357 mag vs 44 mag

[Muzzlelover]

I'm looking for a good little hog and deer rifle.I decided on either a rossi single shot 44 mag or a handi rifle in 357.I do have a reloading die for the 357,but the 44 is more powerful.which would you get?my uncle and my grandpa both have a 357/38 so theres plenty of brass to reload.would the 357 be powerful enough on deer and hogs?thanks.

 

[silicosys4]

The .357 magnum out of a rifle barrel is plenty powerful enough for deer, putting a 125gr. hp out at about 2000fps give or take.
If I were hunting dangerous hogs I'd want the .44 magnum. If I were only going to be hunting deer at close to medium range, I'd go with the .357....and shoot mostly .38 spcl out of it for fun.

 

[JShirley]

I'd use the .357 with 158 or 180 grain bullets, unless you commonly see hogs over 300 lbs. If hogs in your area are huge, I'd go with the .44.

John

 

[targetshooter22]

Personally, I find he 44 to be more versatile, but I can tell you from first hand experience that the recoil from factory 44 magnums in the Rossi/Hartford M92 guns is stiff to say the least. Both should be accurate and easy to load for, if you are into that.

 

[gazpacho]

I'd feel a bit more confident of a humane kill with the 44 Magnum. If money is tight, the 357 Magnum will get the job done.

 

[rugerman]

I have Marlins in both calibers, both will do the job. The .357 needs better bullet placement and shorter range (won't penetrate as deep if it hits a lot of bone) but its a great fun gun with less recoil and noise and somewhat lighter.

 

[CountryUgly]

Given your situation with familarity and solid supply of .357 I'd say it's a no brainer decision! .357 Mag! But we are guys who like guns and you didn't mention you already have anything in .44 mag so for the sake of not having one I'd say .44mag! The .357 however will flat put deer/hogs down out to 100 yards out of a rifle. Folks been doing for over half a century now.

 

[HKGuns]

I respect and reload both rounds. However, the .44 is just so versatile and powerful it is hard to say no to a .44 for me. The .44 will leave a bit more margin for error out of your typical rifle chambered in said pistol cartridge.

 

[oldpapps]

"I'm looking for a good little hog and deer rifle.I decided on either a rossi single shot 44 mag or a handi rifle in 357.I do have a reloading die for the 357,but the 44 is more powerful.which would you get?my uncle and my grandpa both have a 357/38 so theres plenty of brass to reload.would the 357 be powerful enough on deer and hogs?thanks."

You have given your own answer, .357. You have dies, brass and support.
Out of a long/er gun, the .357 is fine to 100 yards or so. Well, maybe not for some monster hog.
Yes, the 44 is more powerful. An 06 is too. What does it matter unless you are looking for a reason to get a 44

I haven't had a little pistol for almost 30 years. If 'IT' doesn't start with a '4'... With that in mind, your are talking about a long/er gun.

 

[WCraven]

I would find a vintage Marlin 336 lever action in 35 Remington as it is rated for Moose at 100 yards.

If your going do single shot then T/C Contender in the same 35 Rem .. it hits like a 30-06 with in 100 yards but comes in 200gr bullets and why it's moose rated. also with the T/C you could buy a 44mag or 357 mag barrel.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

I definitely prefer .44 mag for this task.

 

[saturno_v]

I really see not reason for buying a 357 lever rifle over a 44 Mag unless you are a recoil shy 100 pound person.


Heck I do not even see a reason why buying a 44 Mag lever over a 45-70...but that is just me.....

 

[savanahsdad]

I'd go with the 44mag , for a different reason, you can get them in more guns the Rossi Circuit Judge, (6 shot rifle revolver) , Ruger deerfield (autoloader) Ruger Carbine (autoloader) along with the bolt guns and lever guns that the 357 mag and the 44mag both come in , there is just a lot more guns out there useing the 44mag ,

 

[Reloadron]

Personally I am a fan of the .44 Magnum cartridge. I have one of the rifles Savanahsdad mentions (Ruger .44 Carbine) and love that little rifle. They can be had for about $600 give or take depending on condition. It has served as a great companion for my S&W Model 29 when hunting. Pictured below is a comparison between the .44 lower and Ruger 10/22. The rifle is short and handy weighing in at about 5 Lbs.



I also have a good .357 on my list to compliment my .357 revolvers but hands down prefer and like the .44 Magnum cartridge. That just being just my opinion and I load both, .357 and .44. Your call as to what would best suit your needs.

Ron

 

[WoodchuckAssassin]

Gotta go with the .357. The .44 has a nicer punch, but I just have a preference for the .357. It's just too fun to shoot, and since you already have the dies for it, I think it's your best bet.

 

[JRWhit]

Perhaps a compromise. Get the 357 rifle,and get the 44mag in revolver as the back up. Something to reach out, and something easy to draw that will drop a charging hog fast.

 

[gotigers]

Perhaps a compromise. Get the 357 rifle,and get the 44mag in revolver as the back up. Something to reach out, and something easy to draw that will drop a charging hog fast.

I like your thinking....get both.