Beyond the .357

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skt239

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Hello all,

I've been shooting .357's for many years now. In fact, my first revolver was a .357 and besides the .45, the .357 is the hardest hitting caliber I've ever owned. It's easily my favorite round to shoot, especially out of my New Vaquero.

Today, after shooting some 150 .357's, I got the feeling that I'd really come to know the caliber well and it was time to step it up.

So to the dedicated .357 guys out there, what was your next step up? It seems like the logical move would be to the .44 magnum but I know there other fun and versatile rounds out there. I'll be getting into hand loading as soon as we move so I'd like to get something to go with the bench. So, what caliber / revolver did you get after the .357? I'd like to hear everyone's suggestions. A little more info on what I would look for..

- Mainly for range use but there is a chance it could be used for hunting.

- 5.5 max barrel length

- Single action or double action isn't much of an issue but I wouldn't mind having a large frame DA revolver. I really miss owning them :(

- All steel with some heft to it. Finish isn't much of an issue but I prefer stainless.

- Adjustable sites would make the most sense but fixed are not a deal breaker. I figure if I can shoot well with the sites on my J-frame and Vaquero, I can shoot pretty much anything.

- Here's a big one, some what easy trigger reach. I've shot two different guns lately that I had trouble getting a good reach on the trigger; a night guard and a Judge.

Thanks for reading.
 
If you like the Vaquero you may find the Blackhawks and Bisleys to your taste. Either in .45 Colt is an extremely versatile and enjoyable revolver. If you handload (or have lots of money for Buffalo Bore) you will have access to loads from much milder than standard .357s all the way up through loads capable of handling all North American big game.

The .44 Magnum is, as you've noted, an obvious choice as well, and while not (in my opinion) quite as versatile as the Colt, does give you the opportunity to use .44 Specials - a plus if you don't handload.

You can also find the occasional Ruger .44 Special. The limited run of Bisley Flattops ordered by Lipsey's are a personal favorite. My 5 1/2" inch model was $500 new and is likely my favorite revolver of all, though any .44 Special really needs handloading to bring out its best qualities.
 
5.5 max barrel length ...............I wouldn't mind having a large frame DA revolver. ................................
- All steel with some heft to it. Finish isn't much of an issue but I prefer stainless.
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Ruger Redhawk
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I'll go along with Walkalong. Get either a 4.2" or 5.5" Ruger Redhawk. As to trigger reach this can be adjusted with grips. I had a set of Herrett Ropers made for the Redhawk I had (and miss) that were made to fit my hand and they position my trigger finger just right for double action shooting. A number of years ago John Taffin on his old website measured trigger reach on a number of .44 mag double action revolvers and the Redhawk was the shortest as I recall compared to a Colt Anaconda or S&W N frame. The thought does occur if you are going to take up handloading why not get a .45 Colt Redhawk as they can be loaded up plenty stout to compete with the .44 Mag. If you are curious about this you can go to John Linebaugh's website where he talks about the .45 Colt.
 
If you're just looking for something different and not necessarily a step-up power-wise, how about a .327 Fed. Mag.?
 
.44, I have been looking closely at the .45lc. I've shot loads that felt like a .38 special and others that were the exact opposite.

Walkalong,

That's a nice Redhawk, what caliber are they available in?

HGM,

While I have no experience with the .327, I'd certainly like to give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
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Bought a DW 357 back in 1976. Hunted with it for 20 still have it for a fun gun but with a 4" barrel instead of the 8". Bought and sold a SA ruger then DA ruger finally a DW 44 mag.
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It seems like the logical move would be to the .44 magnum but I know there other fun and versatile rounds out there. I'll be getting into hand loading as soon as we move so I'd like to get something to go with the bench.
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A moonclipped .45ACP, perhaps?
 
What about something in 454 Casull/45 Colt, perhaps a Super Redhawk Alaskan.

166yvc9.jpg
 
For me, it was .45 Colt. I had a Blackhawk and several DAs in .357, my all time favorite revolver caliber, and just couldn't see not owning a Blackhawk in .45 colt. I've found that, for light loads in it, it shoots cast bullets VERY accurately, is very forgiving of cast stuff and casting those big bullets leaves fewer casting flaws, I think because the volume of lead keeps it molten in the mold until the pour is finished. Not that I can't cast .357" bullets, I do all the time, but the bigger bullets are easier to get good castings for. I think that's why the gun shoots so well with 'em consistently. It'll also shoot fire breather .44 magnum level stuff quite well. I'm a handloader and .45 Colt seemed natural for me. .44 magnum would probably be a better choice for the non-handloader/caster.

I liked it so well I personalized it a bit. After the first range session, I knew I'd never sell it. :D

2j4sqxx.jpg
 
Craig,

That's a great suggestion. I have never read that book but I always try and do a lot of reading when I'm doing research. I also like to get feedback from fellow forum members on guns I may not be able to try before I buy.
 
MCGunner, that's a great looking gun. I don't usually like engraving, stag grips, or non-blued guns, but that gun brings it all together.
 
Redhawk in .44mag, or super redhawk in .454. Both of those guns can handle loads that will drop anything on the planet I feel comfortable being within 50yds of.
 
I'd like to put in a plug for my all-time favorite revolver caliber, the .41 Magnum. If single actions are your cuppa Joe, the New Model Blackhawk is a tough act to follow, and not so expensive that a man can't have one in both barrel lengths.
 
Nothing wrong with a 454 Casull or a .44 Magnum but, what is your budget?

If you rally want to have some fun buy a S&W .460 Magnum. It will fire 45 Schofield, 45 Colt, 454 Casull and of course 460 S&W Magnum ammo. If you reload, even better. You can start with .45 Colt ammo and work your way up to full house .460 Magnum rounds. That's almost nothing better if you want to hunt with it too. AND, the Model 460V Magnum is again available in a 5" barrel. If I had the money I would for sure own one right now!
 
Arch,

Thats a great suggestions, thanks. The 460 seems to do it all and look good doing it! As for the budget, I'm not quite sure yet. Before I do anything, I'd like to get all my reloading stuff and then the revolver. I'd most likely want to keep it under $1000.
 
I've been looking closely at the 460, seems like a reloaders dream gun. Is there a big difference in case lengths of the calibers it fires?

Edit to add : after some googling I realized my question should be; Does the difference in case length affect the accuracy of the .45lc and the .454 when fired from the S&W?
 
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skt239 said:
Arch,

Thats a great suggestions, thanks. The 460 seems to do it all and look good doing it! As for the budget, I'm not quite sure yet. Before I do anything, I'd like to get all my reloading stuff and then the revolver. I'd most likely want to keep it under $1000.
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Well, you can probably get one for well under $1000 if you're willing to buy used. (very little used) Every year the local Gander Mountain has a whole shell full of big-bore revolvers right after hunting season. (many with a box of ammo with only a few rounds missing) It seems a lot of brave souls buy them for hunting and after firing a few rounds they sell them right off. They may be $1200 new but can be as low as $800 or $900 just barely used. Just a thought...
 
Arch,

Shopping used is the way I would go. I also have plenty of time to look and lust. I plan on buying whichever I decide on after I've bought my reloading bench. I can't buy the bench till I've bought a house, which can't happen till my lease ends in January. So I have PLENTY of time to find the right gun at the right price.
 
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