Which cartridge would be best suited....

9

9miller

New member
Hey guys, I am trying to decide which caliber I want to get my first revolver in. I have narrowed my choices to either the gp100 or a redhawk. The cartridges I am debating is the old and overly beaten debate on whether I should get a .357, .44 mag , or .45LC. I do handload so I feel as though if I pick the .45 I can load it ruger hot which is a huge consideration for me due to the range of loads I could develop.
My question for you guys is, what helped you decide what caliber to buy as your first (or favorite)?
Also for those of you who have all 3, which gives you the broadest range of loads to choose from( including the specials)?

9miller
 
What do you want to do with said firearm? If you only want to punch paper, the .357 will do all you need and cost you less in the long run.
 
While I would be punching some paper, it will also accommodate me in the woods. I live in Myrtle Beach SC so the critters aren't all that big. I don't think I would use it for CCW at all really, I have a semi auto for that. I want something a little more stout than a 9mm for the wildlife but in a 6 cylinder package. A must for me would really to be to have something that can be loaded hot and heavy or light and fast or low powered for practice.
 
the 45LC just seems like a darned fun round to reload for. it's on my list for sure. but if you don't own a 357/38, that is a must have, its so affordable to shoot and the 38's slow speed is made for home cast bullets. I don't personally have an interest in 44, but then again, I am not speakin for defensive/hunting purposes. but your right that the 45lc has a huge spectrum of weights and styles to load for, and lots of factory bullet options
 
.357 is cheaper to reload for than the 44 or 45. If you want something not everyone has, go for the 45 Colt Redhawk if you can find one in 4" to 6" barrel.

If you do get the Redhawk or Super Redhawk, be aware that it is a bit heavier than the GP100 which is no lightweight after you have traipsed around the woods for a day or two.

For a woods and range gun, I go with the 6" GP100 for the range most often. The others in my stable I could take out are
4" GP100,
2.75" 4" and 6" Security Sixes,
3" SP101,
5.5" and 7.5" Redhawk 44 Mag,
and 7.5" Super Redhawk 44 Mag, 454 Casull and 480 Ruger

In short, for range use for South Carolina, .357 Mag 6"
For carry in most areas. .357 mag 6" or 4"
If you are concerned about peccary or bear and such, Redhawk 44 or 45 (but in addition to the .357)

Two cents' worth for free.

Thanks for asking our advice.

Lost Sheep
 
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I vote .38/.357

Plenty of power for anything you should meet in the woods in SC, including people, and very economical and fun to shoot. Since you reload that's even better, you can load some hot .357s that will do all sorts of neat things and some .38s as well. Just a SUPER caliber combo right there.
 
A Ruger GP100 in Stainless Steel with a 6" barrel seems to be a perfect fit for your location and intended use.
 
Whichever you decide on, you are nearly guaranteed to still have the desire for the others down the road..especially being a handloader as you are.

My first DA revolver was a Smith 686 with a 6" bbl. Initially thought it would be one of just a couple handguns I would ever need or want... Then the curiosity/obsession for a 44mag occurred..and down the line we go...

So now I several Smith magnums, 4" m19-3, 6" 28-2, 4" 29-2, 6.5" 629 Classic, and a 460v which has a 5" bbl... Oh and my snubby, a m36-7 with a 2" bbl.

Said all that to simply say this: the 357 is a fine choice to stick your toe into the waters of wheelgun world.... But odds are you will end up wanting more..and more... and more.. :D They tend to multiply.
 
A Ruger GP100 in Stainless Steel with a 6" barrel seems to be a perfect fit for your location and intended use.
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x2 on the GP100 in 6". Far cheaper to shoot and reload for, and plenty big enough for SC critters. There are more bullet type selections for this caliber than any other, from super cheap bulk lead target bullets to premium self defense and hunting bullets.

If you decide to take up hog hunting, the .44 mag or 45LC or .454 Casull (shoots .45LC) gives you a wider range of options for big hogs.

