[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 44 Mag Or 357 Mag (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 6/28/2012 5:08:48 AM EDT
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Looking into revolvers at the moment, specifically the Smith & Wesson's. Always loved their revolvers.
The gun will be basically a range toy, as I have other guns I would use for HD & Carry. What I was looking at, and want, is an N framed gun, with either 8 rounds of 357, or 6 rounds of 44 Mag. Gun would be mostly used with 38 specials, or 44 specials for comfort and fun, though use of full-house rounds will not be out of the question. Looking for something in the 4" range for barrel length, as I like the looks of them the best. I do not reload, though I do see it in the future (not for a couple years though), so right now, base it on me using factory ammo. I was leaning mostly towards the 357, as the lighter loads would be easier to shoot due to the size of the gun, and reloading every 8 rounds is nicer than reloading every 6. I came across the 627, and I really like it. The angled lower lug looks pretty cool, and it fits the bill of what I am looking for. The only mods I can see myself doing to the gun, would be cutting it for moon clips (not me, a professional), and maybe getting some nicely figured wood grips, possibly a set from Nill Griffe. 
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I have both and love both.  That said, if I had to choose only one of the two it would be the .38/.357. More versatile, IMO, more choices out there, and cheaper to shoot whether you reload or not (but especially if you don't). There are a few things a .44 can do that a .357 can't do (or at least can't do as well), but none of those fall into the planned uses you expressed above. Can't go wrong with a good .357 S&W (my personal favorites), but Colt and Ruger have made some nice ones as well. |
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Quoted:
I have both and love both.
That said, if I had to choose only one of the two it would be the .38/.357. More versatile, IMO, more choices out there, and cheaper to shoot whether you reload or not (but especially if you don't). There are a few things a .44 can do that a .357 can't do (or at least can't do as well), but none of those fall into the planned uses you expressed above. Can't go wrong with a good .357 S&W (my personal favorites), but Colt and Ruger have made some nice ones as well. I know Ruger's come highly praised, however I just don't think they are that great looking (at least the new ones). I do like the Security Six, however that is only 6 shots and a smaller gun. As to the Colts, I love the Python line of guns, and would love one, however I don't want to be afraid to shoot / use the gun, and again, 6 shots. |
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http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/chefmasterkaga/071.jpg
I can't speak to 357 vs.44, but I picked one of these up as a range gun, and it is really nice. The gun is already cut for moon clips and comes with three of them and it has chamfered charge holes.If the one you are looking at is the 627 pro,it should come like that. It is one of those rare things that is perfect in every way. The DA and SA pulls are perfect out of the box. It fits my hand great.If my house was on fire, I would probably run inside to save it, I like it that much. I have other 357 revolvers, but this one is top notch. |
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http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/chefmasterkaga/071.jpg I can't speak to 357 vs.44, but I picked one of these up as a range gun, and it is really nice. The gun is already cut for moon clips and comes with three of them and it has chamfered charge holes.If the one you are looking at is the 627 pro,it should come like that. It is one of those rare things that is perfect in every way. The DA and SA pulls are perfect out of the box. It fits my hand great.If my house was on fire, I would probably run inside to save it, I like it that much. I have other 357 revolvers, but this one is top notch. Very sexy gun, really like that. I had seen some of them cut for moon-clips already, but saw no mention of it on the S&W website, and yes, I am looking at the "pro" version. |
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I have to push you torwards 357 magnum, for the following reasons
1. you don't reload 2. 38 spc is 32.00 per 100 at walmart 3. 38 out an N frame has almost no recoil 4. wheelguns are addictive and you will want a K frame in 38 & an N frame in 44 no matter which wasy you go here but you can llive without the 44. 5. you did not mention hunting not that you can't with 357 alterations I recommend moon clips, gold bead front sight, arhends grip, the plug |
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Quoted: I have both and love both. That said, if I had to choose only one of the two it would be the .38/.357. More versatile, IMO, more choices out there, and cheaper to shoot whether you reload or not (but especially if you don't). There are a few things a .44 can do that a .357 can't do (or at least can't do as well), but none of those fall into the planned uses you expressed above. Can't go wrong with a good .357 S&W (my personal favorites), but Colt and Ruger have made some nice ones as well. I disagree. You're limited to 95 grains to 180 grains from .38 to .357 in commercial ammo. A .44 will allow you to shoot incredibly tame 180 grain .44 Specials up to 340+ grains in certain .44 Mags. A .44 can do more then a .38/.357. From self defense to large game. Yes, it's more expensive, but neither rounds are something you're probably going to regularly shoot. There is just about any .44 load you could want on the market right now. If they don't make it, you should bring a different gun. For a range toy I'd much rather shoot .44 Specials than either .38 or .357. .357s are punishing. |
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MIne are old but I like both (M586 and M29). The 586 is the second most accurate revolver I've ever fired.
