44-40 vs 357 mag for lever gun

[Jim Watson]

When I was active in CAS, I shot .44-40. It is more authentic, better suited to black if you swing that way (I didn’t.) and the guns balanced better. A full size .357 SA or octagon barrel rifle is pretty heavy.
But .357 is easier to load and cheaper to feed.

 

[.308 Norma]

I'd go with the 44-40 myself, but I'm an avid handloader that loves to tinker.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Have .357 and 45 Colt both are great easy to load And I have matching single action revolvers.

 

[CraigC]

The 44-40 is like a Jeep...you either love it with a passion or hate it. If you do not love the 44-40 with a passion, I suggest the 357.

I agree. I don't hate it but I do think you have to love the .44-40. It doesn't do anything for me when I can have another .44Spl or .44Mag but I do love the .38-40. Currently have three revolvers and an Uberti 1873 rifle but would take a new Rossi in the chambering in a heartbeat.

 

[dieselchief]

hmm shouldnt be a either or....get a rossi 92 in 357. after a while a 73 toggle link action in 44 40. just saying.

 

[Show Me]

The brass is either romantic or something to hold propellant to send a bullet on its way. Wouldn't trade off Rossi .357's or .44 mag's but did trade away 45 colts. Plus you cant have just one since you'll want the 16'' and the 24''. The difference on average yard deer between the three is noticeable. If your into black powder 44-40 would be my only choice

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Try this with a 357...

Do you think a .357 would not do as well? I would guess that it would with a heavy bullet, 180 to 200 grain. ? Good shooting with the .44WCF!

 

[ms6852]

Get both, end of discussion. You know you want them.

 

[CraigC]

Get both, end of discussion. You know you want them.

That is first class enabling right there.

 

[mavracer]

Get both, end of discussion. You know you want them.

And get the 44/40 in a 66 or 73 the 357 could be more modern 92 Win or 94 Marlin

 

[35 Whelen]

Been thinking about a lever gun. Thinking has evolved to an itch, and as we know, itches need scratching. Now I know I want lever rifle chambered for a pistol cartridge. For my purposes I've narrowed it to 44-50 or 357 mag. For 44-50 I need to buy a die set; I already have 38/357 dies. Apart from that, can anyone think of anything that would tip the scales in favor of either cartridge?

If you're going to hunt with it, definitely the 44-40, if not, take your pick.

Regarding cartridges, it doesn't always have to be about what cartridge is best or most powerful, we can choose cartridges for no other reason than "just because". At a period in time when I already owned a .357 lever and a .44 Magnum lever, I bought an 1866 Uberti Sporting Rifle in 44-40 and I'm glad I did, and I still have it.

I took the time to regulate the ladder sights to my particular load (220 gr. cast FP and a case full of Swiss 3Fg) and it is a hoot to shoot at 200 and 300 yds.

A few years ago I took the '66 to the deer stand with me and shot a scrub buck. The buck didn't die any more slowly of quickly than it would have had it been shot with a .44 Magnum, but there was something gratifying about using an old-school rifle and the boom, fire and smoke from the black powder load.

Good luck with your choice.

ETA- There's plenty of 44-40 brass on GunBroker.

35W

 

[Savvy Jack]

Oh yeah, I have a Marlin 1894C chambered for the 357 as well ;-)

So get both!


Got this one last year with the 73' 44-40 in -1 degree temps



Scratch one beaver with the 73'



Quite a few groundhogs


The coyote was shot on the old logging road just above the carport. Most of the groundhogs were shot in this area as well. The beavers were shot in the pond to the left of the brick/wood fence.


That is my ten file limit!
Happy New Year!!

 

[MarshallDodge]

hmm shouldnt be a either or....get a rossi 92 in 357. after a while a 73 toggle link action in 44 40. just saying.

I agree....get both!

 

[coondogger]

I'm probably not going to hunt with this rifle because I have a Marlin 336 chambered for 30-30 for that purpose. It's a real comfortable gun and I use it with iron sights because where I hunt nearly all shots are within 100 yards and you have to make up your mind fast.

 

[Speedo66]

Another vote for .357.

Less expensive whether you buy commercial or reload. The thin wall .44-40 require more attention when reloading because they crinkle easily.

Availability, no contest, .357 and the alternative, .38Spl., are everywhere, not so much for the .44-40.

Unless you’re shooting solely for authenticity, in my opinion, .357 is the way to go.

 

[P5 Guy]

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[Mosin77]

I made that decision and bought an Uberti 1873 in .44-40. It’s the authentic experience so to speak. A 215 grain lead slug propelled by a case full of Ffg black powder.

I’d like a Rossi .357 just the same, though… but my itch is scratched well enough.