Ruger 77/357 vs Ruger 77/44

[horsemen61]

Ok guys I am trying to decide between these two models and while I like both of them right now only one is feasible so pros and cons

357 mag
Pros
1. I already own a 357 mag revolver so I have ammo

2. I already own dies/reload and casting gear for the 357 mag

3. The ability to share ammo and not stock it in a new caliber

Cons

1. Not as powerful as 44 mag

2. Shots must be closer than a 44 mag

3. Doesn't handle .38s well

44 mag
Pros

1. It's a 44 mag

2. I like the versatility

3. I just want one

Cons

1. Gotta buy ammo which is expensive

2. Gotta buy dies and reloading supplies

3. More expensive Overall

 

[EchoM70]

When faced with the same question I went with the .44 mag. It is just more suited for my needs for a hunting carbine.

I however did not have prior components for either, so either or was a new endeavor for me. The 44mag does have a 1/20 twist rate so you can use the heavier bullets in it. The older version had a slower twist and wouldn't stabilize the heavier rounds.


Also, 44 special works great in it, even though Ruger doesn't recommend them. You just have to make sure to clean your chamber after use to stop build-up, as that will prevent 44 mag from chambering.

 

[HoosierQ]

Well I am the first one in so right now it's .357 all the way. Ammo compatibility is it for me...I have a lot of .38 and .357 ammo and guns that shoot them. I have found that .38 spl works just fine in mine 77/357. In fact we tried to make it jam up by doing a bolt action version of rapid fire (with little attention to precise aim) in order to strip and jack all 5 .38 rounds into the chamber and fire...not a single hickup with two different shooters. They were round nose lead which probably helped.

I just wanted a nice handy PCC in a sufficiently powerful caliber that I could use for a wide variety of uses. I travel a lot in Illinois where the handgun is not an option. A nice bolt action .357 is just about the perfect, Illinois legal defense weapon.

I will, without a doubt, someday also pick up a lever action .357 as well. The .357 works well in just about every level action technology, including period accurate reproductions like the Uberti model '73. They do make a .44 magnum but it is different than all the rest due to the pressures. That may be a consideration as well.

.357 is just about the perfect short range centerfire carbine caliber...for me.

 

[CraigC]

.44Mag all the way. It will do everything the .357 will do and much, much more.

 

[danez71]

I voted 357 because of the commonality with what you have now and I think the 357 is versatile enough.

 

[Legionnaire]

.44 mag. Personally, I prefer blued steel and walnut stocks, and was able to pick up a 77/44 in that configuration. I might buy a 77/357, too, if it were available that way.

Practically, I reload for both .357 and .44, so that wasn't a consideration to me. Regardless, I think the .44 is more versatile, especially for the reloader. But I love both cartridges and don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[RCArms.com]

I picked up a .357mag for my son's first deer rifle. Scoped it and its a darn accurate rifle out to 100 yards and proved its worth with a one shot stop on a big 6-point MN whitetail last year at 45 yards.

Dig the .357 magnum round.

 

[sappyg]

44 just because you want one is enough reason to choose it over the 357.

 

[Reloadron]

I voted 44 Magnum for me. I have one 44 Mag rifle and would like another. I also load and shoot 44 mag in revolver. I also load and shoot 357 but no desire to get a 357 rifle. However, that is just me. I voted based on me not you.

Your options are simple. You currently load and shoot 357 so getting a 357 is a logical choice. Then too, adding a new caliber like the 44 magnum is another option. So what, you add some dies and components. Eventually down the road you may want and get a 44 mag revolver. Either way it is your call and your decision, told you what I would do. Then too I am a member of the Elmer Keith fan club.

Ron

 

[ExAgoradzo]

I have the Marlin 1894 in both.
FWIW:
Mine doesn't handle wadcutters or 38s well.
I love the 357 in my revolvers, I don't own a 44 revolver...

But, I like my 44 better. I like the versatility, I like the feel. I like the extra oomph.
YMMV.
Enjoy,
Greg

 

[M1key]

Ruger 77/357

Flatter shooing, lighter recoil, better accuracy, cheaper bullets, and the wife likes to shoot it...(bought it with her in mind)


M

 

[yzguy87]

44 mag

More power to take game more effieciently.

 

[Byron]

357 is powerful enough.In my area,most deer are taken under a 100 yards and the 357 has power to go beyond that.It is easier on the shoulder.

 

[stonecoldy]

I voted .357 mag (have a Marlin 1894C in this caliber plus several revolvers).
I also have a Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag.
Bullets are cheaper in .357 over the .44 for range shooting/plinking.
.357 mag is less recoil than the .44 mag.
.357 mag in a rifle is perfect for hunting on our lease for coyotes, woodchucks and smaller animals. Could be used for deer season in Kentucky and hopefully this year in Ohio.
I think of the .357 as great for my area (Ohio/Kentucky) but perhaps the .44 is a better choice in the western states with bigger critters.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I'm strangely qualified to speak on this matter as I've owned BOTH of the rifles in question.

I bought the 77/44 a few years back really wishing they made a 357 instead. Well lo and behold a couple months later ruger introduces the 77/357. So I sell the 44 in anticipation of purchasing a 357 but life got in the way and I didn't manage to buy the 77/357 till a couple weeks ago.

In terms of accuracy, handling, cost and finish the two guns are absolutely on par with one another. Both cartridges are suited to hunting inside 100 and I'm not convinced either are especially well suited to beyond that.

So really that only leaves the personal preference, ammo cost and logistics as deciding factors. And really nobody can answer that but you.

I've also owned a marlin 3571894, puma92, Winchester 94 44mag, I prefer the pistol caliber ruger bolt gun to any of the more traditional 357/44 carbine platforms.