If I were buying a revolver for one of my sons I'd by the .357 magnum. With the right ammo it'll do anything you want for the range or for personal protection. Save your brass for when you do start reloading. With full power loads a .44 magnum can be a handfull. Even in broad daylight my 4" M29 throws a volleyball sized fireball (volly ball as viewed from the back end - I don't know how long it might be if viewed from the side). Shooting .44's is fun when you can do it some place besides a stuffy rule infested range. Shooting appliances, car doors/trunk, 5 gallon buckets of water, paint cans of water, rocks, water heater tanks, rocks, etc. is lots of fun. |
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I have both and love both.
That said, if I had to choose only one of the two it would be the .38/.357. More versatile, IMO, more choices out there, and cheaper to shoot whether you reload or not (but especially if you don't). There are a few things a .44 can do that a .357 can't do (or at least can't do as well), but none of those fall into the planned uses you expressed above. Can't go wrong with a good .357 S&W (my personal favorites), but Colt and Ruger have made some nice ones as well. I disagree. You're limited to 95 grains to 180 grains from .38 to .357 in commercial ammo. A .44 will allow you to shoot incredibly tame 180 grain .44 Specials up to 340+ grains in certain .44 Mags. A .44 can do more then a .38/.357. From self defense to large game. Yes, it's more expensive, but neither rounds are something you're probably going to regularly shoot. There is just about any .44 load you could want on the market right now. If they don't make it, you should bring a different gun. For a range toy I'd much rather shoot .44 Specials than either .38 or .357. .357s are punishing. Eh, I disagree for a range gun for a non-reloader. You'll save enough on ammo to pay for the .44 as a second purchase. Also, you can match it up with an 1873. This coming from someone with a .41mag :D |
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357 first for the versitility,then the 44.
The 686 six shot with safari land competition speed loaders loads about as fast as the moon clip guns and then you don't have to load/unload the clips.Gun is also much cheaper I love the N-frames but I believe the L frames have a bit better trigers because you are spinning less mass. Not sure why you don't jump into reloading . Straight wall pistol cases are easy and you can keep a revolver feed with a single stage or a turret. Many guys plan on entering reloading with top of the line stuff and get put off by initial cost. Used equipment can be had , ask around at the local gun store and gun clubs |
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I agree with NH. I had not owned a full sized revolver in many years until a few months ago. The only one I had kept was my EDC J frame. On a whim, I picked up a Taurus 66B6 that a fellow had won at a raffle but didn't want. It was NIB and under $400. It has been great fun and the fit and finish were great, I know NH does not like Taurus, but this one has a finish on par with what Smith used to be capable of and a fantastic trigger. I've owned in the past Smith , Ruger and Taurus and had good experiences with all. A single stage press that I picked up used for $50 complete with everything I needed to reload .38spl has kept me going strong and cheap.
