Pathfinder45
New member
I think the 357 magnum in the right gun has a lot going for it. I might even own one some day. But don't be fooled; the 45 Colt is a bigger hammer and more powerful. It always has been, always will be, regardless of the flawed FPE mathematics that are biased towards higher velocity. Is there any advantage to the 357 magnum? Certainly, and I can mention what I feel is perhaps a worthy consideration:
357 Magnum ammo weighs about half of what the same number of rounds in 45 Colt weigh. As a wilderness back-packer, what this means to me, is that I can either bring twice as much ammo, or simply carry the same number of rounds while reducing the load.
The higher velocity of the 357 makes for a flatter trajectory.
Since I reload and cast most of my own bullets, the difference in ammo cost is irrelevant to me, but might matter to others.
But in the true wilderness we have this code that we don't fire our weapons, don't break the solitude, without a compelling and justifiable need. That means only in an emergency, or, taking a shot at legitimate game. So I don't pack much ammo. I kind of feel like having six in the Vaquero and 12 spare rounds might be over-doing it, but that's what I bring. I still haven't popped the 45 in a designated wilderness, so maybe I am bringing too much ammo.
The pack-rod, however, always gets some action. Loaded with Rooster-Tails, of course.
357 Magnum ammo weighs about half of what the same number of rounds in 45 Colt weigh. As a wilderness back-packer, what this means to me, is that I can either bring twice as much ammo, or simply carry the same number of rounds while reducing the load.
The higher velocity of the 357 makes for a flatter trajectory.
Since I reload and cast most of my own bullets, the difference in ammo cost is irrelevant to me, but might matter to others.
But in the true wilderness we have this code that we don't fire our weapons, don't break the solitude, without a compelling and justifiable need. That means only in an emergency, or, taking a shot at legitimate game. So I don't pack much ammo. I kind of feel like having six in the Vaquero and 12 spare rounds might be over-doing it, but that's what I bring. I still haven't popped the 45 in a designated wilderness, so maybe I am bringing too much ammo.
The pack-rod, however, always gets some action. Loaded with Rooster-Tails, of course.