No more than you use a belt gun to shoot antelope or prairie dogs at 400yds.
Versatility 357 or 430
- Thread starter M118LR
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Yet I have used a Dan Wesson.44 Mag on steel rams at 400 yards with perfect scores.
Don't believe you could dispatch a P-Dog at 400 yards with either the .357 or .44 regularly. But there are other calibers available with a TC, perhaps one of those?
Wouldn't even take a shot at an antelope at 400;yards with either .357 or .44 caliber, not humane. JMHO YMMV.
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LDB
Blackhawk
Well, we're back to an 8 shot Redhawk again, as the obvious correct answer. But the RH happens to have a friend and roomie that's a .222 Contender Super-14 with an EER Leupold 2-7x on it that puts fear into any silver dollar within 200 yards. Both absolute winners in their own ways and spheres.
Waylonrocks!!
Bearcat
In my modest revolver collection starting at a Ruger Bearcat .22 and going up to a BFR 460 Magnum with a six inch barrel, I would rate my S & W 627 8 shot .357 as perhaps the most practical for multiple duties. Yet, for sentimental reasons, the 5 1/2 inch Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum that was my first purchase of a handgun when I became of age, would have to be my final handgun if it came to that. We've been together for 40 years, and truth be told, it will do anything worth doing with a revolver.
My first revolver was a Ruger Speed-Six. I never shot it much, some 357 Magnums, and a few +P 38 Specials. My second revolver was a 44 Super Blackhawk. It was a fun gun to shoot. I shot tens of thousands of rounds thru it from full power magnums (240 gr XTP @ 1540 ft/s) to plinking loads (240 gr cast @ 1200 ft/s). Then I used it Cowboy Action Shooting with 44 Spl, 200 gr @ 750 ft/s. I have to say the 44 is more versatile from good bear protection to Cowboy shooting. One can also shoot even lighter 44 Russian loads with Trail Boss or black powder as a certain competitor does. Meanwhile, I have a couple 44 Magnums doing home-protection duty with +P 200 gr JHP 44 Specials in them.
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I’ll bang my head against the wall one more time. I easily tire of arguments just to argue.
I addressed the revolver issue and then added a comment on the thread drift firearms.
You spout on about silhouette shooting, yet many of your comments about the sport indicate a lack of actual knowledge of the sport. Incorrect yardages, names, timelines, etc...
I addressed the revolver issue and then added a comment on the thread drift firearms.
You spout on about silhouette shooting, yet many of your comments about the sport indicate a lack of actual knowledge of the sport. Incorrect yardages, names, timelines, etc...
badguybuster
Blackhawk
40/10mm are both fun in a revolver
Of these two, for a reloader or over the counter ammo customer the .357 takes it hands down.
For power since I do reload I'd take (and do) a .44 or .41.
Teflon97116
Single-Sixer
My buddy's TC Contender was versatile insofar as he could put different barrels on it to shoot numerous calibers. Among others, I remember some standouts like 410, .357maximum and .223. So yes, he was able to shoot different ammos and explore/experiment with his hand-loading hobby. Thus, it was very versatile in some ways - but quite limiting (given the barrel swap process) in others IMHO.
For versatility in my world, a .357mag revolver (6" barrel) handles magnum ammo, .38spl/+P, and even spent brass randomly sprinkled into the mix for flinch-avoidance training. Powerful for a number of purposes, and gently comfortable for newbs.
Way more powerful, the .44mag/spl is similar, but tends to be overkill for target plinking with neophytes.
.357mag revolver gets my vote.
For versatility in my world, a .357mag revolver (6" barrel) handles magnum ammo, .38spl/+P, and even spent brass randomly sprinkled into the mix for flinch-avoidance training. Powerful for a number of purposes, and gently comfortable for newbs.
Way more powerful, the .44mag/spl is similar, but tends to be overkill for target plinking with neophytes.
.357mag revolver gets my vote.
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Lots of 'opinions' from users who most likely never carried a handgun daylight to dusk 7 days a week and actually used it several times per week. 