For NH, I will let you know when the Taurus wears out, so far it's not showing any signs of weakness. |
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I agree with NH. I had not owned a full sized revolver in many years until a few months ago. The only one I had kept was my EDC J frame. On a whim, I picked up a Taurus 66B6 that a fellow had won at a raffle but didn't want. It was NIB and under $400. It has been great fun and the fit and finish were great, I know NH does not like Taurus, but this one has a finish on par with what Smith used to be capable of and a fantastic trigger. I've owned in the past Smith , Ruger and Taurus and had good experiences with all. A single stage press that I picked up used for $50 complete with everything I needed to reload .38spl has kept me going strong and cheap. For NH, I will let you know when the Taurus wears out, so far it's not showing any signs of weakness. Hey-no foul-its just my personal preference This one gun may be working fine for you-good I just feel that across the board the quality of the Rossi and Taurus guns along with their less than stellar resale value makes the S&W guns a better deal for most folks. Heck-I don't even like the Rugers as I feel the triggers just are second rate to the S&W guns-to be fair whatever Ruger did in its LCR line is every bit as good as the Smiths triggerwise |
| Hey, I like Smiths too. Just not at twice the money for an L frame when this one did the same thing for half the cost. Worst case is that some time in the hopefully distant future I'd need to send it in for a rebuild. You are however correct about Taurus being somewhat hit and miss. My boss bought two of their .22 revolvers for he and his wife. His is perfect and the trigger on hers is very heavy. Hopefully it will improve with use. |
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You will eventually get both, so I would recommend that you start with a .357. Specifically a pre lock gun. And if you are set on an N frame, there is no better place to start than a 4 inch Model 28, the Highway Patrolman.
My N frame 357's, Top to bottom 4" M28 5" M27 6" M28 
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I do not like S&W's recent politics or the lock (not even one little bit).
That being said, it is my preference. I'd look for NIB pre-lock. My .41 (IMO the best round of the three for a reloader but it sucks that there aren't more lever guns in it). I digress though and don't want to start a war. I load .44 for my 1892 too.... 
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.44 Magnum is a punishing round. Three or four cylinders of full power loads and I'm ready to call it a day. Expensive is an understatement. I reload, so cost per round is much lower. I can also load lead bullets around 950 to 1000 fps for fun practice without flinching or bleeding.
.357 is a wonderful round. .38 Special is even better for practice. Learn to reload. At least save all your brass. The day will come when you decide to take the plunge. Low costs rounds custom taylored to your needs is a wonderful thing to own. |
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Quoted: .44 Magnum is a punishing round. Three or four cylinders of full power loads and I'm ready to call it a day. Expensive is an understatement. I reload, so cost per round is much lower. I can also load lead bullets around 950 to 1000 fps for fun practice without flinching or bleeding. Yup. My "everyday" .44 load is a 265 grain LSWC at 1050 fps. The fun loads are the same bullet at 1350. |
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As others stated, chances are pretty good you'll end up with both. I planned on that and a .22 also for most of my practice. I went with a 629, 686 and a 617. Except for recoil, they are very similar to each other. Though I use higher end .22's, they are not even close in cost to acceptable 357's or .44's. I don't use the shorter rounds in them (.22L, 22s, 38 specials or .44 specials) as there is more cleaning in the cylinder when you do. I do reload and that cuts the costs to a 1/4 or 1/3 of factory. Also with reloading, I can power up or down depending on my mood. If your truly set on a Smith and are split between the 2, I'd suggest the 357 and a matching 22 for the reasons above. I would also suggest you start to reload sooner than later. Either round is very easy to do as their straight walled pistols and are both very good to learn with. You'd spend maybe $500.00 or so to get a decent setup, scales, measures, powder and so on. Hit the reloading forum in the Armory. I've taught others on those rounds in under a couple hours. I guess I need to give the obligatory image. Here ya go:
Top down, 629, 686 and 617. 
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That is actually a tough question for me these days.
Yes the .357 for a target gun, range toy. As much as I love the medium frame revolvers about all I use my two .357 686 revolvers for these days is target work/plinking as I feel they have been outclassed by auto pistols for self defense and carry. The .357 is too much of a good thing when it comes to noise and muzzle flash for use as a home defense/carry weapon and if I am going to load it with .38 +p to reduce the problems it makes more sense to use my .45. I am more into the .44 mag these days-its truly a whole other level of power and capability/versatility for me as I carry them in the mountains and am just as accurate with them as my ..357's. Your needs may be different. Either way it is worth the time/wait to seek out a pre lock version gun made up until the late 90's. |
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Do you own any pistols in .45ACP?
