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LA, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2023 12:34:43 PM EST
Should I go with 357 or 44 mag for my only revolver. I am definitely getting a Colt; either the 3" Python or the 4.25" Anaconda.
357 mag ammo cost is about 30% less expensive than 44 Mag. I also don't know if 44 Mag is a overkill or not? I've never shot 44 Mag before, but I prefer 45ACP over 9mm -- not sure if that translates into the revolver world or not. Let me know what you all think! If you could only have one... |
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Posted: 6/24/2023 12:54:15 PM EST
[#1]
44 magnum doesn't recoil as much as people think it does..
However I am partial to 357 magnum. |
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Posted: 6/24/2023 1:14:06 PM EST
[#2]
Seems to me the power range of 38spec target-full 357loads covers a bigger range than 44sp -44mag.
44 spec is pretty pricey and not as available generally as is 38 spec. OP doesn't really give intended uses. General use and my vote goes to 38/357. If the op is thinking about possible hunting use the 44 is king. Life is too short to hurt your brain with such decisions . Buy whatever one you see a decent deal on and pinch some pennys,brown bag your lunch or work some overtime or get a side gig . Them buy the other caliber . Now you will need to save for both some rimfire stuff and a 1911 (in 45acp) |
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LA, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2023 1:31:17 PM EST
[#3]
It's for general use. I'll never conceal carry it, but may bring with me in the car or to go camping. I don't hunt, but I have a lifetime hunting/fishing license so that might change.
I just want a sleek shooting colt revolver to go with my colt AR. I prefer the shorter barrel revolvers for a sidearm. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2023 1:55:38 PM EST
[#4]
IMHO, you’ll get more use with a .357 Python. Good luck with whichever you choose and enjoy!
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Posted: 6/24/2023 2:27:18 PM EST
[#5]
I went with 357 because I wanted a revolver, magazine fed semi, lever action and a magazine fed AR. I could only get all of those in 357 magnum.
Also ammo cost was a small factor, small because the volume of shooting I do with 357 magnum is relatively insignificant to my other guns. |
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USA
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Posted: 6/24/2023 2:44:51 PM EST
[#6]
357 is still an effective hunting cartridge if you want to plink at the range too. 44 or 45colt if you mainly want to hunt.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2023 3:03:31 PM EST
[#7]
Having owned both 357 wins for me in the stated barrel lengths. You could always buy both to try and sell what you don’t like.
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Posted: 6/24/2023 3:22:18 PM EST
[#8]
The answer is almost always 357 first. Easy to find cheaper low recoil ammo for and that counts for a lot if you are shooting even a little.
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Posted: 6/24/2023 3:30:36 PM EST
[#9]
The first centerfire handgun I bought was a Colt King Cobra in .357 Magnum. I think the 357 is a great all around caliber. It can be found at most stores and the Python will have a smoother action than the Anaconda.
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LA, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2023 3:46:01 PM EST
[#10]
Thanks all. I'm going to order the 3" Python. I agree it is a more practical handgun -- and the ammo is more available and cheaper.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2023 5:32:38 PM EST
[Last Edit: JohnRippert]
[#11]
If you reload it really does not matter either way. If you don't, then .357 as you have the range between bunny fart wadcutters to stuff like Buffalo Bore 180gr hardcast thumpers.
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Posted: 6/24/2023 6:13:39 PM EST
[#12]
Do you have any 38spl revolvers? If so 357 is a no brainer. You can hand a newbie a 357 mag loaded with 38spl and they barely have any recoil.
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Posted: 6/24/2023 6:17:58 PM EST
[Last Edit: Aimless]
[#13]
Just to have one? Get a 357 so you can shoot 38spc.
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FL, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2023 6:36:55 PM EST
[#14]
Owned both, go with the Python.
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Posted: 6/24/2023 7:57:07 PM EST
[#15]
I think the 357 makes more sense, but 44spc is a lot of fun too.
Something about lobbing big heavy bullets at about 750 is just fun. |
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IN, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2023 8:09:52 PM EST
[#16]
I like Smith revolvers so I do one in .357 to go w my Smith wheel guns in .38spl .
My brother has a .44 mag and he shoots 44 spl in it . |
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Posted: 6/24/2023 8:15:49 PM EST
[#17]
OP spelt S&W Md27 wrong.
38 148gr wadcutters to 180gr JSPs in the same revolver. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/25/2023 9:31:04 AM EST
[Last Edit: Malhass]
[#18]
Get the python .
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Posted: 6/25/2023 9:57:31 AM EST
[#19]
You'll be fed up with full .44 magnum recoil pretty quickly.
If you handload, you can simply load mild (subsonic) .44 loads, which are much more pleasant to shoot than true .357 magnum (which is muzzle-blasty as hell). And, you can down-load .357 to subsonic as well. Most people don't like shooting a lot of supersonic pistol in ANY caliber. Slow bullets in handguns for recreation. |
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Posted: 6/25/2023 9:58:31 AM EST
[#20]
.38 special is easy (and affordable) to acquire
.44 special is scarce, and priced at sucker-prices |
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Posted: 6/25/2023 10:03:40 AM EST
[#21]
I'd go with a 44, especially if you reload or are willing to learn. When I reloaded 44mag I could go from mild to wild depending on what I was shooting.
