If I see one more "which gun is better" thread, I'm gonna vomit..... Go stand over there I'll shoot you in the chest with a .357 then a .44 and you tell me which round is killing you faster.....

 

Sorry, You feel that way. If these types of threads cause you to get a knot in your shorts then why bother posting?

I actually enjoy these types of threads. Thats why I started one...:thumb:
BTW I gotta ask, is that a square knot?...::

 

Between the two, the .357 has the edge over the .44 in all aspects but one...Power.

Are you going to explain why you claim this?

 

There are too many variables involved to make the statements you have made. For some (myself included), the .357 is a better round. For someone in grizzly country, a .44 is a better round.

These blanket statements around here are getting very tired.

 

I think there are two wild bears in Texas. But they live up near Texarkana. And they're runts any way.

 

Depends on use.

I have both.

If I'm not in Bear country... 357

If I am... my S&W Mountain gun in 44 Mag.

 

What's the better cartridge to have on hand? Uummm, the one that fits your gun?
I'm guessing you mean what's the better calibre of pistol to get? Whatever you want. My personal preference is the .357 mag. I like being able to shoot .38 spl cheaply and have a variety of loads available for both .38 and .357, that all shoot in one gun. If I need more power, I'll use a rifle or shotgun.

 

As stated above, this question is open to alot of opinion. For my situation I think that the .357 is a more useful allaround gun for me. With a well built gun (Ruger GP-100, S&W 686, Ruger Blackhawk etc.) I can shoot everything from .38spl target loads that are great for practice and small game, to .357 mag full power loads that are useable for game up to Mule Deer (provided shots are not taken at too long a distance). The .44mag can also be downloaded in the same manner, but the full power loads can be a real challenge for the majority of people. I hunted for many years with a Ruger Super Blackhawk using a hard cast 310gr bullet, so I have seen both ends of this issue. The .357 mag on the other hand can be used with full power loads for defensive purposses with practice. The .357 also has an un-deniable record as a one shot stopper when used for defense.

What ever you decide to go with, get yourself a rifle in the same caliber. It may be a Marlin 1894, a New England Handi-Rifle or what ever, but get one. The longer barrels of these rifles make alot of differance when used for hunting.

Finally this. Which ever you go with learn to cast bullets for it. Lead bullets for full wad cutters too gas checked SWC and LBT hunting bullets were made for these guns. Another plus is that you now have a guarenteed supply of bullets, reguardless of the economic or civil cituation.

 

The reason that I give the edge to the .357 is that I have tried both, and the extra power the .44 affords is of limited use, if for no other reason than it greatly increase recoil.
I'll readily admit that, I'm not man mountian and heavy recoil does bother me, some folks may be able to handle the recoil a .44 mag produces, I'm not one of 'em. Though I find the recoil impulse of the .357 to be manageable.

I'll gladly trade off some power, for less recoil, that and being reasonably assured of hitting the target. If I had the money and inclination I suppose I coud practice enough to get accustomed the .44 mag.
Then, there is also the cost of ammo to consider, .44 mag ammo is a bit more expensive.

 

Sooooo,
Between the two, hich one would you give the nod to as being a better cartridge to have on hand, for when (or if) the S hits the fan?.

Between the two, the .357 has the edge over the .44 in all aspects but one...Power.

That makes my choice the .357, hands down :thumb:

I disagree. My choice is for the .44 due to its versatility. It may be loaded hot or mild, and is better suited for taking game. [bad guys too]

The old west cowboys knew a thing or two about using the same cartridge for a carbine and handgun, that's why most were chambered in .38-40 and .44-40

I have a Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum carbine, and several .44 Mag revolvers, and IMO they're way more useful than the .357 Mag.

.357 is the minimum caliber to use for hunting deer and medium game. And don't believe that the .357 Mag is a better "fight stopper" than the .44, because that's not at all true

 

And don't believe that the .357 Mag is a better "fight stopper" than the .44, because that's not at all true

I'd agree, there is a parity in the statistics;

One shot stop;
.357, 68-96%
.44 mag, 76-90%

Penitration
.357, 10-12 inches
.44 mag, 12-24 inches

If these statistics are credible then...
The difference between the two is closer than some might think...

