Baron357
Member
I do not have anything larger then .357 mag, so is a .44 mag the next logical step up from .357 mag. I have not looked much but I hear that .41 mag and .45 colt are just too expensive and hard to find if you do not re-load.
Is a .44 mag the next logical step up from a .357 mag?
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Welcome to THR Baron357
If you do not reload then yes, the .44 Mag probably is your next best step. You can shoot easy to get .44 Specials for lighter loads and .44 Mag for even more fun, although I have not priced loaded ammo in so long I don't know about the .41 Mag being more expensive to buy than .44 Mag.
I have never had a .41 mag, but I intend to rectify that one of these days. It would be between the .357 and the .44 and will be just as cheap to reload as the .44 and a bit more than the .357. (bullet cost)
If you do not reload then yes, the .44 Mag probably is your next best step. You can shoot easy to get .44 Specials for lighter loads and .44 Mag for even more fun, although I have not priced loaded ammo in so long I don't know about the .41 Mag being more expensive to buy than .44 Mag.
I have never had a .41 mag, but I intend to rectify that one of these days. It would be between the .357 and the .44 and will be just as cheap to reload as the .44 and a bit more than the .357. (bullet cost)
.44 magnum, as stated, is like .357, available just about everywhere but with the cost of factory cartridges rising faster than the stock market you should seriously consider becoming a reloader.
I know a gent who owns but one handgun, a Smith and Wesson 657 6" .41 Magnum.
He feels he doesn't need anything else and he reloads for the weapon and it is the only gun he reloads for.
His other two firearms are a Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifle and a 12 guage Remington 870 Express shotgun.
I know a gent who owns but one handgun, a Smith and Wesson 657 6" .41 Magnum.
He feels he doesn't need anything else and he reloads for the weapon and it is the only gun he reloads for.
His other two firearms are a Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifle and a 12 guage Remington 870 Express shotgun.
Yep, it's the most logical step and a pretty long one for many people because of the recoil although most can adapt to it especially with the right grips. Like has been stated ammo is more readily available for the .44 than any other of the larger cartridges. If you reload it can be loaded from mild to wild. I personally lean toward the .45 Colt for most of my big bore shooting but sadly few if any decent loads available in many areas. The .45 and the .41 Mag are reloader's cartridges in my opinion.
44 magnum is a logical step up. You're gonna have them all someday anyway, so just get whatever floats your boat. All big bore calibers are expensive to purchase, and its not like you are going to put 1000 rounds a month down the barrel.
Personally, I went up to 45 colt, then back down to 41 mag. Yeah, right, down.
Personally, I went up to 45 colt, then back down to 41 mag. Yeah, right, down.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Either the .45 Colt or .44 Mag will do (if the former is in a Ruger Blackhawk) for one who reloads.
RNB65
Member
Lots of choices once you decide to go big bore. .44Mag or .41Mag is definitely the choice if you're going to be shooting commercial ammo and want to keep the cost at a semi-reasonable level.
But there are lots of choices if you have money to burn or are into handloading: S&W .500mag, S&W .460mag, .454 Casull, .445 Super Mag, .45 Long Colt, .30 Carbine.
But there are lots of choices if you have money to burn or are into handloading: S&W .500mag, S&W .460mag, .454 Casull, .445 Super Mag, .45 Long Colt, .30 Carbine.
SnWnMe
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44 mag will be easier to find than 41 mag so yes.
glockman19
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It's the step I intend to make shortly.
YosemiteSam357
Member
I'm in the same boat right now. I was thinking of moving to .45LC, but will probably stick with .44 mag. I've already got one in that caliber, so it makes even more sense. Plus, I don't have room for another caliber in the cabinet when I store my ammo!
I can get .44mag (Rem UMC) for ~$25/50. Same store has .45LC for $32/50, and .41mag for ~$40/50. And most of the .45LC I've found has been loaded with lead bullets, which makes cleanup more of a chore. Even many of the .45LC bullets (for reloading) that I've found are not jacketed.