You'll likely own both or all 3 one day, so your real question is "which should I get now, and which should I get later?"
 
Gotta be 357, since most 44 Mgs and 45 Colts are too big for most people to carry. You need that option when you have only one.

You will have the most fun with 38 Special, something like the 4" S&W 67 Combat Masterpiece. Ruger doesn't make a comparable gun.
 
While I would be punching some paper, it will also accommodate me in the woods. I live in Myrtle Beach SC so the critters aren't all that big. I don't think I would use it for CCW at all really, I have a semi auto for that. I want something a little more stout than a 9mm for the wildlife but in a 6 cylinder package. A must for me would really to be to have something that can be loaded hot and heavy or light and fast or low powered for practice.
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Sounds like the versatile, and more economical 38Spcl./357 Magnum would be your best choice. The Ruger GP100 would be a bit lighter, and easier to carry that the Redhawk.

I do handload so I feel as though if I pick the .45 I can load it ruger hot which is a huge consideration for me due to the range of loads I could develop.
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But from this I get that what you really want is a Redhawk in 45 Colt. So if budget, or government red tape makes additional purchases few, and far between, get what you really want first. :D
 
All of these cartridges are great fun to load. But 38/357 gets the nod from me because it's they're the most versatile in terms of bullet profiles, and component availability (brass/bullets).

Rarely do I recommend anything other than a 38/357 for a first-time revolver buyer. And although I'm a Smith & Wesson guy, the GP100 is a fine unit.
 
I do not understand how you can possibly exist without owning all three, and in ALL of the available barrel lengths.
And so it goes...
 
Thank you for all of your options so far, seems everyone is recommending the .357 mag. I would need it to be a hog killer so I am kind of concerned about the .357. Those cricritters are tough!!!
Keep it coming ;)

9miller
 
While I would be punching some paper, it will also accommodate me in the woods. I live in Myrtle Beach SC so the critters aren't all that big. I don't think I would use it for CCW at all really, I have a semi auto for that. I want something a little more stout than a 9mm for the wildlife but in a 6 cylinder package. A must for me would really to be to have something that can be loaded hot and heavy or light and fast or low powered for practice.
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For those specs, I think of my 45 Colt Redhawk. You can do anything with that revolver, although pretty massive as a concealed carry, which you've said is not intended. It carries well in a Galco DAO for crossdraw.
 
As mentioned, it depends on your use. However, a .357 lets you down load to .38 Special velocities. A .44 Mag lets you do that to .44 Special velocities. The Colt doesn't, but you can still load it to BP velocities. So none of that really matters.
A hog killer is the .44 Mag or hot loaded Colts. Look around town for the availability of cast and jacketed bullets and go with the most common one.
 
I know nothing about hogs. I do know there are .357 mag 'bear loads': developing around 720 ft/lbs of muzzle energy. That is in line with much factory .44Mag loads (magtech comes to mind).

I am out west. I trust a similarly loaded gp100 for defense from black bear and cat. People are a bigger concern for me. Of course, I do have a 7 5" SRH in .44Mag i can use my new buffalo bullets +p+ ammo in. Rated at @ 1600 ft/lbs, if I want to hunt.

I don't know about hunting with gp100, but i think it would work ok.
 
I would need it to be a hog killer so I am kind of concerned about the .357. Those cricritters are tough!!!
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I don't shoot animals - just not my thing. But I have heard from a few reliable sources that hogs are indeed very tough. From what I know (admittedly limited), I would not be comfortable taking down a hog with a 357 mag. If I were in that situation, I'd much rather have a 44 Mag.

The hog thing kind of changes my suggestion.
 
which cartridge

Since I'm the only rookie here my vote is for 357/38. I have 3 different 357's &
am absolutely comfortable using any of them for SD.
For all 3 I use 357 mag 125 and 158 grainers HP's depending on where I'm going and doing. I've shot 44 mags and prefer 357's. Can't say on the last calibre.
I asked a lot of questions from the guys before and got pretty good info from them. So, In the end, it's up to you.
 
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