 

As far as stopping power goes here are some resources for your research.

http://www.internetarmory.com/handgunammo.htm

http://www.abaris.net/info/ballistics/handgun-stopping-power.htm

http://www.shoot-n-iron.com/calibers-for-defense.asp

As stated by many noted instructors, the best defensive handgun is the one you can hit consistantly with. That means multiple shots onto the center of the largest presented body mass. If you put them all into center of mass with a .38spl, but miss with the .357mag due to recoil recovery, go with the .38. If you can make repeated center of mass hits with a .44mag, by all means that is the gun for you. Thing is very few people can do that with the .44. When the .41 magnum came out, gun writters predicted the death of the .38/.357mag guns. But in real life situations it was discovered that very few Officers could handle the .41mag in the time frames required for combat qualification. Jump forward 20 years. Onto the market comes the 10mm auto. A major cartridge by anyones standard. The same problem again reared it's head. The FBI found that less than 10% of their Agents could handle the 10mm in a combat situation with ful power loads, so along comes the 40S&W.

A final consideration is carry. Most full size cartridges (.41mag, .44mag and .45LC) are chambered in full size guns which can be hard to conceal (if this is an issue for you). The .38/.357 family can be chambered in medium to small frame handguns which most find easier to conceal. As stated earlier though, go with what works for you. Go to your local range or get with friends and see if you can shoot the gun you are thinking of buying before you buy, and then decide for yourself.

 

My opinion, for what it's worth. I don't care for 'magnum' pistols. I don't find them pleasnt to shoot or great for followup shots..for me. I like a manageable pistol round, 9mm , .45 , .38,..
If I felt a need for a powerful round (which I do ) , I'd have a suitable rifle. PLenty of options there.

 

I am adding both ammo to my lockers, including the special versions of both. I sold my GP100 and already am asking for it back. So, I'll go get another. But my super blackhawk isn't going anywhere.

 

.357 no question.

 

X2..... would think 357 would be easier to find, also not to mention using 38spl if you could not find 357.

 

Currently all I own are .357 Magnums. But their are upsides to the .44 Magnum.

The reason the .357 Magnum does better in the one shot stops are the older design Semi-JHP's (125gr) shattered completely in the body, of the BG. That ment 100% energy dump leading to massive shock to the system. The .44 with it bigger weight, beefier, bullet construction, and more energy results in the round, staying together and results in a total pass through of the subject being shot. Thus the energy dump is less overall. The same thing can happen to the .357 Magnum if one were to use the 158 gr bullets. It's a case of too much, too fast.

To use full house loads in a .44 Mag for HD, is stupid at best and it might just get you killed. The reason the .44 Special gets such a bad rap, is because of their is just the utter lack of good self defense loads on the market, plus .44 Specials were rare in police service, in a market dominated by the .38 special, 45 auto, and the 357 Magnum. Rare usage lead to little data from which to make any conclusion. That and the ammo manufactures load the rounds on the anemic side, even though they could load it hotter and still remain in SAAMI safety spec. That being said there are loads out their that would make it as effective as a .45 ACP. I waould hesitate a second to use it for self defense against an intruder.

Another thing in the .44's corner is if our wonderful and all knowing congress critters were to outlaw hollowpoint ammunition, I'd rather be "stuck" with a .44, than the .357. For My .38 caliber bulliet might expand, but the .44 will never shrink!!! The bigger hole, however slight will always help, matter.

The .44 with it's heavier inharent bulliet weight, will help pentrait deeper in to game, to reach vital orgins, especially on larger nasty critters.


In a rifle with the correct (aftermarket) sights and lots of practice(!) can shoot much farther than you would expect (more than enough to lethal against a human being). How far? The .44, 800 yards versus the .357's 600 yards. Again against a human being. You'll need a ladder sight (like the wild West) or a scope to do this. That being said for hunting theres no excuse, not to get as close as possiable to guarantee success.

