Compared to the .357 mag, does it have less penetration and velocity, but more stopping power?
Also, how effective is it in general?
(In other words, is it to the .357 what the .45 is ti the 9 millimeter?)
Any info would be appreciated, thanks!
2007-09-08 13:25:56 · 10 answers · asked by Johnathon H 1 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
.44 magnum is a good cartridge for both rifle and large frame revolver. it is more powerful than the .357
2007-09-08 13:56:08 · answer #1 · answered by Stand-up Philosopher 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What WWD said, plus the fact that historically the .357 Mag. is just a better man stopper, period. Why? I don't know exactly. I did know an old police lieutenant that knew Elmer Keith (father of the .44 Magnum).
My lieutenant friend was a big advocate of the .357 Magnum (favored a factory nickled Colt Python 6" barrel) in the Sixties and early Seventies. He told stories of arguing with Elmer about the virtues of the .44 Mag. vs. the .357 Mag. Elmer was 'the bigger the better' type. Lieutenant argued that you can only kill a man so dead, and the .357 Magnum does exactly that.
Both are great guns but for defensive purposes against two-legged predators I favor the .357 over the .44 Mag. everytime. Why? Quicker recovery time in the event of multiple assailants. For hunting I favor the .44 Mag. because big game is harder to put down than two-legged predators.
Best.
H
2007-09-09 09:13:11 · answer #2 · answered by H 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You're trying to force a comparison that really isn't there.
When you're talking revolvers, the variety of loads available is much wider than with self-loaders.
Penetration is primarily a function of the bullet's sectional density. Higher velocity may even decrease penetration in some circumstances. A 125 grain 357 bullet has a sectional density of .140, a 180 grainer .202. Compare that to the .429 bullets of 200 grains, .155; 240 grains, .186; or 300 grains, .233.
But that's all theoretical. A good shot that's very careful can hunt medium game with a 357, but it's marginal. It's a self-defense gun primarliy. The 44 is too unwieldy for self-defense, and its raison d'etre is handgun hunting.
We all do things we really shouldn't, and there's a good argument to be made that handgun hunting is one of them. In a rational world, a man on horseback might use a handgun when he's out without a scabbard and carbine, and I'd have to give up all my forty-somethings (And I've hunted with various 44's, 45 Colt and 41 magnum). You might want to read "Hell, I Was There" by Elmer Kieth to get some perspective. And while we're on the subject of historical perspective, the 9mm vs. 45ACP argument is just an update of the 38 Colt vs. 45 Colt argument of the Philippine insurrection, but with more to argue over.
2007-09-09 00:48:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Stopping Power--that elusive quality that has more to do with emotion than science. You might want to remember that most self-protection situations occur at 10-20 feet. Residual power--the power that allows bullets to penetrate walls, doors, etc., after the bullet has passed through a human body has little practical effect on the damage done to the body. Heavy bullet weight .357 rounds tend to expend all their energy in the body as do low velocity .44 magnum loads. In fact, loaded to .45 ACP specifications that .44 magnum is just as effective as the .45 ACP. By the way, a light bullet weight, +P+, 9mm hollow point is one of the most deadly handgun rounds available. Some will disagree, but I base that statement on statistics gathered from actual shootout data.
2007-09-10 02:02:22 · answer #4 · answered by John T 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
#1> 44 Magnum>>> #2>> 357 Magnum*
2007-09-10 07:17:33 · answer #5 · answered by dca2003311@yahoo.com 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The .44 mag supasses the ,357 in energy imparted on the target, and with some rounds, exceed the ,357's velocity.
2007-09-08 20:35:58 · answer #6 · answered by WC 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The .44 magnum beats the .357 in all categories, and would be my first choice for a hunting/defense rifle or revolver.
It's fairly effective, and is legal for deer hunting in my state, but isn't as effective as say, a .30 caliber centerfire rifle, or a 12 gauge rifled slug.
2007-09-08 20:35:42 · answer #7 · answered by Banned 4 B N Bad 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
the 44 Remington magnum beats the 357 magnum in all aspects esp. if you reload
2007-09-09 00:39:51 · answer #8 · answered by crazy_devil_dan 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The round was developed for hunting with a handgun. Ergo, it kicks hard and has great stopping power. Due to these factors, it is not for the faint hearted. If you wish to hunt with a handgun, it is the way to go, but for anything else, it's pretty useless.
2007-09-10 08:36:32 · answer #9 · answered by mikey 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
the 44 has more velocity , penetration and stopping power, i carry one on my side when i deer hunt, like to use it in close situation instead of my rifle
2007-09-08 20:38:27 · answer #10 · answered by Orion2506 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