What's next after 357 mag?

[38riverrat]

After my 6in 686, I bought another L frame S&W revolver, the 4.2" M69. I just used it for 44 Spl, due to old age hands, but you can load 44 Mag to what ever level you want. It's a handy woods gun with loads appropriate for the area. Available in 2.75" and 4.2 inch versions. It was an accurate revolver, but I am back to 38 Spl only, due to further hand and wrist problems.

73,
Rick

 

[.45Coltguy]

I vote .45 Colt. Have three of 'em. Heck, look at my user handle.
<<<

 

[Bazoo]

A 44 special, loaded at the standard pressure of 15,500k using a heavy bullet like a 250 keith, will give you slightly less recoil than 357 magnum but more than 45 automatic. It is easy to handle, but, those big bullets shove on both ends. Up that to the Skeeter load and you're getting similar to 357 but with a shove rather than a quick jab. Full bore 44 magnum is 3 times what a 357 magnum factory load is. I'd go between before jumping right to magnum level loads. But, that said, if you have a big and heavy gun with rubber grips, its much more controllable.

I was able to jump to 44 mag using rubber grips on a SBH, but I ultimately settled on lesser loads as my standard working loads. Most of those being standard 44 special to the skeeter level loads.

I've never tried a 41 magnum, and I am afraid to do so. I know I'd just love it. And then I'd have to acquire a blackhawk and a S&W 57. And then a Marlin 1894. It might even ruin me for my beloved 44 special....

 

[Centella]

A 44 special, loaded at the standard pressure of 15,500k using a heavy bullet like a 250 keith, will give you slightly less recoil than 357 magnum but more than 45 automatic. It is easy to handle, but, those big bullets shove on both ends. Up that to the Skeeter load and you're getting similar to 357 but with a shove rather than a quick jab. Full bore 44 magnum is 3 times what a 357 magnum factory load is. I'd go between before jumping right to magnum level loads. But, that said, if you have a big and heavy gun with rubber grips, its much more controllable.

I was able to jump to 44 mag using rubber grips on a SBH, but I ultimately settled on lesser loads as my standard working loads. Most of those being standard 44 special to the skeeter level loads.

I've never tried a 41 magnum, and I am afraid to do so. I know I'd just love it. And then I'd have to acquire a blackhawk and a S&W 57. And then a Marlin 1894. It might even ruin me for my beloved 44 special....

Hey thanks. Yeah, it really seems like the best way to go is getting a .44 Redhawk and handload the easiest 44 specials possible, and then work my way from from there. Looking forward to it. Also, curious about the .41mag. It sounds like at some point it was intended to bridge the gap between 357 and 44mag...

 

[Rexster]

I wish that I had topped-out at .357 Magnum, and added .45 Colt. I had started with .45 ACP; a 1911 was my first handgun.

Actually, it was not just the big-bore Magnums, themselves, but that N-Frames and Redhawks were too large for me to hold properly, while getting enough finger on the trigger, for a DA trigger stroke. Had I held them properly, and cocked the hammer, to bring the trigger within reach of my index finger, to shoot them single-action, the damage would, presumably, have been much less.

Arthritis is not my friend. I wish that I had never heard about .44 and .41 Magnums.

 

[Tallball]

Who makes a 40 caliber K-frame? Are you talking about a Charter Arms Pitbull?

It's a Taurus Model 405. Took a while to track one down.

Taurus Model 405

• Tallball
• Dec 15, 2022

 

[mcb]

It's a Taurus Model 405. Took a while to track one down.

Taurus Model 405

• Tallball
• Dec 15, 2022

That is interesting. I did not know Taurus made a 40S&W revolver. I always wanted a similar revolver but I thought Charter Arms was my only choice. I was hung up on not being able to use moonclips with the Charter Arms but the 405 does use moonclips. I might have to keep my eyes open for one of those.

 

[bigpower491]

Hey thanks. Yeah, it really seems like the best way to go is getting a .44 Redhawk and handload the easiest 44 specials possible, and then work my way from from there. Looking forward to it. Also, curious about the .41mag. It sounds like at some point it was intended to bridge the gap between 357 and 44mag...