The .44 Special is overkill? That's a first.
...oh well my turn ,and yes, opinions are like 'butts' we all have one and in all my years ,been there, done that, and with most all mentioned above, and no longer have , kept or need any of them , no need to anymore, so settled on my DanWesson, 15-2 VH 6-inch from the mid 70s we built it at the factory back then, yes when Mr. Wesson was one of my first mentors at the old school house in Monson,Mass, only thing we did later on was to have it Metalifed by Ron Mehovsky, over in Reno,Pa......and nothing more versatile to us or need for target or shooting about anything, and for for everyday carry we settled on the Ruger LCRx in a 38 spec +P, revolver works for us, as we can no longer rack the action on about ANY semi auto, sadly getting gimpy from taking care of Momma.....so carry on smartly boys and girls and use what works for YOU, and works well............ 
here is the only pictures I found of my DWA and my first model 19 4-in duty gun from 1969 and it also was Metalifed, carried in my work details........both , my favorites but alas I sold the S&W to my gun shop partner late 70s, along with this 1969 Brng Hi Power we built in the shop then after it was engraved by Tony Tuscano, in an oakleaf pattern, for my other partner, it too Metalifed by Ron M..........
here is the only pictures I found of my DWA and my first model 19 4-in duty gun from 1969 and it also was Metalifed, carried in my work details........both , my favorites but alas I sold the S&W to my gun shop partner late 70s, along with this 1969 Brng Hi Power we built in the shop then after it was engraved by Tony Tuscano, in an oakleaf pattern, for my other partner, it too Metalifed by Ron M..........
Attachments
GypsmJim
GypsmJim
Here's an interesting postscript on the .41....
I just happened to see a Youtube video with a guy shooting gongs with a Blackhawk .41. He kept moving the gong out further.
The last range was 350 yards. That guy actually his the gong at that distance. It did take 5 shots to do it, but it was still impressive.
I don't know if that's versatile or not, but it makes me want to buy another one...
I just happened to see a Youtube video with a guy shooting gongs with a Blackhawk .41. He kept moving the gong out further.
The last range was 350 yards. That guy actually his the gong at that distance. It did take 5 shots to do it, but it was still impressive.
I don't know if that's versatile or not, but it makes me want to buy another one...
I reload and have revolvers in most cartridges. I really don't see one is better than another as all serve a purpose for different activities. Small varminting there is the .22LR or .32 H&R. My favorites are .44 Special and .45 Colt, but also shoot the .357 loaded down to .38 special. Never saw a need for the .41. So for most versatile, it just depends on use. Wouldn't want to face down a bear or moose with the peanut caliber if walking around in bear country for example. I like the .44 Special for town SD purposes. I guess that is why I own multiple six-guns so I can 'pick' what I want to shoot at the time 
. Ie. just own one or more of each. Done. No more argument.
As for hitting at 350+ yards. On the rifle range there is a still target way up on the hill. When no one is around it is fun to 'lob' in some .45 Colt from the pistol range once in awhile. Hitting is doable too!
. Ie. just own one or more of each. Done. No more argument.As for hitting at 350+ yards. On the rifle range there is a still target way up on the hill. When no one is around it is fun to 'lob' in some .45 Colt from the pistol range once in awhile. Hitting is doable too!
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GypsmJim
GypsmJim
My Dad shot his Parker Double 12 gauge for over 40 years and took many a deer with it. When he had trouble lugging it around the woods anymore he switched to a handgun.
He went in to the LGS to buy a 44 Magnum. The salesman suggested that a .41 might be more suited to his aging body. He came home with a Model 57.
He handled the gun just fine, but never got close enough to a deer to use it.
Its in my collection now and it is my favorite revolver. Partly because I simply just like it, but probably more for the sentimental value.
Paul B
Hunter
Lots of ideas and lts of opinions, so at this point what does it matter?I might as well add my opinion to go with the others. In for a penny and all that.
First, with one exception I consider both equal. The exception goes to the .44 Magnum. I'll get to that in a minute.
