The .357 vs. .44 Spec.?

Let's tweak the parameters a bit:

Let's say we're gonna carry an L-Frame, TI gun with a 4" barrel. And let's further say that we're expecting indoor, short-range trouble against human targets...say, a bartender's gun.

So we decide, right or wrong, that the .357 is too loud and/or too likely to overpenetrate. I'm not going to argue with anybody over those ideas, this is just for purposes of the following question:

Which is better, 7 rounds of .38+P, or 5 rounds of .44Spl?

NOW we got us a horserace, eh?

My answer? I'd rather have 7 .38+P LSWC-HPs out of a 4" tube where they'll definately expand.
 
Jim,
Loonie or not he knew his way around guns. He was ex miitary and a reserve cop. Again, not and end all/be all, but I've noticed that the ex military tyes here and the cops here that have more than a passing interest in guns tend to use them and practice with them. The guy on the tower in Texas was a 1000% loonie. He was also verrrrry good. Loonie doesn't equate to incompetent.
As far as placement goes, a couple were center mass and another couple were head shots. (survivors) Most, if not all of his shootings were at 5 feet or less, at stationary targets. Only 2 of his intended victims died instantly.

13 attempts and 2 oss isn't meaningless data.
 
SOS was commiting his crimes in the 1970s, before new generation JHPs were available. I dont know, but he was most likely using lead round nose bullets.

The 357 mag was not as good a stopper in the 70s as it is today, if you believe what the bullet makers say anyway.

The fact that he was a reserve cop or ex-military doesnt mean very much.

Wasnt he in NYC? I wonder how much time he was able to spend at the range there?
 
The shootings were in NYC, he lived slightly upstate in Yonkers I believe. I was stationed in NYC at the Armed Forces Police Det. when all of this was happening. It was a common thread in the papers at the time how he was observed by victims. In each case he used a two hand hold and aimed. he only fired four rounds at a time and always left the scene with a round still available.

I believe a study on his tactics and the results of his assaults do indicate a pattern. Short barrel revolver in .44 special using standard velocity round nose lead is proof of the fact that a handgun is lacking in definitive "Killing" power. On the other hand none of his victims were in any way able to or inclined to fight him after a couple of shots of .44 in the body. I would say the "stopping" power was pretty good. Todays high performance ammunition improves this but not by a whole lot. Pistols of any type are poor choices when going to a fight. They are the best compromise when a fight comes to you.

I said it once and I'll say it again. "As far as edge I would say the .357 in standard factory rounds. When handloading the .44 wins."

If we are going to Jim March's parameters, give me the 7 shots in lieu of 5 every time.
 
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