2 things.
First, be prepared for the numbers you see on the Redhawks. I'm kinda in the process of looking for a 44 mag the same vintage as the 357 (80s) I picked up recently. Some of these knuckleheads are crazy the way they bid em up on the auction sites.
Second, being you do roll your own ammo, a real good powder choice going into the Magnum realm is Ramshots Enforcer, also known as Accurate 4100. I've been playing with it a bit in 44 mag and am finding the recoil from it is a bit less than other Magnum powders with not much difference in velocities. A little more playtime with it and some 357s, and I think I'll be leaving the rest of my 296 for my 450 Bushmaster loads

 

[Riomouse911]

Personally I would go the K or L-frame .22 route myself rather than jump up to a heavier-recoiling big bore. A LOT of good-habit practice and experience can be gained using such a revolver without the potential of creating a flinch or other bad habits.

Just a suggestion.

Stay safe.

 

[rwilky78]

I started out with 357 mag and 38 special at the same time. Then I got my Ruger Blackhawk convertible in 45 colt and 45 ACP. My vote would also be 45 colt very fun to shoot and load for.

 

[Tallball]

That is interesting. I did not know Taurus made a 40S&W revolver. I always wanted a similar revolver but I thought Charter Arms was my only choice. I was hung up on not being able to use moonclips with the Charter Arms but the 405 does use moonclips. I might have to keep my eyes open for one of those.

I really wanted a 40 caliber revolver, but the options are limited. The Pitbulls are light carry revolvers and pricey right now. The Chiappa Rhinos are around $1k. You can shoot 40 caliber out of the S&W 610's, but they're also around $1k. There are a few Blackhawks with different 40-caliber conversion cylinders, but they're rare and expensive.

The Taurus 405 is rare, but not expensive. It's just their standard medium-frame revolver chambered to accept five rounds of 40 S&W in a moonclip. When one shows up on GB, it can normally be won for $400 or less. Mine was a bit less, IIRC.

 

[chaim]

If your .38/.357 is a 6" 686, I'd say instead of changing caliber, get a smaller/lighter revolver. A classic 4" S&W 10, or similar Taurus 82 is a great way to go. Perfect size for the caliber, feels great in the hand. A 3" or 4" K-frame .357mag shooting magnums will definitely be a different experience than shooting the 6" L-frame you have. In a year or two, once you have more revolver experience, try the classic steel framed 2" J-frame (or Taurus 85/856).

If/when you really want to try another caliber, my favorite revolver calibers to shoot are .45LC and .41mag. However, you won't have as much variety as .44mag, and .44mag is easier to find and cheaper to shoot (if you don't reload). Though, all three of these calibers are expensive enough to shoot, and reloading is so easy for revolvers, I'd suggest starting reloading before you move to these calibers and ignore cost/availability and just go with the one that most appeals to you.

 

[mcb]

I really wanted a 40 caliber revolver, but the options are limited. The Pitbulls are light carry revolvers and pricey right now. The Chiappa Rhinos are around $1k. You can shoot 40 caliber out of the S&W 610's, but they're also around $1k. There are a few Blackhawks with different 40-caliber conversion cylinders, but they're rare and expensive.

The Taurus 405 is rare, but not expensive. It's just their standard medium-frame revolver chambered to accept five rounds of 40 S&W in a moonclip. When one shows up on GB, it can normally be won for $400 or less. Mine was a bit less, IIRC.

I have a 6.5-inch 610 (no dash) that I used for USPSA competition for several years. It's had thousands and thousands of round of 40S&W through it. When I upgraded to a different competition revolver the 610 became my hunting revolver using 10mm Auto.

I am fairly heavily invested in 40S&W so I have always wanted a CCW appropriate 40S&W revolver.

 

[contender]

327 magnum. It gives you the options of 32 H&R mag and 32 S&W Long. The Long is easier to come by and in my experience very mild and accurate.

 

[Obturation]

Hi there fellows!
I've been shooting 38 specials for about six months and 357 mag for about a month now. I found the move from 38sp to 357mag quite noticeable but manageable. I'm using a S&W 686 with a six-inch barrel and rubber grips. My hands do feel a little bit sore after a few shots, but the feeling lasts only about two seconds. I'm able to go through a box of fifty rounds with no issues.
I'm curious about what's the next caliber I should try. Eventually, I'd really love getting my hands on a Ruger Redhawk 44 mag...

Let me know your views, thanks in advance!

Full power 357s from a 6" 686 shouldn't cause any discomfort . you need practice . if you find that combination to be a hand full you should just shoot that until you no longer feel that way. If I were you and looking for the next thing, go 45 colt redhawk. It'll give you a nice gentle yet powerful cartridge and in time you can work up to downright nasty "ruger" loads . you really don't need anything more.

