Best Handloader's Revolver/Carbine Combo?

[Short Shot]

I am planning on assembling a revolver/carbine combination of either .357Mag, .45Colt, or .44Mag. The purpose is for backcountry hiking/camping/hunting with deer, pig, or black bear a consideration as game.

The carbine would be a Win. Model 1894 Trails End. I currently own a Ruger GP100 .357mag w/4bl (mmm, mmm, gun), so a the '94 in .357 seemed the natural choice. But I recently fired a .44mag S&W Model 29 w/6-&-1/2bl and absolutely loved it; I imagine .44mag would be productive in a lever action. I also thoroughly enjoy my Springfield Armory GI in .45ACP and thought a wheel gun in .45C could be a nice for the trail, along with the '94. The thought just occured that I could get an M1 Thompson to...oh, I live in California...never mind.

I will be handloading soon; getting ready to order the whole set-up. I know that Hornady has recently produced their LEVERevolution ammo designed specifically for the purpose of the carbine. So what is the best combo and why? And should I use the Hornady, or handload this combo?

 

[Remo-99]

My suggestion, go with the 44mag combo, stronger actions/cylinders as well as more velocity than a 45colt and more hitting powder than a 357mag.
Just a suggestion, tho.

 

[Short Shot]

Answer to MAYHEM: the animal-rights activist, because it is more humane for the chimp to shoot you, than to bite-off your nose and rip-off you reproductive package. That poor, poor chimp.

 

[Hoxviii]

If bear is a consideration, 44 mag or 45 colt.

.44 is good since it hits hard and you can buy really, really good commercially loaded ammuntion almost anywhere.

45 colt only being a consideration if the revolver is a ruger, and the rifle is a current production Marlin- possibly a winchester- and you handload to "45 colt magnum" specs. They're often listed in a ".45 colt Ruger only" section in the reloading manual. They hit harder than a .44 mag, but you have to have YOUR reloads. Relying on commercially available loads will often get you stuff weaker than the .357.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

There are many good choices. It's had to say one is better than the other or which is best, it's all subjective. The Carbine is a wash because most people can fire a carbine well but the handgun is the focus. Pick the one you shoot best and go with it. You mentioned the .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt but there are others. Magnum Research has a BFR line and one of the revolvers is in .454 Casull. Puma has a .454 Casull lever gun so that's another choice. You can also look at a 45-70, 30-30, 444 Marlin and 450 Marlin combination.

I own a Marlin 1894C and a Ruger Vaquero in .357 Magnum and like that combination a lot. I wouldn't mind a .45 Colt combination either. Like I said, it's all up to what you are comfortable with.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I'm the weird guy, My revolver, carbine combo is 30-30 win. The only problem is the BFR revolver weighs as much as the Winchester.

But for pure handloading experimentation fun the BFR cannot be beaten. Especially when playing with pointy bullets

 

[pmeisel]

If it was me I would stick with the .357 to match what you already have, and handload. But there is nothing wrong with expanding your arsenal if funds permit. And all the rounds you mention are good choices. 45 Colt would be my second choice because of the wide range of SA revolvers available....

 

[FredT]

Because you said your purpose is back country hiking in bear country, then bigger is better. Lots of good .44 Mag combos : ie Marlin/Ruger would be my vote.

 

[buck460XVR]

Many folk feel that a handloaded .357 outta a rifle is equal to the infamous 30-30. For bear, I myself would want something a little larger, altho I love shooting my .357 lever.

IMHO, Hornady's LEVERevolution ammo is overpriced hype.......@ handgun velocities, against deer/pig/bear, it won't do anything a quality JHP or JSP won't do.

 

[rcmodel]

I'm a died in the wool Winchester fan & collector, but:
I'd suggest you take a hard look at the Marlin 1894 before you buy the Winchester.

The 94 Winchester action was designed for the 30-30 length rifle cartridges.

As such, it is longer then need be for revolver calibers. It is a compromise modification to the action to handle short handgun calibers.

The Marlin 1894 was & is designed from the get-go for pistol length calibers.

Their 336 action is longer like the Winchester 94, and is for the longer rifle calibers.

rc

 

[Kernel]

44 Mag for the reasons already stated. For the carbine consider the Marlin ‘94. Aesthetics aside, (in my book Winchester wins on “looks”) I like the Marlin better than the Winchester ‘94 or ‘92 for several functional reasons. The Marlin’s solid flat top facilitates the installation of a good peep site (XS Sight Systems or Skinner). And, the design of the internal mechanisms is far less complex, allowing for easier disassembly for cleaning, maintenance, and smithing (thanks to the Cowboy Shooters the internet abounds with all kinds of tweaks to the trigger, action, and feed system… not that it really needs it).

If you still want to go with a Winchester design consider the Rossi ‘92. These too can also be found on the used market at good prices. They are very popular with the Cowboy Action crowd (the Marlin, however, is #1 by a large margin), and are considered both reliable and durable.

I’d also add the Ruger Super Blackhawk to the handgun list. Robust to the extreme, it’s accurate, fun to shoot, period appropriate to team with a lever action, and can often be found in a used condition at ridiculously low prices (unlike the Smiths, which seem to always be “fully valued“, even on the used market, regardless of condition).

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I don't own any of the carbines in chamberings you specify, mine are 9mm and .45acp pistol/auto carbine combos. a shooting buddy has the Marlin lever .357 and Ruger Blackhawk combo. the Marlin really shines with his hot handloads, I've shot it myself several times. that said I feel the .44 or .45 caliber would likely be better for your intention although the .357 would definitely do the job with good placement - his is a tack-driver - literally we've driven nails with his at 25 yards.