My Speer manual has lists 300gr slugs as the largest loads for both .44mag and .45LC, and the max loads for each are within 10fps of each other.
I do have a press, but will most likely be using it to produce .44 special level loads. .44 spl is actually more expensive than mag where I am, simply because they make and sell more of the magnum ammo. (.380 is more expensive than 9mm for the same reason.)
Even if I want to reload, most of the components for .45LC will need to be ordered, whereas many places have .44 components. My store had exactly one type of .45 bullet, much more choices in .44. Same is true of loaded ammo.
I've heard the romantic odes to the .45LC and how it can produce a more comfortable recoil pulse than a .44, but then again, that's generally discussed in combination with a traditional "plowhandle" cowboy gripped gun, which doesn't work for my hands. I'm hoping I can experience this recoil nirvana with my "powder puff" .44 spl loads, shooting a 250gr slug @ 900fps.
-- Sam
I can get .44mag (Rem UMC) for ~$25/50. Same store has .45LC for $32/50, and .41mag for ~$40/50. And most of the .45LC I've found has been loaded with lead bullets, which makes cleanup more of a chore. Even many of the .45LC bullets (for reloading) that I've found are not jacketed.
My Speer manual has lists 300gr slugs as the largest loads for both .44mag and .45LC, and the max loads for each are within 10fps of each other.
I do have a press, but will most likely be using it to produce .44 special level loads. .44 spl is actually more expensive than mag where I am, simply because they make and sell more of the magnum ammo. (.380 is more expensive than 9mm for the same reason.)
Even if I want to reload, most of the components for .45LC will need to be ordered, whereas many places have .44 components. My store had exactly one type of .45 bullet, much more choices in .44. Same is true of loaded ammo.
I've heard the romantic odes to the .45LC and how it can produce a more comfortable recoil pulse than a .44, but then again, that's generally discussed in combination with a traditional "plowhandle" cowboy gripped gun, which doesn't work for my hands. I'm hoping I can experience this recoil nirvana with my "powder puff" .44 spl loads, shooting a 250gr slug @ 900fps.
-- Sam
BoneDigger
Member
I just made this step, and I think it was a good one. I now have the .44 Mag (Taurus M44) for hunting and the such.
My .357 (686-2) is my carry gun.
Todd
My .357 (686-2) is my carry gun.
Todd
.44 Magnum is actually .429"
.41 Magnum is actually .410"
Given the ready availability of .44 ammo, the compatibility of .44 Special ammo with a .44 Magnum revolver or lever gun, and the fact that it's not all that different from .41, I'd say that the .44 Magnum is the most logical next step.
I know the hardcore .41 Magnum fans would prefer the .41, and they may well be right from a strictly technical perspective. The .41 may, in fact, be a better cartridge (like the 6mm Remington, aka .244 Rem, is considered by many to be superior to the very similar .243 Winchester, or the .280 Remington over the similar .270 Winchester). But like the rifle rounds mentioned, the differences between .41 and .44 are most meaningful to skilled handloaders who spend a good amount of time with their cartridges.
If you just want a round in a certain class, and want to make it easy on yourself, get the .44, .243 or .270. If you want the absolute best round, and you enjoy screwing around with all sorts of specialty loadings, and you don't mind committing to loading your own, get the .41, 6mm or .280 (or a heavy gun in .45LC, which can be loaded hot as a .44, with big bullets). If you want an absolute cannon, skip the .44 altogether and get a .454, or the newer .460, .480 or .500.
But the next most logical step is the .44, all things considered, IMO.
What our wives don't understand is why we need so many guns. They just don't understand how many calibers there are!
.41 Magnum is actually .410"
Given the ready availability of .44 ammo, the compatibility of .44 Special ammo with a .44 Magnum revolver or lever gun, and the fact that it's not all that different from .41, I'd say that the .44 Magnum is the most logical next step.
