If...

The .41 magnum.
Since we are reloading then going up and down the power scale is easy with no need for a "special" load. It can be loaded down in the .38spl WC range and loaded up to approach the .44mag range.
 
hellowyo the Lyman 429421 is a cast bullet of about 250 grs. It's very accurate and does a fair job on game. At 1200 fps it's probably more gun than you're wanting. For this reason you most likely need something besides 296. Now it's good powder and works best for above standard weight bullets but is not to used for loading down. It's designed to work best and be stable at higher pressures

2400 has loaded down fine for me over the years but it is dirty when you start letting the pressures drop. Elmer used 22 grs. with the same bullet I use. The powder has changed somewhat over the years I guess but I've kept my load at 20 grs. because 1200 fps is plenty for me with a standard weight Keith or RNFP.

You need something like Unique, 231, or AA 5. These powders will let you shoot your little cannon below 1000 fps. If you get a 200 gr. bullet to 1000 fps the Redhawk will feel more like a 357.

S&W Junkie makes a very good point about noise. The larger bores are easier on the ears. I was reminded of this a while back when I came upon a copperhead just east of my house. I was walking up the hollow and drew my 4" M-19. The load was a mid-range 357-170-K load. One shot, dead snake, and several hours of ringing ears. A 44-250-K mid-range load wouldn't have been near as bad sound wise. It's a rare for me to fire a sixgun without something in my ears, but sometimes it happens and when it does I'd rather have a 44 or 45.

Even with all the pro's I have concerning the 44, I'm tempted to go with the others here who suggest the 357. After all Skeeter said if he could just have one it would be a 5" M-27 S&W. AND it will do the 99% of the chores I need done.
 
My Choice...

357 Magnum

Powerfull enough for most any defense situation using 357 Mag ammo.

Cheap to shoot using 38 special ammo.

The deciding factor for cost is simply the fact that if you can afford to shoot it ...you are actually practising with the gun which could possibly save your life when you really need to use it for defense. Practise is the deciding factor in many situations. You do not have to stop and think about how to use the gun when you have split seconds to get it right.

Go price 38 ammo then all the other calibers mentioned.
 
357.

I like the 44, and it will do about everything,but a 357 really is enough. A 44 is an awful lot of gun if I had to carry it a lot.
 
You've given 3 choices (.41, .44 Magnum and .357) and only one handgun so in that situation I'd be compelled to go with .357. For only one reason both .38 and various loadings of .357 are universally available.

Other than that the .357 is an inferior round to to the various loadings of the .41 or to the .44 Special/.44 mag for either hunting or self defense.

tipoc
 
I agree with someone on the first page who went with the .41 Magnum. He's right - you can download it to .38 Special performances or upload it to .44 Magnum performance, and everything inbetween. It's usefulness-spread blankets those of the other two choices.
 
I would vote for the .357. It does everything I need, but there is one point which hasn't been covered.

I could disassemble 9mm ( plentiful) and reload the 357 using componets for the 9mm round. Powder, primer, bullet, only having to supply the case!
 
Good choices all, but if only one? gotta be my Redhawk chambered in .44mag./.44 Spec. If I could add a second handgun (please !), it would be a Ruger Super Single Six chambered in .22mag./.22RF
 
Given that I don't reload, the .41mag is out, as well as the .44mag for economic reasons (I don't have one and do not envision getting one in the forseeable future), that leaves the .357mag in the form of the Smith M28-2 or the Taurus M605.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top