If you do, you should investigate a model 625 performance center revolver. N frame, very pleasant to shoot, and extremely accurate as well; makes a terrific range gun and if you already own another handgun in .45 ACP there's an advantage there too. Between the choices you presented, I'd go with the .357. |
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Do you own any pistols in .45ACP? If you do, you should investigate a model 625 performance center revolver. N frame, very pleasant to shoot, and extremely accurate as well; makes a terrific range gun and if you already own another handgun in .45 ACP there's an advantage there too. Between the choices you presented, I'd go with the .357. Sorry for the lack of responses guys, went on a little vaca this weekend. As to the 45 ACP, I do have & shoot a 1911 in 45 ACP. I did look into that revolver at once time, but totally forgot about it in my recent looking. Guess I was thinking more traditional revolver cartridge. I do like the idea of the 45 ACP revolver to be honest. Only downside is the capacity at 6 rounds |
Very NICE trio!!!!
One Question though = Any reason you did not go with a full lug 629?? 
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As others stated, chances are pretty good you'll end up with both. I planned on that and a .22 also for most of my practice. I went with a 629, 686 and a 617. Except for recoil, they are very similar to each other. Though I use higher end .22's, they are not even close in cost to acceptable 357's or .44's. I don't use the shorter rounds in them (.22L, 22s, 38 specials or .44 specials) as there is more cleaning in the cylinder when you do. I do reload and that cuts the costs to a 1/4 or 1/3 of factory. Also with reloading, I can power up or down depending on my mood. If your truly set on a Smith and are split between the 2, I'd suggest the 357 and a matching 22 for the reasons above. I would also suggest you start to reload sooner than later. Either round is very easy to do as their straight walled pistols and are both very good to learn with. You'd spend maybe $500.00 or so to get a decent setup, scales, measures, powder and so on. Hit the reloading forum in the Armory. I've taught others on those rounds in under a couple hours. I guess I need to give the obligatory image. Here ya go: Top down, 629, 686 and 617. http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn82/Taipan01/Revolvers2.jpg |
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Very NICE trio!!!!
One Question though = Any reason you did not go with a full lug 629??
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Snipe Hi, Because I wanted 4" 629, not a classic. I think S&W only did a small run of 629 4" full lug back in the late 80's. I prefer 4", closest would be 5" and that would throw me a bit practicing with the 617. There is no noticeable difference to me holding any two at the same time by way of weight or balance so maybe the shorter lug is better. Hope this answers your question. |
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Very NICE trio!!!!
One Question though = Any reason you did not go with a full lug 629??
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Snipe Hi, Because I wanted 4" 629, not a classic. I think S&W only did a small run of 629 4" full lug back in the late 80's. I prefer 4", closest would be 5" and that would throw me a bit practicing with the 617. There is no noticeable difference to me holding any two at the same time by way of weight or balance so maybe the shorter lug is better. Hope this answers your question. It does, Thanks!! |
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I happen to like the 357mag over the 44mag since we dont have any brown bears around.
I mostly use a handgun for CCW /HD useing a 4 inch K /L frame The 38spl+P are easy to control. I can dump 6 rds into a tight group. I can use 357magnum loads for more Penetration 158 to 200gr ( better off doing that with the Lframe  )
If leagal in your state one can also hunt WT Deer with a 357mag. (I shot a nice 8 point with a 125gr SJHP 357mag) If I lived in brown bear country? I might of went 44mag and carried 44spl for CCW/SD/HD |
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Quoted: ... reloading every 8 rounds is nicer than reloading every 6... Quoted: ... however that is only 6 shots... ... again, 6 shots... Quoted: ... Only downside is the capacity at 6 rounds... You've mentioned capacity 4 times in 2 pages. I don't think you want the .44... or even a "standard" .357. Go with the 7- or 8-shot .357 and enjoy. (FWIW, I own a bunch of revolvers and the only ones with a capacity greater than six are rimfires.) |
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Quoted: Quoted: ... reloading every 8 rounds is nicer than reloading every 6... Quoted: ... however that is only 6 shots... ... again, 6 shots... Quoted: ... Only downside is the capacity at 6 rounds... You've mentioned capacity 4 times in 2 pages. I don't think you want the .44... or even a "standard" .357. Go with the 7- or 8-shot .357 and enjoy. (FWIW, I own a bunch of revolvers and the only ones with a capacity greater than six are rimfires.) I remember when I knew nothing about revolvers and worried myself to death over six rounds... |
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If you own and shoot revolvers long enough and truly want to master them you are most likely going to have to learn to reload.
