Hypothetical question 45ACP vs 357 mag
- Thread starter Waterboy3313
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md7
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Either would work, but my preference would be 1911
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Waterboy3313
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I got my shoulder holster today. It's definitely a little different than I expected. It's actually pretty awkward for me. I didn't have a whole lot of free time to get it 100% adjusted. Drawing a 6 inch barreled revolver from a shoulder holster is going to take a little bit of practice. I wish the revolver was canted a little bit towards the front rather than vertical.
Maybe tomorrow I will have some extra time to experiment with it. Sitting in the riding position on my motorcycle it was comfortable enough but just feels weird. With a little bit more time I might be able to fine tune it and get used to it.
My waist bag whatever you you want to call it should be here Friday for my 1911. I'm hoping it will be decent and I can use it. I'm actually thinking it will be better. I am thinking of it does what I want I could ditch my tank bag. I'm not a huge fan of my tank bag and wouldn't mind not using it if I can carry my registration and few little extra things i need to have with me.
I guess everything is a learning experience and everyone likes different things. As soon as I get comfortable with what I have is when I will find my next pistol. Then it will probably start all over again.
Maybe tomorrow I will have some extra time to experiment with it. Sitting in the riding position on my motorcycle it was comfortable enough but just feels weird. With a little bit more time I might be able to fine tune it and get used to it.
My waist bag whatever you you want to call it should be here Friday for my 1911. I'm hoping it will be decent and I can use it. I'm actually thinking it will be better. I am thinking of it does what I want I could ditch my tank bag. I'm not a huge fan of my tank bag and wouldn't mind not using it if I can carry my registration and few little extra things i need to have with me.
I guess everything is a learning experience and everyone likes different things. As soon as I get comfortable with what I have is when I will find my next pistol. Then it will probably start all over again.
Mosin77
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I’d carry the 1911… my biggest concern would be 2 legged predators and I feel the 1911 is a better gun for this compared to a revolver. More shots, faster reloads. Sound pressure will also be less, which increases the likelihood that you can skate by without permanent hearing loss if you have to use your sidearm without earplugs.
Smaug
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I’d probably go .45 with heavy +P hollow points. You’d have quicker, more accurate follow up shots, in case you miss.
It’s easier to carry and you don’t have any animals big enough to justify .357 there.
Your .357 will be more accurate at range and more humane for hunting, but that’s not what we’re talking about here.
It’s easier to carry and you don’t have any animals big enough to justify .357 there.
Your .357 will be more accurate at range and more humane for hunting, but that’s not what we’re talking about here.
You also try a chest rig, but the vertical holster is great for concealment, and it is just a matter of time and practice before you get used to it.
BJung
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Good point. You can shoot shot through a revolver but not with a .45acp
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Waterboy3313
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I've thought about that but I don't really have a need for shot. Most of the snakes I see are out in the wild and they can be left alone as far as I'm concerned. The few little ones I have seen around my house are harmless. A rattlesnake at home would be a different story.
.308 Norma
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I don't think that's true, BJung. While I can't lay my hands on it right now, I have a box of factory .45acp shotshells around here somewhere that I bought from Cabela's before they became Cabela's/Bass Pro, and they work just fine in my Smith 1911 .45acp - they even cycle.
mokin
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...just because I read over three pages...
You can't go wrong with either. I have noticed that I have moved more toward my .357s when I'm in the woods.
But, as Waterboy3313 states here, things depend on the holster. I have the notion that when in a vehicle in the woods I may end up crashing or something and end up upside down, in the water, or otherwise in a situation where a holster with a good retention strap may be highly beneficial. Another reason, maybe sort of related, If I loose my magazines, I can still use loose ammunition in a revolver. I don't think it's a rational fear, but there it is.
You can't go wrong with either. I have noticed that I have moved more toward my .357s when I'm in the woods.
But, as Waterboy3313 states here, things depend on the holster. I have the notion that when in a vehicle in the woods I may end up crashing or something and end up upside down, in the water, or otherwise in a situation where a holster with a good retention strap may be highly beneficial. Another reason, maybe sort of related, If I loose my magazines, I can still use loose ammunition in a revolver. I don't think it's a rational fear, but there it is.
Smaug
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I just ran across this randomly. Turns out you can have BOTH! :-D
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Waterboy3313
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That's actually pretty cool. I would imagine finding one of those for sale is probably something I will never come across. But now I know they exist I will keep my eyes open. I will admit I am very happy with my 357. It's probably my most used pistol I go too for plinking. It will hit a 12" plate at a 100 yards with some authority.
This thread has really opened my mind to what I carry, how I carry and to what I might be looking for in the future.
StrykerByte.45
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I use a Glock in .45 with a KKM barrel and comp. It can fire anything from .45acp to +p to .45super.
1911 can be modded to .45super i think. Underwood had Xtreme Defenders in .45super 135gr @1500fps and Penetrators 200gr @1100fps both have very little recoil and are probably safe to fire from your 1911.
All runs reliable in my G30S, at least.
1911 can be modded to .45super i think. Underwood had Xtreme Defenders in .45super 135gr @1500fps and Penetrators 200gr @1100fps both have very little recoil and are probably safe to fire from your 1911.
All runs reliable in my G30S, at least.
Smaug
Member
Here's another thought; sorry if it's been mentioned before. It's a great middle ground:
Get a 1911 or other full size pistol chambered in 10 mm Auto. IIRC, 10 mm is significantly more powerful than 45 ACP, but not quite up to the full house .357 Magnum loads. It's a nice mid-ground in diameter too.
