[mrming]

I give up.


I cannot decide between 357, 44 mag, or 45 LC. Its going to come with me when I go work on a masters, so it needs to be cheap to reload for.


My only uses for it will be punching paper, gongs, steel plate, and bowling pins as far as accuracy will allow. I'm trying hard to keep ego seperated out of this, and that 44mags are rather expensive in this area is definitely helping...

Wanting something in a full size frame with a 5 or 6" barrel, probably with an underlug.

[Bacchus]

I'd go with the 357...it should cover home defense, ammo is widely available, and you can shoot cheap 38s through it for practice.

[Airwolf]

I'm looking at getting a revolver/lever action combo.

I have all "plastic" handguns, my SA Ultra Compact the only execption (hey, everyone needs a 1911 right? :D ) and feel the need to branch out a bit.

After long and careful consideration I'm 99% sold on .357 mag.

Since I don't reload yet the price of ammo is a major factor. I've got plenty of firepower for "social situations"/SHTF so that's not a major driving force either (and the .357 isn't a slouch anyway).

I'll eventually end up with a handgun that gets the "holy crap!" reaction when you take it out at the range (.44 mag, .454, .50AE or .500 S&W mag) but that's for later. :evil:

[Al Thompson]

If hunting the wild bowling pin is high on your list, I'd skip the .357. It can be done, but takes an effort.

If it were me, I'd make it a M29 or 629 - I'm not fond of single actions. If you are, it's very hard to beat a Ruuger Blackhawk in .44 or .45 and essentially a toss up for calibers.

HTH

[Jim March]

How well do the really serious 357 loads out of a 6" barrel do on pins? I would assume pretty good? I'm talking about the Georgia Arms Deerstoppers (158JHP @ 1,500fps) or the Cor-Bon hunting loads (200grain hardcast @1,200fps).

You need a GP100, L or N frame S&W or equivelent (large frame Dan Wesson) to deal with those.

[Kahr carrier]

What about a 686 plus thats an L frame made to take a steady diet of 357 Magnum and you can shoot 38 special when you paper punch. It also has a full barrel underlug and is a 7 shot.:)

[Al Thompson]

Jim. when I was shooting pins, the milder .44 loads (200-240 grains, 850-1000 fps) had enough momentum to clean a pin off. The hotter .357 rounds worked, but the muzzle flip was harder to control.

The GP-100 was a favorite as was an L frame. But the big Smiths ruled the wheel guns.

[RugerFan]

Don't discount the .41mag. It packs a good punch, but without the wallop of a .44mag. Ruger Blackhawks are inexpensive while Dan Wesson makes a real beauty!

[Quantrill]

S&W Model 29. With reloading, 44spec and the maggies, it is all you need . Quantrill

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All,

My friend, NO weapon is "cheap" to handload for!

With that said, I would opt for the .357 magnum,
cuz you can always load some light .38 Special target
loads for this weapon. Therefore, they would be less
EXPENSIVE!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member