Other than handguns I carry for self defense in .38 S.P.L. and .45 ACP, most of
my other handguns have been for when I was being more than a little bit of a desert rat. When I lived in Nevada, it was the .44 magnum not so much by choice but at the time I could only afford one handgun other than my CCW weapons. It was in 1973 IIRC when I bought a Ruger Super Blackhawk and died to reload the brass. I worked up two loads for the gun, one lighter working load and one for serious stuff like bear repelling and a deer hunt or two if legal.I think it was maybe two years later Nevada made handguns legal for big game. I took two deer, one, the first year it was legal and the second the following year. Full power level loads used. Most shots though were taken using Skeeter Skelton's .44 Spl. load using .44mag brass. Made for a nice pleasant all round load for small game and such.
I didn't even acquire a .357 Magnum until the move to Arizone when I quickly ended up with two,S&W M28 and M27. The M28 looks like it may have been around the block a few times and has been cerakoted to cover a few pits fron what are probably from blood spatter. I also have a 38/44 Outdoorsman that has been treated the same was for the same reasons. The M27 looks like brand new and whoever did the action job was a genius with S&W guns. I only used it for shooting demostrations in the Hunt Ed class range day.. The M28 however did see use on some of the Sonoran Desert hikes and most of the time the only real predators around were the "coyotes" bringing in illegal aliens and drug smugglers. During certain times of the year Black Bears and sometimes a Mountain Lion would cross over from one mountain range to another. aw some bear activity on mountain hikes with one close encounter while talking with a couple of college girls I bumped in during that hike. Ghey were giving me some heck because I had that .44 on my hip hen a bear poppd up out of the brush. A
ew scary moments fro the young ladies thugh. I did ask them one very personal question though. I asked it either one was at their time of the month? On blushed and the other said yes. I informed them that most bear attacks on women hppen during that time. I said something like get a gun and learn how to use it or stay home at that time. Two good tings. the gitls were happy I didn't have to kill Yogi and me because of the hassle with Fish & Game.
I'm not too worried if I should have to handle a Black Bear using the .357 provided I have my full power loads in the gun. I killed a Black Bear with a .38 Spl. many years ago, a 38/44 loaded with full power loads. They're something like a +P+ load today. Still, I would be more comfortable with the .44 mag. and Elmer's pet load when stuff like that happens.
So, which is more versitile? I think both are equal for just about anything in my hands with my reloads. How they work for anyone else is something they'll just have to decide for themselves.
PJ
First, with one exception I consider both equal. The exception goes to the .44 Magnum. I'll get to that in a minute.
Other than handguns I carry for self defense in .38 S.P.L. and .45 ACP, most of
my other handguns have been for when I was being more than a little bit of a desert rat. When I lived in Nevada, it was the .44 magnum not so much by choice but at the time I could only afford one handgun other than my CCW weapons. It was in 1973 IIRC when I bought a Ruger Super Blackhawk and died to reload the brass. I worked up two loads for the gun, one lighter working load and one for serious stuff like bear repelling and a deer hunt or two if legal.I think it was maybe two years later Nevada made handguns legal for big game. I took two deer, one, the first year it was legal and the second the following year. Full power level loads used. Most shots though were taken using Skeeter Skelton's .44 Spl. load using .44mag brass. Made for a nice pleasant all round load for small game and such.
I didn't even acquire a .357 Magnum until the move to Arizone when I quickly ended up with two,S&W M28 and M27. The M28 looks like it may have been around the block a few times and has been cerakoted to cover a few pits fron what are probably from blood spatter. I also have a 38/44 Outdoorsman that has been treated the same was for the same reasons. The M27 looks like brand new and whoever did the action job was a genius with S&W guns. I only used it for shooting demostrations in the Hunt Ed class range day.. The M28 however did see use on some of the Sonoran Desert hikes and most of the time the only real predators around were the "coyotes" bringing in illegal aliens and drug smugglers. During certain times of the year Black Bears and sometimes a Mountain Lion would cross over from one mountain range to another. aw some bear activity on mountain hikes with one close encounter while talking with a couple of college girls I bumped in during that hike. Ghey were giving me some heck because I had that .44 on my hip hen a bear poppd up out of the brush. A
ew scary moments fro the young ladies thugh. I did ask them one very personal question though. I asked it either one was at their time of the month? On blushed and the other said yes. I informed them that most bear attacks on women hppen during that time. I said something like get a gun and learn how to use it or stay home at that time. Two good tings. the gitls were happy I didn't have to kill Yogi and me because of the hassle with Fish & Game.
