why dislike for .357 magnum??

beantole

February 09, 2003 04:41

I posted yesterday about getting a single action western style revolver for self defense. I learned a lot from the replies.
However, in the 3 years or so I have been posting here
it seems a lot of you just don't like the .357 magnum caliber and prefer the 45LC or .41 or just about anything but the .357 magnum.
Am I imagining this? Just would like to know why. Thanks

Bruce

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  mballai

  February 09, 2003 05:42

  It's really more about physics and shot placement than caliber preference. Big powerful loads aimed well are necessary to subdue large wild animals. Just mentally compare an expanded 125 grain hollowpoint that's maybe now .58 with a 300 grain HP that's now .69. in providing the massive blood loss and internal organ damage necessary to bring a raging bear down. It's a substantial difference.
  
  Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead

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  gap1916

  February 09, 2003 08:16

  Every caliber has it use and limitations. The .357 is a very good all around choice. But for Bear and you want a hand gun you must go with big. I am surprized that you do not cary a rifle in one of these caliburs. It would suit you better than the hand gun. But I say again for bear go with the 45LC or the .44mag. My 2 cents. PS i use a 357sig just about equal to the .357mag, just not for bear[:)]
  
  Greg

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  Nighthawk

  February 09, 2003 09:02

  For what it was created for LE Self Defence, you seldom or Ive never heard anything bad about the .357 Mag.Its the standard cartridge that everyone based other self defense rounds to.The .357 Sig has duplicated it,ballisticly,and is becomeing very popular.Im not implying no one here is old[:)]But older generations swore by it or the .38 special.Especially retired LEOs would still chose it, and do for Self Defense uses.I for one truly respect the .357 Mag and believe its a no.1 contender for best stopping power Handgun gun, it was created to be.But I wouldnt choose it as my trail gun.
  
  Rugster
  
  
  Toujours Pret

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  gskyhawk

  February 09, 2003 09:22

  I would echo what every one else has said and add that if facing a person they will reallize that a small cal. gun can and will do damage to them, ( if they have any brains ) but when facing a 4 legged animal that wants to do you harm, then you want pure power on your side the bigger the better, even better than a handgun would be a good 12 ga shotgun loaded with slugs , but it is a little on the large side for a trail gun

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  mrmike08075

  February 09, 2003 09:47

  as an every day shooter, as capable punching holes in paper on the range, and as a powerful self defense or hunting gun, the .357 mag is a great choice. but if your main concern is defense from large dangerous predators, you should choose a larger, more powerful cartridge. that is not to say that the .357 mag is not a well rounded, well thought of, powerful round. if i am going to choose a cartridge to stop a bear, or a couger, it will be one of the big boys. if you intend to depend on it fore one shot stop emergency encounters with big predators then go larger. just my humble opinion. best regards, mike.
  
  What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.

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  beantole

  February 09, 2003 16:07

  OK, you guys have convinced me. I will get it in .44 magnum. I just won't shoot it a lot. I actually did not want it for punching paper but for the (hopefully never) time when I can't logically argue with a 4 legged creature attacking me. Thanks again guys!!
  
  Bruce

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  TED GAR

  February 09, 2003 17:21

  For thin skinned, creatures like a human for self defense, go with the 110 grain jacketed hollow point, it will blow up on impact, and your target won't get back up. Now if you are sold on the 44 mag, then more power to you.. You can practice with the 44 specials, in the same gun, as long as it is a revolver. And it will be very pleasant to shoot.

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  beantole

  February 09, 2003 17:47

  OK, thanks for the info. Now one last question..........how much
  felt recoil will there be if I fire a .44 magnum? Can my wife fire 6 shots without wrecking her hand? She thinks the 357 Mag hurts to fire I I don't but I have never fired a .44 magnum) I am fairly large in frame. I have fired machine guns (7.62 X 39mm) with no pain but I am concerned about that .44 magnum.

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