That being said, the 44 offers versatility that the 357 cannot. For a pure range toy the .357 is not a bad gun and shooting .38 wadcutters is a great time for sure. Then again a person can load flat based wadcutters or semi wadcutters in a 44 that do the exact same thing that are stunningly accurate. Most folks are somewhat ignorant in regards to the capabilities of the .44 magnum. They simply regurgitate what they read on the .net and in magazines, never gaining much personal experience. I can tell you from shooting literally thousands of critters over the years with it (mostly small game such as desert jacks), that it is a stellar performer for big game and small, as well as punching paper. You can make loads that have such little recoil that children can shoot them without ever developing a flinch. You mentioned a 4" .44. Here is 4" M29-2 in sub zero temps: 
The vast majority of the loads that I shoot are nowhere near the top of the spectrum in the power scale. I do this for multiple reasons. Mostly because I shoot/perform better when the loads are not at max level, they are much easier on my wrists and easier on my guns. Very heavy loads will take a toll on your wrists over time. You may not think so, but I can attest to the fact that it will do damage. The simple fact of the matter is that 99% of the things I am shooting do not require that kind of power level either. When I am going after Elk, that is different. Mule Deer sized animals can take a medium load and small game an even lighter load. Even ground squirrels can be taken cleanly if you know what you are doing. The trick is to shoot at the base of the mound they are hiding behind or standing on and launch them into the air. It kills them dead and you get some good Olympic style acrobats to watch if you do it right: 
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Easy shooting loads that will punch through both shoulders on a big game animal in a .44 magnum are no big deal to create. That is something that cannot be said for the .357.
Another aspect of the .44 that is not talked about much is the fact that with heavy hard cast slugs (the same holds true for .45 Colt), you don't have to have a super high velocity load to really get great penetration. I have found that a 300 grain cast SWC .44 at a sedate 1,000 fps will punch straight through a vehicle struck deer and keep on going. I have done this at multiple angles and yet to recover a bullet. Works on cattle too. I have shot a few junk cars with various loads and the short version is a bad guy is screwed if you have a good sight picture on him. The same cannot be said for the .357. Sometimes it works great, often times,a crossbar or A or B post would stop the rounds cold. .44 magnum and .45 Colt rounds just whizzed through. I like the .357/.38 and use a .38 442 as a BUG at work, but I know its limitations. As Clint Eastwood said "A man's got to know his limitations" 
Some S&W .44 goodness for y'all this morning: 
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I own and enjoy both.
My reccomendation for anyone considering a handgun in the 44 magnum or heavier class is make sure you fire one several times before you take the plunge. You ought to make sure it really is something you're genuinely interested in. The majority of shooters out there can learn to handle 357 well in a medium to heavy frame gun, this is certainly not the case with the 44 magnum. Most people simply cannot learn to overcome the blast and recoil of the 44 sufficiently to shoot it really well. Don't get me wrong, it certainly can be done, it just takes a LOT of practice and concentration. Learning to shoot a 44 magnum wheelgun well enough to take full advantage of the capabilities of the cartridge is certainly a heck of an achievement. I'm still trying to learn myself. Oh yea, and both the 357 and 44 are among the easiest and most economical to reload out there. If you're going to shoot either enough to become really good, there's absolutely no reason not to reload. |
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OP,
WHAT gun to get isn't your REAL issue. You sir need to either befriend a reloader, or start reloading yourself. I can't imagine either PAYING for factory ammo, or worse yet...being stuck with so few choices. I collect post WW2 Smith reolvers, have a mess of them. I'd suggest the new 627 as your .357mag/.38 Spcl range gun. Very accurate and probably the stoutest built .357" N frame in Smiths history. Built to take many, many rounds over it's life. 
My 627 5" is my only lok gun. Hate the lok concept and the politics, but love the gun. Time to move on. It is what it is. For a .44 mag I'd go later as well. They hold up better and will be cheaper than an earlier gun. FN in MT |
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I have both and love both.