I'm not too worried if I should have to handle a Black Bear using the .357 provided I have my full power loads in the gun. I killed a Black Bear with a .38 Spl. many years ago, a 38/44 loaded with full power loads. They're something like a +P+ load today. Still, I would be more comfortable with the .44 mag. and Elmer's pet load when stuff like that happens.
So, which is more versitile? I think both are equal for just about anything in my hands with my reloads. How they work for anyone else is something they'll just have to decide for themselves.
PJ
Not for the stated plinking application.
One could justify anything greater than a .22 long rifle as "overkill" for plinking.
I have found the .44 Mag to be more versatile than the .357 around the farm, woods stomping and hunting. It will do anything on the low end that the .357 does, mid range loads are more effective and when they're wound up it has more horsepower on the top end.
In fact, the .357's are gone.
I suppose so. It depends on one's definition of "plinking". That's how I describe casual shooting at various inanimate targets in one's back yard or other informal setting, usually with a .22 or downloaded centerfire chambering. By that definition almost anything can be classified as "plinking" equipment depending on one's level of low-recoil comfort. My favorite plinking rounds are .45 Colt stuff through a Blackhawk, perhaps more than some might like, I guess, but nowhere near the "Ruger only" loads. YMMV
I have 6" Security Six, stainless, with scalloped recoil shield (I found noted ones were better made than with non-scalloped shield). Not that I need it desperately, but I like to have a nice 357 Magnum revolver, that is strong, durable, but not too heavy. IMO Security Six fits the bill perfectly.
As for everything else, I agree, 44 Magnum is a better choice. But, that depends of personal preferences. The only problem with 44 Magnum is that if shooter goes on the range frequently and fire 100+ rounds in a single day, like silhouette shooting, 44 Magnum could be too much for many. Even reduced loads, like 250 grains at 1100-1200 fps could pound hands. May limit is 50-60 rounds. More than that, I can, but I don't like.
In my case, solution is 41 Magnum, 210-220 grains at 1100-1150 fps. I can shoot all day long! For serious business, as backup firearm while hunting, 45-300/325 grains at 1100 fps. With right powders, pressure will be close to 45 ACP, so when I fire in a hurry, without earmuffs, my ears wouldn't be shell-shocked.
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GunTeacher
Bearcat
I'm another Buckeye who worships at the Dan Wesson altar. Best US made .357.... period. .41 Mag is an almost dead round; finding ammo for it is excruciating, and you WILL reload if you shoot any in quantity.
FWIW (& because some of us like Dan Wessons AND unusual firearms ;^), here's a High Standard Sentinel MKIII .357 mag...
...also known as a Dan Wesson "porkchop"...
...also known as a Dan Wesson "porkchop"...
LDB
Blackhawk
Sigh. Yes, darn it, that .41 Magnum that even after eliminating any shipping rated below a 7 and any charging a CC fee has only 500+ options left on AmmoSeek. Probably will be a dead round before the month is out.
https://share.google/aimode/3KG1tAEpOmLQ76xn8Sigh. Yes, darn it, that .41 Magnum that even after eliminating any shipping rated below a 7 and any charging a CC fee has only 500+ options left on AmmoSeek. Probably will be a dead round before the month is out.
LDB
Blackhawk
Not sure how that's relative, but yes, compared to .357 and .44 it is a smaller market. Things that are for the discerning and not just for the herd usually are.
