caliber choices

B

Bezoar

Moderator
I really like the current 44 special vs 357 debate. Some interesting advice in it, and interesting opinion. I wasnt interested in getting lost in that debate.

so im somewhat forced to start this. The op in that thread was perplexed on getting a 44 spcl charter arms for something different. Everyone just started hyping in on get the 44 special its just better expecially with handloading.
Problem is, the ca 44 specials can take some extra chamber pressure, the frames dont like it.
Ive been seeing 180-200 grain self defense and hunting loads in 44 special that say "no charter arms please"


Factory ammunition makes the 357 win hands down on factory 44 special. even with handloading, you can get decent 357 ammunition that still equates with the standard 200 grain 44 caliber bullet at 9-1000 fps. and can give you more muzzle energy to boot.

45 colt is good, but right now, the only factory ammunition i can find are tier 3 loads. not good if you have a saa clone.
 
Factory ammunition makes the 357 win hands down on factory 44 special. even with hand loading, you can get decent 357 ammunition that still equates with the standard 200 grain 44 caliber bullet at 9-1000 fps. and can give you more muzzle energy to boot.
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You could actually load a 200 grain bullet in .357 mag and achieve more velocity than the .44 with the same weight bullet. Hand loading and factory ammo, the .357 wins hands down, either way, IMO.

The increase in caliber size is simply not worth what you're giving up to the .357.

Sorry for any who disagree, but the .44spl will never be 'better' than the .357 magnum. I posted this in the other thread, but the .44spl with factory loads, is essentially the equivalent of .45acp in a revolver cartridge. Velocity, bullet weight, and diameter are all close enough to give them comparable ballistics and terminal damage. Both of these cartridges are fine and dandy, but the .357 mag has a clear advantage IMO. Especially if you're intentions are to hunt with them.

I understand there are guys that enjoy the .44spl cartridge, but IMO there's nothing the 'special' about it. And I don't see the use in purchasing a .44 special firearm.
.44mag and .357 mag are both 'better' cartridges. You could download the .44mag easily to .44spl levels or even just use .44 special in your .44 mag revolver. Just keep the cylinders clean.

If you're considering .44spl for SD, get a .45 acp semi auto. More ammo capacity. Equal enough 'stopping power'
If you're considering .44spl for hunting... Get a .44 mag or .357 mag. Heavier higher sectional density bullets, at higher velocities will ensure more than enough penetration and terminal damage and .38spl or .44spl ammo can still be used for target practice.

Just my .02
 
45 Colt Load for SAA

A nice safe and effective SD load for a Colt SAA or clone is a 250gr Speer HP going about 750 fps-the "flying ashtray"-especially for inside a house where over penetration is an issue.
A decent 44 Spl commercial load is the Buffalo Bore 255 gr Keith SWC going at 1000 fps-it generates 566 ft lbs.I have shot it in my Colt New Frontier with no problems at all-it is OK for anything except a Charter Arms.
 
The .44 special is pretty cool for SD purposes.

Agreed on the magnum rounds for hunting.

I like "alternative" or specialty loads for revolvers. I absolutely would try a .327 magnum or 9mm revolver for the novelty. Maybe when the ammo situation gets less dicey though.
 
some people arent technically allowed to reload in their apartments or rentals. i remember a few posts on various forums about "my landlord wont let me reload, but if i get this model press, will i be able to hide it real easy if he needs to come over"

to clarify,
whenit comes to getting 45 colt ammo, you have only one choice that doesnt require you to have a black hawk or redhawk or a 454 casull.

the only ammunition i see in any quantity online isnt considered safe to shoot much in a model 29.

in the from 1930 until smith and wesson created the 44 magnum, the PROFESSIONALS all agreed that a 38 caliber bullet weighing 180-200 grains and moving as close to 1000fps was the best handgun for black bears in energy, accuracy, trajectory, and penetration. That hasnt changed.

ive seen a few threads on other forums were 30 yard shots on blackbear with a lswchp in 44 magnum not penetrating more then 3 inches.
the most common 44 magnum and 44 special load is a 180 grain jhp at a nominal 1-1100 fps.
the 357 can meet that weight and velocity. and when you get to science the 357 would have the better penetration due to being longer then it is wide.
 
the most common 44 magnum and 44 special load is a 180 grain jhp at a nominal 1-1100 fps.
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I beg to differ.....As I understand it the standard load for the 44 magnum is a 240 jacketed or hard cast bullet (pick your flavor) @ 1100-1500 fps. That will outdo most any 357 load energy wise.

Am I mistaken?
 
Yes, Damon, in my opinion.....240gr FMJ, or JSP are the most common rounds in .44 Mag ....with most of them around 1200 fps...

and the most common round for the .357 Mag is the 158 gr JHP, FMJ, etc..
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Of course reloading gives you a lot of options...but I still reload the 240gr
in .44 Mag and 158 gr in .357 Mag ( and .38 spl ) exclusively...and I change the powder for the velocities and recoil I want out of the round to suit whoever is shooting them ( me, my adult kids, grandkids, some of the younger kids ) ...and of course it matters a lot in what gun they shoot it in ( where weight of the gun is a big factor in reducing recoil).
 
I agree that the .44 mag is THE one for hunting....long range target
and silhouette shooting etc....BUT...the Special ...is "Special"...historically,
has a soft spot in a lot of our hearts who consider it our Favorite Caliber...the size of the handguns that these are produced in...for an all day carry afield, beat the hell out of the heavy magnum revolvers....and I love and carry BOTH...The Elmer Keith Sixgun lovers out here will beg to differ with anyone
that does not really know the true "soul and romanticism" of the Special.
If you have to ask....you just don't understand!!:)
 
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