And also: "I’m located in the American South, so black bears, wild hogs, and semi-mythical big cats would be the extent of dangerous animals..."
In this case, IMO 45 Colt makes more sense than 357 Magnum.
.357Mag vs .45LC in single action revolver
- Thread starter Wolfman Zack
- Start date
- Status
In this case, IMO 45 Colt makes more sense than 357 Magnum.
Talking to me or the OP? I have 13 or so .357 in Colt I frame Python, Smith K frame,L frame ,N frame ruger n dan wesson double actions ... for several decades so I know that
Master Blaster
Member
A little experiment. The OP does not reload. So I went to Midway USA to see what .45 colt, and .38 spl ammo ia availible today 9/11/2022.
.45 Colt ammo that can be ordered today is $1.90 a round. .38 Special ammo that can be ordered today is $0.65 a round. .45 Colt costs 3× as much.
He wants a standard SAA so that rules out the Ruger only loads. A .357 gives him more flexibility and lower ammo costs.
.45 Colt ammo that can be ordered today is $1.90 a round. .38 Special ammo that can be ordered today is $0.65 a round. .45 Colt costs 3× as much.
He wants a standard SAA so that rules out the Ruger only loads. A .357 gives him more flexibility and lower ammo costs.
aaaaa
Member
38 special 44 cents a round
https://cavalryammunition.com/products/38-special?variant=42301576085749
.45 Colt 80 cents a round
https://cavalryammunition.com/products/45-colt?variant=42301576904949
https://cavalryammunition.com/products/38-special?variant=42301576085749
.45 Colt 80 cents a round
https://cavalryammunition.com/products/45-colt?variant=42301576904949
RealGun
Member
In context, it frames the idea of 357 being a lighter weight gun, especially in double action where medium frames are more common for the 357. Consider that sometimes private messaging is a better way to respond. The High Road is supposed to minimize bullying.
This would not be the first thread to challenge an OP's premise. A New Vaquero 45 or SAA clone is very limited in what 45 Colt loads it will supposedly tolerate safely. Double actions in 45 Colt these days are large frames and a relative challenge to carry. The 357 Medium frame would be a far more versatile gun, able to shoot mild to wild, plinking are sizable game, close up or at some distance.
Last edited:
Mosin Bubba
Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2012
- Messages
- 1,936
I don't mind 45 LC, but it is intertwined with the SAA and I just cannot warm up to those. Worst grips in gun-dom.
.45Coltguy
Member
Perhaps you haven't tried Army grips on a S/A.
Mr. Mosin
Member
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2019
- Messages
- 2,112
Perhaps he's never tried properly grasping a '51 Navy grip.
Mr. Mosin
Member
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2019
- Messages
- 2,112
My personal recommendations for a standard SAA would be a .357 Magnum of you do not reload, a .45 Colt if you do reload. .357 Magnum also encompasses .38 Spl; and can be loaded mild to wild in factory bought ammunition. Ain't much a properly placed 158grn or 180grn HCGC .357 Mag won't drop down here in the Deep South, my friend.
If you consider that bullying might i suggest you go find a different "safe space" to hang out in?
Regarding requirements OP have; .357Mag vs .45LC in single action revolver, I am not saying that he shouldn't consider Italian clones, but IMO Ruger makes just better SA revolvers. They might not have case coloring and other nice looking details, but Ruger revolvers are STRONG, STURDY, and if something goes wrong, they will fix it, or replace complete revolver. Can't ask for better customer support!
As for caliber, I don't have any doubt that "Ain't much a properly placed 158grn or 180grn HCGC .357 Mag won't drop down here in the Deep South". Heck, one native in Canadian North was hunting polar bears with 22 Hornet. Bear almost wouldn't react when hit in abdomen, and hunter will just wait and later track it down. Because of internal bleeding, within several hours bear will be dead.
My point is that in most cases 45 Colt will do better job than 357 magnum. If you check loads here https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center for 45 Colt (NOT 45 Colt for Ruger, Freedom Arms and TC only), there is a load that will lunch 255-LSWC at 1011 fps and 14 000 PSI. That is basically a black powder pressure level. I have no experience with Italian clones, but I bet any of them will take such load without problem.
