Caliber Opinions

[1942farmall]

Really wanting another Henry lever to add to my collection along with my Marlins.
It will be a big loop carbine in either the case hardened or blued steel receiver.
Target shooting, short range hunting, and for my quad while out exploring on my place in southwest Idaho.
Can't decide between a 45 LC or a 357 mag.
My wife already has the case hardened 44 mag so I'd like something different.
I have molds, brass, and dies for both.
I also have an H010 side gate Henry 45-70 but want something a bit shorter.
I keep waffling back and forth but am leaning again to the long colt.
Feedback?

 

[Booger66]

I always like to one up my wife
She gets a 380, I get a 9mm, she gets a 40s&w, I get a 10mm, she gets a 30-30, I get a 300 winmag.
Your wife has a 44, get a 444

 

[film495]

Interesting choice if you have molds for both and can reload them. In an old lever gun, I might lean toward the cartrdige that existed when the carbine was designed, but that's just me. I have a .38 Special revolver, so - I'd go for the .357 because of that. At face value, the Long Colt is cooler IMHO. And it is a .45 ... have you seen the size of those things..

 

[gotboostvr]

There won't be much practical difference between a 45 and the 44 you already have.

The 357mag will be softer shooting and have a little flatter trajectory.

Do you own any handguns in 357 or 45?

I'd lean toward the 357mag personally. Cheaper to feed, even with reloading.

 

[jdsingleshot]

Have never had either, but would lean toward the .357 for the reasons above.

 

[1942farmall]

I have handguns in both.
Again, Leaning towards the colt due to the fact I could do mild cowboy loads or exceed 44 mag power.
I have a lifetime supply of components for both and as noted molds for both for mild stuff

 

[gotboostvr]

I have handguns in both.
Again, Leaning towards the colt due to the fact I could do mild cowboy loads or exceed 44 mag power.
I have a lifetime supply of components for both and as noted molds for both for mild stuff

You won't really exceed the 44mag by any appreciable amount. In similarly constructed weapons, it'll be as close to a wash as any two cartridges can be.

 

[25-20 WCF]

I always like to one up my wife
She gets a 380, I get a 9mm, she gets a 40s&w, I get a 10mm, she gets a 30-30, I get a 300 winmag.
Your wife has a 44, get a 444

…I also have an H010 side gate Henry 45-70 but want something a bit shorter…

.

 

[citizenconn]

Your query got me looking into these options, and I fell down a rabbit hole for several hours. Good thing I am at work (librarian) and getting paid to do so.
I really like the romance of the .45 Colt, and now I want a revolver than shoots it as well as the .45 Schofield.

 

[sparkyv]

My son's Henry is a 45C. It's a joy to shoot. If I ever get one, it'll be in 44Mag to compliment my M629.

 

[redneck2]

If you’d just get one of each, you wouldn’t have a dilemma.

See, wasn’t that simple?

 

[Rob96]

I have the BBX in 45 Colt. Awesome rifle. Picked it up for dense woods/brush hunting.

 

[1942farmall]

If you’d just get one of each, you wouldn’t have a dilemma.

See, wasn’t that simple?

Trust me... that's come to mind.

 

[redneck2]

Glad I could help

 

[ZGunner]

I personally like the 45LC. Mine is actually a Rossi 454 Casull that really only gets fed LC.

I sure wouldn’t turn my nose up at a .357 lever gun though. I think this is a win-win for you here.

 

[Speedo66]

Personally, I'm at the point where less recoil is a plus. My head's been shaken enough times, no magnum like .45 loadings for me.

My choice would be the .357.

 

[Seedy Character]

You will be happy with either or both

Having the companion handgun just adds to the fun.

I have the .22LR, .22WMR, .44Mag and .45C, with a companion Single Action. If I come across a .357 and .41Mag, I will get them to complete their companion.

 

[film495]

If you’d just get one of each, you wouldn’t have a dilemma.

See, wasn’t that simple?

this really is excellent advice

 

[Picher]

I've found that the .38/.357 is more fun to load and enjoyable to shoot than the .44 Mag. I find lots of fired brass on the range after the cops have their annual qualifications at our club. It's cheaper to load for .38-.357 than for the larger bores and I cast bullets for it as well. I don't shoot handgun as much as I used to, but still enjoy the fun and ease of shooting .38 wadcutters ahead of a few grains of Bullseye. Accuracy is fantastic and helped me win a few matches in the old days.

 

[Hunter 08]

I'd go for the .357 rifle. .357 and .38 special are usually easier to find and cheaper. Plus if you ever get a revolver or any other handgun in .357/.38 it's a perfect pair.

 

[Olympus]

357 would get my vote.

 

[American_Fusilier]

I'd go with the 357. It's on my list