A hot .357 will never be more powerful than a hot 44, but a downloaded 44 can be as much of a pussycat as a .45acp. The 44 mag gives you more options. |
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Posted: 6/25/2023 10:16:27 AM EST
[Last Edit: BigFatDog]
[#22]
I recommend the Python, but handle both if possible to see which feels better in your hand.
 8” Anaconds 6” Python 4” King Cobra 22LR I also have a 3” King Cobra in 357. I think the 3” barrel on the smaller frame handles better. I’ve considered a 4” Python for tractor carry but I already have a Ruger GP100 for that role. |
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Posted: 6/25/2023 10:18:15 AM EST
[#23]
.357 for sure with a one off revolver collection
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Posted: 6/25/2023 10:24:31 AM EST
[#24]
you're miles ahead on either if you handload factory or handloads, the 357 is cheaper to feed. large pistol primers are still harder to find    Ruger GP100 4.2" 90 yard steel |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 6/25/2023 1:11:52 PM EST
[#25]
Since OP mentions cost of commercial ammo I presume he does not handload.
handload, .44 Mag If stuck with commercial ammo, I'd stick with the .357 |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/25/2023 1:28:57 PM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By OverScoped: 44 magnum doesn't recoil as much as people think it does.. However I am partial to 357 magnum. This. I have various 44mag and 357 guns. The only advantage I can see is the price in ammo. 44spl is about the same as 44mag. Whereas 38spl is significantly cheaper than 357. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/25/2023 1:29:39 PM EST
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By OverScoped: 44 magnum doesn't recoil as much as people think it does.. However I am partial to 357 magnum. This. I have various 44mag and 357 guns. The only advantage I can see is the price in ammo. 44spl is about the same as 44mag. Whereas 38spl is significantly cheaper than 357. |
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Posted: 6/25/2023 9:43:56 PM EST
[Last Edit: Southrnshooter]
[#28]
Either caliber is great, in fact if money is no object I recommend both. If you plan on shooting your new revolver you may want to consider like others have said, reloading.
My brother has a 44 mag and he asked me to make some rounds that his 8 year old son could shoot. Done, also made him a box of Sasquatch killing rounds for his Super Blackhawk. Revolver ammo is stupid expensive right now if you can even find it. One of my LGS is always out of everything but 357. And I haven’t seen any 44 Special in a store since before Covid. All my revolvers right now are either Smiths or Rugers. One day I’ll spring for a Colt. One shop I frequent carry’s a bunch of Colts and even some blemish models. They are $1499 on pretty much everything and $1350 on the blems when they have them. I haven’t been been able to really find any defects on the blems. The only thing I don’t like about the Colts is the trigger pulls. The double action doesn’t feel near as good as a Wilson Combat springed Smith trigger. That’s really the only thing that made me opt my last purchase to a 629 over an Anaconda. Plus no one had a 4” model Colt. |
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Posted: 6/25/2023 9:45:18 PM EST
[#29]
If you reload and hunt (you said that you don't, but maybe in the future), then .44. You can still hunt with .357 (I'd pretty much limit it to bow range on whitetails, and black bears generally won't attack you, but I'd feel okay with the right loads if one did). I don't own a .44, but I've shot them a couple of times and the recoil wasn't that bad. Anyway, I love my .357, don't shoot it as much as I should, and have never put .38s in it. It's a 6" Security Six, so it's not a light gun with a short barrel. I'm a borderline manlet, but have decent grip strength. If you are a weakling, then get the .357, download and work your way up.
 PS - I really like .357. If I diversify, then I'm getting a .454. 
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Posted: 6/25/2023 11:11:51 PM EST
[#30]
Both guns and both calibers are excellent choices. I enjoy shooting both calibers. In Louisiana the .357 mag might be a better first choice and get the .44 magnum later. Personally, I like shooting my .44 mag more than my .357 mag because I like the big booms. The recoil isn't really that bad unless you're shooting heavy Ruger only loads.
I suspect that once you get the Python you'll want to start planning on getting the Anaconda. |
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Posted: 6/26/2023 7:55:51 AM EST
[#31]
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Posted: 6/26/2023 7:58:21 AM EST
[Last Edit: FALARAK]
[#32]
I’d choose 357 with short barrels. Plus the ability to shoot 38 spl which can be more cost effective.
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CA, USA
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Posted: 6/26/2023 10:05:50 AM EST
[#33]
44 mag, just like Dirty Harry
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Posted: 6/26/2023 11:18:50 AM EST
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JWnTN: IMHO, you’ll get more use with a .357 Python. Good luck with whichever you choose and enjoy! This. Between availability of ammo and ease of shooting the 357 will get used way more. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 6/26/2023 5:34:05 PM EST
[#35]
I've got both, and love both. But .38/.357 wins for me just due to the aforementioned ammo considerations. I shoot those more than the .44, it's kind of turned into a novelty gun for me.