Not only would you have 1911 options, but you'd also have some other ones: Sig P220, I think Springfield makes a few, etc. This is the cartridge that auto pistol guys use when they go hunting; it meets many states' requirements for handgun deer hunting. Capacity in a double-stack gun would be higher than 45 ACP too. I think typically 15 rounds in a double stack pistol like a Glock 20.
Get a 1911 or other full size pistol chambered in 10 mm Auto. IIRC, 10 mm is significantly more powerful than 45 ACP, but not quite up to the full house .357 Magnum loads. It's a nice mid-ground in diameter too.
Not only would you have 1911 options, but you'd also have some other ones: Sig P220, I think Springfield makes a few, etc. This is the cartridge that auto pistol guys use when they go hunting; it meets many states' requirements for handgun deer hunting. Capacity in a double-stack gun would be higher than 45 ACP too. I think typically 15 rounds in a double stack pistol like a Glock 20.
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Waterboy3313
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I've been considering a 10mm in a 1911 platform. It is one of my first choices. I'm not a Glock fan or really a polymer striker fire fan in general but I would also consider a Glock as a second choice especially since Glocks have a reputation for working in serious conditions. I'm also limited by what is available in CA. That also applies to magazine capacity 10 rounds.
I've been thinking about my 45 acp ammo/components for reloading as well.
I have some Hornady critical duty ammo that I usually carry in it. I probably also have a selection of about 5 different bullets on hand from 185gr z-max to 230gr HP FMJ. As well as some not so good stuff in between. I will do some research and find a better powder to use with them or find some more self defense ammo.
Lehigh defense makes some pretty aggressive solid copper projectiles as well. I don't have much experience with the copper stuff in hand guns but their controlled chaos in 223 rem is pretty good stuff. I would think some of the solid copper projectiles would act a lot like a heavy hard cast lead bullet. I would think it would penetrate well and with the extra deep hollow point still be able to expand/fragment?
BJung
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Good to know. I didn't think they existed. I've only seen the plastic cases sold by Speer than you load with shot.I don't think that's true, BJung. While I can't lay my hands on it right now, I have a box of factory .45acp shotshells around here somewhere that I bought from Cabela's before they became Cabela's/Bass Pro, and they work just fine in my Smith 1911 .45acp - they even cycle.
Vern Humphrey
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Of course you can! There are .45 ACP shot cartridges that will function semi-auto in a 1911.
CCI 45 ACP 120 Grain Shotshell | 45 ACP Ammo For Sale - Ammunition Depot
BJung
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Maybe another approach to find the answer is, what kind of holster does the OP care to wear?
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Waterboy3313
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From my experience I really like my kydex IWB holsters. There's a local company that makes them. They actually molded my 1911 for their 1911 holster. Before that I had tried two or three other holster for my 1911. The one that was made locally is what really helped me to carry my full size 1911 in the waistband.
I also have a black hawk paddle holster for OWB but it's a little harder to keep concealed. If concealment and motorcycle injury wasn't part of the equation I would probably not have an issue with the black hawk holster. For my 9mm shield I also have a kydex IWB holster made by the same local company. It's so comfortable I always have to slap my side to make sure it's still there. That's my preference.
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Waterboy3313
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I also came across a couple of snub nose 38 specials today. If they were 357s I might have considered one. I had a little Taurus 605 a while back before I bought my GP 100. It was actually a comfortable decent little revolver. The draw backs were it was a 5 shot and a snub. I kind of wish I would have kept it now.
I figured the 9mm shield I have would be better that a snub nose 38 so I passed on them. I would say they are somewhat comparable but the shield wins for 8+1 capacity and easier faster reloads.
I figured the 9mm shield I have would be better that a snub nose 38 so I passed on them. I would say they are somewhat comparable but the shield wins for 8+1 capacity and easier faster reloads.
Vern Humphrey
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A piece of advice -- find someone who has a .357 snubbie, borrow it, buy a box of full charge 357s and shoot it all up. Odds are you will see the virtue of +P .38 Special.
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Waterboy3313
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I hand load all of my my ammo. I have owned a 357 snub nosed compact revolver. My stiff 38 loads were not comfortable. I have since stopped loading 38 special ammo because of the cleaning chore in a 357. I have several different loads in 357 from very light 38 special feeling loads to full on house magnum loads using max loads of H-110.
My point is I am very comfortable with the 357 magnum platform. If I am carrying something in the name of self defense I will be comfortable and expecting what it produces as far as recoil etc. Even if it's not fun to shoot I will be ready to use it and will practice with it routinely.
I try to hit the range 2-4 times a month depending on what life has going on. I assure you if I carry it I practice with it. Probably more than the average Joe does for sure. I spend more time at the range and reloading bench than is probably healthy.
.308 Norma
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Nah, not spending enough time at the range and reloading bench is what's not "healthy."
plainsdrifter
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Figure out a way to carry both. One on the hip onevin a pack.
Always have a back up .
Always have a back up .
To me, it would come down to what I feel I am trying to protect myself from. Mountain lions and black bears are serious threats and I would consider a .357 as the minimum caliber. As much as I love my 1911's in .45 acp I don't consider them "hunting" pistols. That is just my opinion.
If my main concern is of the two legged variety than anything from 9mm/38 special on up will do.
If I'm trying to cover both areas of concerns, especially in a situation where I might find myself stranded without any backup ammo. I think I would pick the Glock G40. In a survival situation there is something to be said for a reliable pistol with 16 rounds of near .357 mag power.
If my main concern is of the two legged variety than anything from 9mm/38 special on up will do.
If I'm trying to cover both areas of concerns, especially in a situation where I might find myself stranded without any backup ammo. I think I would pick the Glock G40. In a survival situation there is something to be said for a reliable pistol with 16 rounds of near .357 mag power.
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