And that is not whole story. As others pointed, firing top load 357 Magnum without ear protection, just one shot will make ears ringing for days. Several shots in a row will most likely make permanent hearing damage. However, 45 Colt at 14 000 psi is no popcorn pop, but not nearly as bad as 357 Magnum at 35 000 PSI, some loads at Hodgdon website are listed as high as 40 000 PSI.
Regarding weights, as far as I know, no 357 Magnum revolver is manufactured on smaller frame that those used for 45 Colt. So, in that respect. 357 Magnum revolver on the same frame must be heavier than 45 Colt.
Just my .2 cents...
OP
OP
Wolfman Zack
Member
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2014
- Messages
- 62
I was able to handle a few at a show over the weekend, and I didn’t notice a big difference in the weight personally.
However, the statement regarding noise levels is an excellent point, and if I had a .357 I would probably load with .38 for the sound level, since a walking around gun often may be shot without the option of ear protection.
For this reason, I think I will look at the .45 colt or possibly also 44-40 as they seem to be better suited.
However, the statement regarding noise levels is an excellent point, and if I had a .357 I would probably load with .38 for the sound level, since a walking around gun often may be shot without the option of ear protection.
For this reason, I think I will look at the .45 colt or possibly also 44-40 as they seem to be better suited.
If you hand load you can load 357 down to 38 level. My wadcutter load is only 3 grains of W231. I get slightly better accuracy that way. Then again, if you aren’t careful you could load regular 357 and downloaded 357 and not be able to tell by looking. That’s a recipe for a bad surprise. On second thought, forget I mentioned it.
.45Coltguy
Member
I do this sometimes; load .38spl in .357 cases to shoot in my lever gun. Just mark the ammo boxes correctly.
Lowering 357 load on 38 Special level will make it just enough for self defense and plinking, but not suitable for black bear, hog or cougar. In case I face something like this:
I would rather look for a good size branch than rely on 38 Special load. You made a point, having revolver with properly loaded 45 Colt or 44-40 ammo makes sense. I would also add 44 Special. Any half decent SA will lunch 44-250 bullet at 1000-1100 fps.
Last edited:
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
The original comment that .45's are lighter is spot on. Since the OP specified single actions, .357's and .45's are quite often built on the same frame size. Be it Ruger or Colt-type. For example, I have 4¾" USFA's in .22LR, .38Spl, .44Spl and .45Colt. Their weights are as follows:
.22 - 44oz.
.38 - 42oz
.44 - 39oz
.45 - 36oz
That's a significant difference in the hand between a .38 and a .45. It's a funny thing, for the .45 to be so limited, there sure is a hell of a lot of handloading data for standard pressure .45Colt, on up to 23,000psi loads.
Bullying??? Disagreeing with what a person says does not constitute bullying.
Choctaw
Member
^^^^^^^^ Totally agree with CraigC. If the frames are the same size such as my New Model Blackhawks, the 45 Colt will definitely be lighter but man, what a pleasure to carry. Also, a 255 hard cast SWC pushed at SAAMI pressures will be just fine on deer (we're talking Texas deer) and pigs within reasonable handgun distances so they will do fine for SD as well. If one will do a Google search for 45 Colt ammo you will find there are plenty of factory choices available.
Very significant difference! Lately, because of the weight issue, I am considering selling my 686-3, 6" barrel. Since I am shooting 95% what is basically up to 38 Special +P level, I just do not see need for almost 45 oz in 357 Magnum revolver. Friends suggest M14 in 38 Special, its weight and balance are just right, but in my age I am not for serious competition, and would like to have a strong 357 revolver and in stainless. Yeah, I like S&W revolvers, and also 6" S&W M66, but because of strength issue, the only option in my area is 6" Security Six.
.45Coltguy
Member
Onty, that Security Six will fit like an old glove. Hope you get one.
dickydalton
Member
Lighter empty or loaded? 600 grains more bullet weight in a 45 vs 38 about.
Well, 600 grains is 1.25 oz, so in that respect we have .38-42 oz v/s 45-37.25 oz. Loaded .45 is still 4.75 oz lighter than .38. As for bullet energy and effectiveness, cannot compare them.
Last edited:
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
- Locked