 

[halfmoonclip]

The big question for the OP; "do you reload?" It lets you tailor calibers to what you want to do.
(It appears the primer crisis is starting to ease...)
Moon

 

[LimaCharlie]

I am seventy-six and a recoil junkie. When I go to the handgun range at the gun club, I start with the 454 Casull to loosen the arthritis. Then I go to the 44 magnums and then the 41 magnum.

When I get to the carry guns in 357 magnum, 10mm, and 45 ACP, they are a pleasure to shoot.

 

[Targa]

I am seventy-six and a recoil junkie. When I go to the handgun range at the gun club, I start with the 454 Casull to loosen the arthritis. Then I go to the 44 magnums and then the 41 magnum.

When I get to the carry guns in 357 magnum, 10mm, and 45 ACP, they are a pleasure to shoot.

Great to hear! I am a 50 year old fellow junkie and I really hope I still am when I hit my 70’s.

Loosen up the arthritis with .454Casull, that’s awesome..

 

[Scrapiron45]

Being a reloader puts you way ahead in this game. You can take the 44 mag or the 45 colt (my favorite) and do most anything you want with either. Light plinkers or hand numbing firebreathers, your choice but be conscious of the abuse you're giving your wrists and hands. I started reloading fifty years ago and loved the boomers but light loads are the norm anymore if I want to be able to hold my dinner fork tonight. I surely do miss those fire-breathing boomers though.

 

[jag1954]

I am seventy-six and a recoil junkie. When I go to the handgun range at the gun club, I start with the 454 Casull to loosen the arthritis. Then I go to the 44 magnums and then the 41 magnum.

When I get to the carry guns in 357 magnum, 10mm, and 45 ACP, they are a pleasure to shoot.

I'm gonna try that!

 

[blue32]

Definitely try something new. I went from a 6" 686 to a SBH 480 and a 32HR in between. While fun, the Ruger started dropping the hammer between chambers and the Charter never worked from the start. Over the course of those experiments I recalled the joy of my 357 1,200 fps cast loads. I loaded 130 rounds yesterday for the first time in 5 years. I'll send the SBH back to Ruger eventually but I'm in no hurry.

 

[Centella]

The big question for the OP; "do you reload?" It lets you tailor calibers to what you want to do.
(It appears the primer crisis is starting to ease...)
Moon

Thanks! Yes I do reload. Excited about the primer crisis being over, hopefully soon. By the way, right now the best deal I have seen at respectable online store is for Aguila primers. Are they any good?

 

[jdavis123]

it is difficult to change the mind of anyone bitten by the big bore magnum bug. I can remember seeing guys with their newly acquired 44 magnums arriving at my gun club anxious to fire their new hand cannons. After a few full house rounds many put the guns back in the case later to turn up at the LGS for sale. Most any experienced shooter will tell you that there is a world of difference between a .357 and a .44 magnum in recoil as well as cost. The .44 is a powerful round that is difficult for most to master and some never do but just enjoy it none the less. Handloading down to .44 Spl velocities will certainly make your shooting secessions more pleasant. Since you seem to be a relatively new shooter, I suggest that you try before you buy. It can be an eye opening experience!

 

[UncleEd]

The cumulative effects of heavy magnum caliber shooting
is that they are either totally not noticed or hardly noticed.

But at a certain point, the chipping/flaking of bone
accelerates and still not hardly noticed or the discomfort
goes away. You think you are healing. You are not. The
damage has been done and will only increase.

And then perceived healing no longer occurs.

The same effects to nerve damage apply.

But I'm repeating myself and my earlier posts. I know
the warnings will do no good.

 

[orionengnr]

I guess it depends on your age and how much you want to beat up on your joints and bones.

Me, I'm 66 and have shot a whole lot of stuff for a whole lot of years, and my wrists never "don't hurt". They either hurt a bit, or a bit more, or a lot.
So I sold my beloved .41Mag a few years ago and seldom shoot .357s any more. But I shoot a lot of .45LC. I can load it lite, medium or Big Boom.

Which brings up another consideration--any big-bore revolver cartridge is expensive if you buy factory ammo.
If you handload, you can load any of the above for a reasonable price. I handload for .38, .357 and .45LC (and used to load .41Mag)