I know the hardcore .41 Magnum fans would prefer the .41, and they may well be right from a strictly technical perspective. The .41 may, in fact, be a better cartridge (like the 6mm Remington, aka .244 Rem, is considered by many to be superior to the very similar .243 Winchester, or the .280 Remington over the similar .270 Winchester). But like the rifle rounds mentioned, the differences between .41 and .44 are most meaningful to skilled handloaders who spend a good amount of time with their cartridges.
If you just want a round in a certain class, and want to make it easy on yourself, get the .44, .243 or .270. If you want the absolute best round, and you enjoy screwing around with all sorts of specialty loadings, and you don't mind committing to loading your own, get the .41, 6mm or .280 (or a heavy gun in .45LC, which can be loaded hot as a .44, with big bullets). If you want an absolute cannon, skip the .44 altogether and get a .454, or the newer .460, .480 or .500.
But the next most logical step is the .44, all things considered, IMO.
What our wives don't understand is why we need so many guns. They just don't understand how many calibers there are!
As previously noted, the bigger bores' ammo will cost more than 38/357.
Another approach if using store bought ammo - Consider a 45 Colt/ ACP convertible.
The 45 ACP rounds are cheaper for practice than most of the available 44 Specs/ Mags. Go to any ammo suppliers web site and compare the costs and variety of ammo available in 45 ACP, 44 Spec and 44 Mag.
For all practical purposes, the hotter 45 Colt rounds compare to the 44 mag when you need a bigger bang.
Just some random thoughts for your consideration.
Another approach if using store bought ammo - Consider a 45 Colt/ ACP convertible.
The 45 ACP rounds are cheaper for practice than most of the available 44 Specs/ Mags. Go to any ammo suppliers web site and compare the costs and variety of ammo available in 45 ACP, 44 Spec and 44 Mag.
For all practical purposes, the hotter 45 Colt rounds compare to the 44 mag when you need a bigger bang.
Just some random thoughts for your consideration.
alucard0822
Member
I would say it depends on what you like about your 357, and what you are looking to get out of a larger caliber. 357mag is probably one of the most versatile cartridges ever concieved, and is sufficient for hunting most whitetail sized game and under. If say, you are farmiliar with a 4" 686, like how it handles, like the ability to use 38 wadcutters up to stout 357s, and just want something "bigger", then I would suggest the 629, if you are looking to get into hanloading, and want something that can fire soft 45colt up to something that could put down a bear, like 454 casull, then a redhawk/blackhawk might be the one, take that 1 step further and a 460S&W can fire 45lc (kicks like a 22), 454 casull, and 460S&W mag flamethrowers. The 44 mag and 454casull are great out to about 100 yards, the 460 claims trajectory within 5" of POA when dialed in at 200yds The 41 mag is an excellent cartridge, that does most of what both the 357 and 44 can do, but it should be near the bottom of the list unless you are planning to reload. Also keep in mind, as far as cost savings for reloading go the larger calibers tend to save you more, over factory ammo, and you tend to shoot less rounds per range trip, the average cost I have seen lately is 357 jsp $7 HL / $18 F 41mag jsp $10 HL/ $35 F, 44mag jsp $12 HL / $25 F 45C LRN $6 HL / $25 F 454casull XTP $14 HL / $50 F 460 S&W XTP $16 HL / $60 F
all are for 50rd batches HL= hand load, F= factory load, basically you can fire handloaded 460S&W for the cost of factory 357mag, but with every drop of the hammer you get your own personal fireworks display, and can make a 4" gong spin like a top at 200yards, a 357 won't quite do that
all are for 50rd batches HL= hand load, F= factory load, basically you can fire handloaded 460S&W for the cost of factory 357mag, but with every drop of the hammer you get your own personal fireworks display, and can make a 4" gong spin like a top at 200yards, a 357 won't quite do that
Baron357
Member
Thanks for all the advise guys, And for those who ask what the purpose of this gun would be well... living in the Northeast my .357 magnums are all I "need" for protection and for fun, so the .44 magnum would just be another addition to the collection to have fun with and maybe it would get a little time in the woods.
