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April 20, 2024, 09:14 PM | #26 |
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Hmmm... I see it as a wash personally. I am still kind of a "start with a bigger hole" guy... but I think you would be fine with either caliber. For me it would come down to the gun i liked best honestly.
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April 21, 2024, 10:18 AM | #27 |
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April 21, 2024, 12:32 PM | #28 |
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My old Lyman manual shows a few loads in .44 Special that break 1,000fps with a 240-250ish bullet from a 5.5" Colt SAA.
If they did it then, you can do it now. If you can do it in a Colt, you can do it in a Ruger. If you were limited to factory ammo, I would choose the .357 (though not the exact one you're looking at). You handload. Choose the GUN you like better. The rest will follow.
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April 21, 2024, 01:03 PM | #29 |
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If I interpret the OP’s post correctly, he already has the two guns he mentioned. He’s not looking for recommendations for other pistols, just which one he already has, to carry.
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April 21, 2024, 01:20 PM | #30 |
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I got 7 S&W .357s, 2 S&W 44specials and 3 S&Ws & Colt 45. I can’t make up my mind between 44sp & 45Colt but definitely better choice than 357 in my opinion. I shot cast in everything and just duplication of original loads for velocity. DA is no advantage to me only shoot SA. I have taken deer with 44Sp & 45Colt and shots at 0 to 50yds are almost always through & through. My guns are 6” & 5.5” for Colt, much more pleasant on both ears and recoil.
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April 21, 2024, 04:21 PM | #31 |
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Glad this generated so much discussion, but I guess I should provide "the rest of the story". I bought the GP-100 because I was interested in the question, "Does the 357 Sig really match the 357 Mag from a 4" revolver?" Yes! And I proved this to myself with a Sig 226 that is probably my favorite bottom feeder. Not only that, but the Ruger carries nicely in a high ride forward cant holster. The 44 I bought on a whim when I saw it on GB for a decent price. It rides in an El Paso Saddlery cowboy rig. Fairly comfortable also.
Loads...While the 125 JHP is the mankiller, in the woods I carry 158 XTP or GDHP at 1,300 fps. Still working on the 44, but for this medium frame BH, I stop a little short of the "Skeeter" load, with a 240 Hunters Supply at 936 and various 200s a bit over 1,000. If I need more, I do have a 7 1/2" BH 45 that runs thermonuclear loads at the expense of my middle finger knuckle. If I need more than that, I have a Super Redhawk in 480 Ruger. To me, "general purpose" means a pistol to take a target of opportunity (coyote?), defend myself, or just make noise when I break my ankle on the mountain. If I was worried about bipedal varmints, I'd take one of my bottom feeders. If bears (or more likely moose out West) I'd take one of the cannons. I think I'll put the 357 on the block. |
April 21, 2024, 04:34 PM | #32 | |
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April 21, 2024, 04:40 PM | #33 |
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Can't hunt with one. If it's human varmints you're concerned about, not a problem.
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April 21, 2024, 05:06 PM | #34 |
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Ok, thanks.
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April 21, 2024, 06:57 PM | #35 |
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this is just a question from an non-pistol guy, is there a good reason to go 44spl rather than 44mag and shoot 44spl ammo in the magnum ?
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April 21, 2024, 07:47 PM | #36 | |
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Quote:
The .44 Mag handgun is always bigger and heavier. Shooting the shorter case in the longer chamber can cause some problems if careful cleaning is not done. The extra power of the .44 Magnum is not worth choosing it over the Special when the Special is handloaded to max. |
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April 21, 2024, 08:15 PM | #37 |
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ok.
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"if you have a good shooting stance, you are not using cover correctly" father frog |
April 21, 2024, 08:59 PM | #38 | |
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What's the difference in weight when built on the same frame?
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There's only so much you can get from a max pressure of 15,500 psi (44 Special) compared to a max pressure of 36,000 psi (44 Magnum). |
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April 21, 2024, 10:55 PM | #39 |
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GP revolver
For me, a 4" bbl carries much easier then anything longer. It depends on the holster to a large degree of course. I think my Single Six is 5-1/2" , but it is a bit more svelte than a Blackhawk. None the less, it rides in a crossdraw flap holster, butt forward on my off side. The sleek Six, and both the 6" N-frames I've had over the years, never carried well for me on strong side hip holsters.
For a number of years, I carried a 4" Security Six as a GP woods gun, loaded with 158 gr LSWC and enough Unique to get an honest 1000 fps. I still use that load in my 4-5/8" Blackhawk, which rides in GI style aviator holster when I select that revolver to wander about. |
April 22, 2024, 06:19 AM | #40 |
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I used to have several 44spl’s and always thought it was one of the mildest big bore calibers to shoot. My only complaint was that CCI unlike in the 38/357 calibers only offered their shot shells in the magnum .44. I got around this by getting some CCI capsules and rolling my own 44spl shot shells. Very effective on copperheads, N frame 44spl’s are still some of my favorite revolver’s, so graceful and well balanced.
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April 22, 2024, 11:35 AM | #41 | |
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Quote:
As for power, I've never felt that I've needed the full power of the Magnum. The .44 Special is plenty potent in good handloads........have you read Elmer Keith? |
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April 22, 2024, 11:59 AM | #42 | |
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Quote:
I've read Keith. Are you advising people to load the 44 Special past SAAMI pressure limits to be fired in 44 Special revolvers? Sounds like a dangerous road to go down, with real liability concerns. People can wildcat anything, and that includes the 44 Magnum. Buffalo Bore loads 44 Magnum +P and +P+. |
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April 22, 2024, 12:10 PM | #43 | ||
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A clinger and deplorable, MAGA, and life NRA member. When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Single Action .45 Colt (Sometimes colloquially referred to by its alias as the .45 'Long' Colt or .45LC). Don't leave home without it. That said, the .44Spec is right up their too... but the .45 Colt is still the king. |
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April 22, 2024, 12:19 PM | #44 | |
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Quote:
As for reloading, I'm not advising anything except common sense. |
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April 22, 2024, 03:30 PM | #45 | |
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April 22, 2024, 09:35 PM | #46 |
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I don’t think anyone wants to be throwing 240grs of lead 1000fps out of a Bulldog!
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April 22, 2024, 11:05 PM | #47 |
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people, people; i didn't mean to open a can of worms.
i only asked if the op had a reason for choosing spl over mag. they did and i'm satisfied. thank you.
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April 23, 2024, 08:27 AM | #48 | |
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Quote:
However, just to be helpful.........THIS might alleviate your fears on that issue. This is a really neat gun. Old Hitch just loves it. https://www.google.com/search?q=s%26...Y56F1VtcM,st:0 Last edited by The Verminator; April 23, 2024 at 08:53 AM. |
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April 23, 2024, 10:46 AM | #49 |
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Pretty far from a Bulldog…….
My point was that all common 44spl’s are not created equally. The 69 Smith, a 44 Magnum (a great woods companion depending upon your location) is a totally different animal than what the OP originally was asking opinions about. |
April 23, 2024, 12:30 PM | #50 | |
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Quote:
You have to read more carefully. The link is about the Model 696, not the 69. |
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