6" S&W 41mag or 357mag for deer?

Well Mossie, looks like you kinda made up your mind on the .357.
That's what I'd recommend, mostly because you've been hunting with a 6" .357, moving to another won't be a problem. You don't need artillery to kill deer, if you can hit a vital spot. A 180-grain load from a 6" .357 revolver is a darn good deer load IMHO.

Myself, I prefer the .44 Magnum, but that's just personal preference (and I have a lot more time hunting with the .44 than the .357).
 
Please forgive me for pointing this out, but the word "if" is used a few too many times in the last few posts. When a recommendation about a cartridge uses the word "if" when describing a caliber's effectiveness you should raise an eyebrow.

You don't need artillery to kill deer, if you can hit a vital spot.
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I have seen very little difference in tissue damage between the three in question......44, .41, .357.....if the proper bullet was used
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When choosing a gun to hunt with should you really be wondering if you are going to have to make a great shot or use the right bullet? Of course, please be accurate and use a good bullet, but do it in a caliber that does not require either, you will have far more happy endings.

Quote:
A long time ago Elmer Keith did significant research on the magnum revolvers .He found in actual use that the caliber counts and the 44 is about twice as effective as the 357

That is completely ridiculous every time I have hunted with .357 Ive dropped the deer right on the spot, how can you get more effective than that?
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I can't believe I missed this one earlier.

Dear 357mag - Elmer Keith's research was related to the cartridge on a number of game, not just deer. I am glad you have had good success with your .357, not everyone has had the same success. Elmer Keith was a man that I would suggest knew far more about guns that either of us will in our lifetime. I am sure your comments were directed at the post, not Elmer Keith.

Good luck

.44mag
 
It seems that my statement "if " when attached to the selection on a proper bullet seems to not set well with some......I assure you I have at various times since 1956 used .44 bullets that failed completly. To assume that the size of the bullet, as with the 44, will killed cleanly is just not fact. To remove the "if" as related to proper bullet is to assume the .44 will work with any bullet.....proper construction or otherwis. I apply the same "if" to both the 41 & 44 when it comes to proper bullet construction.
Yes......there has been some very large game killed with the .44.......but also with a .22 rimfire.
I am under the impression now, that any game that cannot be killed with a proper bullet in the .357......should not be hunted with a handgun at all. That of course, is just my thoughts. And..... I limit my thoughts to a handgun and not to the butt-stockless hand-rifles such as TC, etc.
If a monster handgun is needed, why not go up to the .454, .480, or .500? Bottom line is use what you have had success with. I prefer the .44, but if one needs less recoil for some reason, consider the .357......that's all I am saying.
 
I have two points to make:

1. If :D the .357 is legal in your State, why not get another Python to replace the retired one?

2. Being a proponent of 'functional commonality', I would recommend staying with a COLT.
Did COLT ever make an Anaconda in .41? Get one!
If not, get an Anaconda in .44 and begin the search for a 'nice' shooting .44 load in that wheelgun!

I'm 49, so I do understand the 'eyes' going the way of my youth.
There IS Truth to the matter that a larger, more powerful cartridge WILL help in the takedown of an animal. It's no excuse for a bad shot, but SIZE does matter! :D

That's what I'd do.
My choice in revolvers is Ruger, and I'm having a HELLuva time deciding WHICH SuperRedhawk to buy. Same brand - which one? and which caliber? and which bbl. length?
We're resticted to larger caliber (.41 + ) in Washington State, so I have a few options.

I hope you stick with the COLT. It'll be your old, familiar friend in the field.
The treachery of age outweighs the vigor of youth... ;)
 
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