New range toy - G20 or 44 Ruger SBH

[STLMedic]

I have about $750 to spend on a new range toy, and I'm considering a Glock 20 or Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter in 44mag. I just bought a Hornady Lock-n-Load kit, and am looking to start reloading. I had my heart set on a 1911, and found a decent deal on a STI Trojan, but decided to pass it up and start reloading, which dropped my budget to $750.

The gun would be used for punching paper and some whitetail hunting inside of 50 yards.
I'm very familiar with Glocks, having owned more than a few, and my current carry gun is a Glock 23.

Cost wise, the Glock 20 with 3 mags is $509 + tax. (I get the LE discount with Glock) the Ruger SBH 44 is running right about $600 + FFL fee. But the sights on the Glock need to go ASAP, plus a bit of trigger work, and possibly a new barrel to shoot hot loads.

So my questions are:

What is more fun to handload - 10mm or 44mag?
How's the trigger on a SBH?
How are the sights on a SBH?
Are reloading costs significantly higher on 44 vs 10?
Is picking up brass that big of a PITA with an autoloader?

With my carry gun currently being .40, I'd only have to buy one set of dies to reload both the 40 and the 10.. Which would save $40.
Both seem like they'd be fun to shoot.. So what's everyone's opinion?

Thanks!

 

[RonDeer10mm]

Springfield XDm .40 16+1
Range TOY

 

[STLMedic]

Toy as in - it's normal expectations won't include defense.

 

[hardluk1]

Buy the 44 mag. Cost to reload , egual. You don't have the worry about loading to a low level like a soft shooting cowboy load and have any semi-auto still funtion. Also if used for deer hunting a 10mm can not touch what can be done with the 44 mag with around a 7 1/2" barrel. Triggers on the ruger are fine but easily can be improved with as little as a wolf spring kit. You also have a a bit more freedom with grip profile. Sites? fully ajustable on the Ruger and the option of installing a scope or red dot of some kind on hunter. Shooting near to 3" at 100 yards is also possible with the ruger. Can't shoot 300gr + bullets in a glock. he he. I have some factory loads that roll along at 1485fps with a 240gr sp and are mild to shoot compaired to just a 40cal glock. I have 2 hunting buddies that bought ruger SRH for 699 a couple months ago so shop around with the smaller dealers or look up ffl dealers in your area . Many have the ffl buy don't advertize. Most will sell for 10% over cost.

 

[STLMedic]

What about resale value between the two?

 

[IlikeSA]

Since you said you are hunting, the 44 mag is going to be far more versatile. The 10mm isn't a wimp of a round, but it doesn't compare to 44 mag, and with all the mods you want to do on the Glock to get it up and going well, you may as well spend the extra on the SBH.

 

[jad0110]

I'd go with the Ruger, personally. As IlkeSA points out, you have more versatility in creating the optimal hunting ammo with the Ruger .44. And as you are just starting out with reloading, revolver ammo is a bit more forgiving with overall length than autos (just stay above the minimum, and keep it short enough to fit in the chamber).

Is picking up brass that big of a PITA with an autoloader?

Yes; it is for me anyway (try it sometime to see for yourself). Especially on days when my right hip is acting up. If I buy another auto, it will be a 22 LR, or something that shoots cheap ammo like a 9mm luger or Makarov that I won't feel the need to reload for, like .45 ACP.

 

[hardluk1]

Anyone worried about resale should not worry about buying a new gun or find a dealer that does not charge retail. I can buy glocks new for 500 to 550 and ruger SRH for under 700.