A recent thread in the handgun forum discussing the best round for grizzlies (again!?:http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=129305) referred to the fact that the .357 might have better sectional density than the .44. This got me wondering:
a. whether this is true, and
b. does this make the .357 better for hunting something with a lot of thick hide, muscle, and bone?
Is it possible to get a heavy .357 round going fast enough to penetrate better than the .44? Just for comparison, Buffalo Bore has a .44 +p+ that is 340 grains and goes 1400 fps from a 5" pistol, while the 180 grain .357 gets almost the same speed at 1398 fps. Granted, these are extreme performances from the rounds. In particular, the next best .44 cartridge from BB is 305 grains at 1325 fps.
Does that give the .357 better penetration? Does it also mean less drop?
That being said, I understand the point about a big hole being better, but I am intrigued by the idea that the .357 can penetrate better than the .44 and might therefore be more effective in certain circumstances, assuming hardcast bullets.
I was in the market for a compact .44 lever gun, but this had me reconsidering.
a. whether this is true, and
b. does this make the .357 better for hunting something with a lot of thick hide, muscle, and bone?
Is it possible to get a heavy .357 round going fast enough to penetrate better than the .44? Just for comparison, Buffalo Bore has a .44 +p+ that is 340 grains and goes 1400 fps from a 5" pistol, while the 180 grain .357 gets almost the same speed at 1398 fps. Granted, these are extreme performances from the rounds. In particular, the next best .44 cartridge from BB is 305 grains at 1325 fps.
Does that give the .357 better penetration? Does it also mean less drop?
That being said, I understand the point about a big hole being better, but I am intrigued by the idea that the .357 can penetrate better than the .44 and might therefore be more effective in certain circumstances, assuming hardcast bullets.
I was in the market for a compact .44 lever gun, but this had me reconsidering.