22-rimfire
Member
My step up in power from the 357 mag was the 41 magnum. I like it a lot. After shooting a lot of 41 magnum ammo and shooting 44's, I prefer the 41 mag. It is true that there are more loadings for factory ammo in 44 mag. I'm pretty comfortable with the loadings currently offered in 41 mag. But I wish Winchester would start a "white box" load and Remington an additional year around load. There is more choices for cheap ammo available for the 44 mag, but with Fiochii loading a 210 gr load now for the 41, I'm comfortable with that. My old favorite was PMC stuff because of the price, the power, and the fact that they came in 50-round boxes. All ammo is getting expensive.
My step up from the 41 mag was 480 Ruger which I am very comfortable with as long as ammo is available. I like the caliber and it is subsantially higher powered that a 44 or most hot 45 loads. It is abotu as high powered as I want to go. A 454 Casull would be a reasonable choice for that step as well. You could even do it now and shoot 45's in it. Be warned that the recoil o the 454 is substantially greater than what you are used to in 357.
Enjoy your choice. It will take some practice to get comfortable with the recoil, but you will probably do fine.
My step up from the 41 mag was 480 Ruger which I am very comfortable with as long as ammo is available. I like the caliber and it is subsantially higher powered that a 44 or most hot 45 loads. It is abotu as high powered as I want to go. A 454 Casull would be a reasonable choice for that step as well. You could even do it now and shoot 45's in it. Be warned that the recoil o the 454 is substantially greater than what you are used to in 357.
Enjoy your choice. It will take some practice to get comfortable with the recoil, but you will probably do fine.
Stainz
Member
Here is another choice - the .45 ACP and .45 Auto Rim - specifically, a S&W 625. They are available new now in the standard 5" and feature-laden MSRP $40 more 4" 625JM variant. Here you can use el-cheapo .45 ACP's - bought on a Sunday afternoon at Wally World -in super fast loading moonclips - or, even some .45 Coltish lead loads in some non-clipped .45 Auto Rim cases. A true 'big bore' with frugal tastes - and mild recoil. Homebrew ammo doesn't have to 'work an action', so a wide range of bullet loads is possible. My 625JM is a keeper - 230gr ball ammo at 700 fps for fun and competition; 255gr LSWC/250gr GDJHP @ 850+ fps for woods/urban jungle packing.
Stainz
Stainz
JackCrow
Member
Onmilo said-"I know a gent who owns but one handgun, a Smith and Wesson 657 6" .41 Magnum.
He feels he doesn't need anything else and he reloads for the weapon and it is the only gun he reloads for.
His other two firearms are a Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifle and a 12 guage Remington 870 Express shotgun."
This is a guy I'd want on my side in a gunfight!
He feels he doesn't need anything else and he reloads for the weapon and it is the only gun he reloads for.
His other two firearms are a Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifle and a 12 guage Remington 870 Express shotgun."
This is a guy I'd want on my side in a gunfight!
YosemiteSam357
Member
Yeah, but sometimes you're just trying to justify buying a new gun...
-- Sam
-- Sam
JMag
Member
Sam, what's wrong with that???
ReadyontheRight
Member
It all depends what you want to accomplish.
Jim March
Member
Baron, not all "357" guns are "really 357s" .
What I mean is, the gnarliest 357 fodder is some stout stuff. Get up over 700ft/lbs and you're into some real horsepower.
A GP100 with a 6" tube has the ergonomics and barrel length for that class of power. A New Vaq or similar SAA-class with a 5.5" or 7.5" barrel likewise, maybe more so. But you don't have to get into another caliber to play.
Just a thought.
. What I mean is, the gnarliest 357 fodder is some stout stuff. Get up over 700ft/lbs and you're into some real horsepower.
A GP100 with a 6" tube has the ergonomics and barrel length for that class of power. A New Vaq or similar SAA-class with a 5.5" or 7.5" barrel likewise, maybe more so. But you don't have to get into another caliber to play.
Just a thought.
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