The down side is that packing the .44, is hard to hide due to the larger frame sizes needed, and the heavier inherant weight of the ammo adds up quick in the pack. In magnum load heavier recoil, when were talking handguns. Also you'll have to put more lead away, and powder if you want to reload you own ammo for the uncertain future.

The .357 ofcourse is the opposite, and will fill most hunting needs and human self defense needs when used it it's limitations.

Either way the cartidges are good ones dependent upon you needs.

Rifleman 336

 

Currently all I own are .357 Magnums. But their are upsides to the .44 Magnum.

From your username, I'd figure you for shooting 30-30...

 

I own Marlin 1894 in .357/.38
And Ruger Blackhawk in .357/.38/9mm.

Why? Already have .357 revolver and 9mm pistols and carbine.
This combo gives me a lot of versatility.

Full load .357 is plenty for anything I'll ever face; even if bugged out in bear country, and I'm sure my odds of starving to death are many many times greater than been killed by a black bear (won't be seeing any grizzlies or Kodiaks. I'd likely be glad to see one and would gladly take my chances with .357.

Actually, shotgun slug or three is better than either .357 or .44 magnums, even on grizzlies.

- OS

 

never shot either. but i am quite fond of the .45 long colt that will put on some hurtin

 

Although Patton's Colt .45 was chambered for a special large revolver cartridge weighing 255 grams with enormous shocking power, he purchased the Smith & Wesson as a "killing gun", as he termed it.

just stoking the fire. :rofl:

 

I'll take the 357 magnum. I don't really see a need for a handcannon in my neck of the woods. If I need to stop a grizzly I want a rifle or shotgun. 357 does just fine for everything else. Certainly not bashing the 44mag though!

 

I carry .357 has plenty of stopping power for anything around me (I am not in Big Bear Country) and offers more ammo options should shortages arise in the future I can shoot .38 ammo as well. I think it is purely a personal choice but my 6" on my side and a few speedloaders I feel pretty protected.

 

My two cents, I'd go .357 its just more flexible, yea the .44 has even more power behind it, but your not walking off a hit from either, and you can afford a lot more practice using .38 rounds. Then find a nice Lever action chambered in .357 as well, Just in case

 

.357 , no question about it . Here's the deal about a .44 .... if you miss with your first shot , chances are , you won't be able to pull it down and sight in before your target is on top of you . I will never own a .44 .

 

Under normal conditions the .357 is adequate for the distances it can do. In an extreme survival situation, or EOLAWKI, the .357 hands down, as the volume of powder and lead costs less and lasts longer in the reloading of a specified number of rounds.

When resources get thin will you find someone eager to pack down powder in a .44 to seat the bullet or will you find someone to under load some .38s?

 

The .44 magnum round can be used in a wider variety of guns. That allows you to use more guns with same ammo. That makes it easier to stockpile ammunition.

 

Nothing wrong with 44mag, but me and my clan decided to go with the 357mag/38spl for the following reasons...

1. Cost effective as compared to 44mag
2. A large selection of handguns to choose from
3. A few of our group members already had handguns chambered in 38spl, so ammo can be bought with a "group buy" mindset. ( Several very nice CCW revolvers chambered in 38spl out there IMO
4. Easier for us (young and old) to hit our targets with as compared to 44mag, especially one handed, if other hand is incapacitated in any way.
5. We aint in bear country, but if bears ever invaded, we would use rifles/shotguns to counter attack....:thumb:...... Highly unlikely that this would happen.


Here is a list of calibers that we standardize on.....

22LR : Rifles and hand guns. 99.9% of them all are Ruger
9mm : Hand guns. Glocks
38spl/357mag : Rossi, SnW, and Ruger
30CAR : M1 Carbine, and Ruger
308 : 90% Springfield Armory
12guage : Mixed



11B

 

I own both. I like both for their intended use. If I were limited to only one, I'd take the 357. Due to recoil, I shoot it faster and more accurately. The 44 mag is a blast to shoot.

 

Except you forgot two in your comparison...the .41 Rem Mag and the .44 Spec...both a lot better then the .357 with less recoil the the .44 mag...