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KY, USA
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Posted: 7/1/2023 8:47:54 PM EST
[#36]
Depends on what you're really going to do with it, if it's just to have then get the 357. If you intend to hunt with it, would be a bit better off with a 44 but the 357 can get woods work done too. Both are easily my two favorite revolver cartridges.
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Posted: 7/1/2023 8:52:49 PM EST
[#37]
I've always went 44.
You can download 44, you can't upload 357. |
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Posted: 7/1/2023 9:08:29 PM EST
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MisterPX: You can download 44, you can't upload 357. Hold my beer…  Attached File |
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Posted: 7/1/2023 9:16:08 PM EST
[#39]
What's your intended use for the gun? Self defense? Bear protection? Recreational shooting?
Sounds like you are looking for a plinker. Recommend a .357 for ammo cost and the ability to shoot .38. 8 shots is a fun feature too   |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 7/2/2023 10:35:40 AM EST
[#40]
First revolver, .357. Easier to find ammunition. .38 special is easy shooting. And the new Python is flat out sexy.
Colt Python. Because looks matter. |
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Posted: 7/2/2023 11:03:33 AM EST
[#41]
Nice choice with the Python. It is a very smooth shooting gun in many ways.
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Posted: 7/2/2023 5:54:51 PM EST
[#42]
I am a big fan of 357. I reload soft 38s for target shooting.
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WI, USA
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Posted: 7/3/2023 9:25:20 PM EST
[#43]
Both are great rounds and you can't go wrong either way.
With that said I'm a huge big bore fan and as such will always lean towards the 44 over the 357. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 7/4/2023 5:26:47 PM EST
[#44]
I graduated from a Buntline Scout .22LR colt to a .357 Blackhawk when I was about 12.
When the decision to get some DA revolvers came about 20 years later I went with 8-shot .357s. Which also led to a pump and a lever action .357. That was supposed to be it for revolvers. But an uncle gifted me a SAA .45 Colt when I retired from the Army. Which led to me adding a Redhawk and a lever action in 45 colt. And finding a used 1960s Ruger .44 semiauto tube fed carbine to go with my DE, I also added a lever action .44 and a S&W 29 Classic. At some point I ended up with a .22 mag pump as a companion / replacement for my failing to function and unable to keep running 1890 pump in .22 WRF. Which also led to a .22 mag revolver. The moral of the story is, you may pick one now. But I suspect you will end up with many more revolvers and many more calibers. |
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USA
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Posted: 7/4/2023 6:33:33 PM EST
[#45]
Split the difference like I did: .41 Magnum
I came across a mint S&W 4” M58 M&P several years ago and didn’t hesitate. That model was actually a police issue sidearm back in the day, from the 1960s thru at least the late 1970s. Downside is, you’ll need to reload to get the most out of the cartridge. Bullet selection in .410 diameter is actually better than it used to be and there are some very good coated WFNGC boolits available. |
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Posted: 7/4/2023 6:44:49 PM EST
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Nick_Adams: Split the difference like I did: .41 Magnum I came across a mint S&W 4” M58 M&P several years ago and didn’t hesitate. That model was actually a police issue sidearm back in the day, from the 1960s thru at least the late 1970s. Downside is, you’ll need to reload to get the most out of the cartridge. Bullet selection in .410 diameter is actually better than it used to be and there are some very good coated WFNGC boolits available. .41 magnum is really cool ....especially when you consider that 44 magnum is actually .430" magnum |
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USA
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Posted: 7/5/2023 6:44:49 AM EST
[#47]
Another thing is that all three Magnum cartridges have non-magnum counterpart cartridges that can be substituted to shoot if you don’t need or want magnum-level power, blast, and felt-recoil ….
So no real advantage for the .357/.38 fans. .357 Mag ———> .38 Spcl .44 Mag ————> .44 Spcl .41 Mag ————> .41 Spcl. Yes, they do make .41 Spcl. brass, … ammo too at some of the boutique outfits. https://www.starlinebrass.com/41-special |
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Posted: 7/5/2023 7:37:49 AM EST
[#48]
I am partial to 357 because you can easily shoot 38 special and 9mm if you use moon clips.
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Posted: 7/5/2023 7:39:11 AM EST
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Nick_Adams: Another thing is that all three Magnum cartridges have non-magnum counterpart cartridges that can be substituted to shoot if you don’t need or want magnum-level power, blast, and felt-recoil …. So no real advantage for the .357/.38 fans. .357 Mag ———> .38 Spcl .44 Mag ————> .44 Spcl .41 Mag ————> .41 Spcl. Yes, they do make .41 Spcl. brass, … ammo too at some of the boutique outfits. https://www.starlinebrass.com/41-special If you are buying ammo off the shelf, 38 special is better then 44 special and much better than 41 special |
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Posted: 7/14/2023 5:05:46 PM EST
[#50]
I don't notice a big difference with my 4" 357 and .44, both have a solid punch in my hand, the longer the barrel the more pleasent the 357 becomes
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