big game chambering already so grab the 357 and enjoy the cost savings while shooting.
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Yeah that sounds like it's going to be my plan. Already got big game covered with 45-70, .308 and 30-06.

Now I just need to find one in stock!
 
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