That said, if I had to choose only one of the two it would be the .38/.357. More versatile, IMO, more choices out there, and cheaper to shoot whether you reload or not (but especially if you don't). There are a few things a .44 can do that a .357 can't do (or at least can't do as well), but none of those fall into the planned uses you expressed above. Can't go wrong with a good .357 S&W (my personal favorites), but Colt and Ruger have made some nice ones as well. I know Ruger's come highly praised, however I just don't think they are that great looking (at least the new ones). I do like the Security Six, however that is only 6 shots and a smaller gun. As to the Colts, I love the Python line of guns, and would love one, however I don't want to be afraid to shoot / use the gun, and again, 6 shots. I have S&W and Ruger . IMO the ruger has a slight edge on S&W in looks becaue the way Ruger barrels look with thw angle of the lower lug!Wher S&W straight plain looking!Accuracy I shoot my 4 in GP100 better than my 686 4in. The smith has a slicker trigger too!You cant go wrong with 357! |
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I have both and love both.
That said, if I had to choose only one of the two it would be the .38/.357. More versatile, IMO, more choices out there, and cheaper to shoot whether you reload or not (but especially if you don't). There are a few things a .44 can do that a .357 can't do (or at least can't do as well), but none of those fall into the planned uses you expressed above. Can't go wrong with a good .357 S&W (my personal favorites), but Colt and Ruger have made some nice ones as well. I know Ruger's come highly praised, however I just don't think they are that great looking (at least the new ones). I do like the Security Six, however that is only 6 shots and a smaller gun. As to the Colts, I love the Python line of guns, and would love one, however I don't want to be afraid to shoot / use the gun, and again, 6 shots. I have S&W and Ruger . IMO the ruger has a slight edge on S&W in looks becaue the way Ruger barrels look with thw angle of the lower lug!Wher S&W straight plain looking!Accuracy I shoot my 4 in GP100 better than my 686 4in. The smith has a slicker trigger too!You cant go wrong with 357! |
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Do you own any pistols in .45ACP? If you do, you should investigate a model 625 performance center revolver. N frame, very pleasant to shoot, and extremely accurate as well; makes a terrific range gun and if you already own another handgun in .45 ACP there's an advantage there too. Between the choices you presented, I'd go with the .357. Sorry for the lack of responses guys, went on a little vaca this weekend. As to the 45 ACP, I do have & shoot a 1911 in 45 ACP. I did look into that revolver at once time, but totally forgot about it in my recent looking. Guess I was thinking more traditional revolver cartridge. I do like the idea of the 45 ACP revolver to be honest. Only downside is the capacity at 6 rounds Then you want to consider a Ruger Super Blackhawk in 45 Colt and also get the 45 ACP cylinder. 45 Colt in THIS particular piece ca be loaded a little hotter than 44mag and do it with less pressurre......a very stout round. Cowboy loads and 45 ACP are very mild. |
| I have had the Model 27 5 inch and the 29 in 61/2 inch and sold them both when a boat seemed more fun at the time. Now the boats gone and the guns as well. If I were to replace one of the 2 it would be the 44 mag. but it would be in the 6 inch model. I had more fun with the big Dirty Harry canon. |
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I'm a .41 nut but I'll suggest a Lee Loader kit for whatever you decide. Less then $40 MSRP to start reloading.
Lee Loader CD |
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.44 Magnum is a punishing round. Three or four cylinders of full power loads and I'm ready to call it a day. Expensive is an understatement. I reload, so cost per round is much lower. I can also load lead bullets around 950 to 1000 fps for fun practice without flinching or bleeding. .357 is a wonderful round. .38 Special is even better for practice. Learn to reload. At least save all your brass. The day will come when you decide to take the plunge. Low costs rounds custom taylored to your needs is a wonderful thing to own. +1 on this. I also suggest you start reloading. I have both 44 and 357. For punching paper at the range shooting factory ammo is kind of expensive. I just got 500 rounds of hard cast 357 from Missouri bullet for I think it was about 32 bucks. That's cheap reloading. I also reload cast in the 44. Cast will be lighter loads than FMJ stuff and fun to shoot at the range. |
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I'm a .41 nut but I'll suggest a Lee Loader kit for whatever you decide. Less then $40 MSRP to start reloading. Lee Loader CD Be careful now. A $20 Lee Loader a has led to thousands spent on reloading equipment over the past few decades!
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Well guys, since this thread doesn't seem to die, I will post in here a couple updates. First off, here is a pic of the 357 Mag revolver I picked up:
The gun is a Palmer Mass made Dan Wesson 715-FB. FB stands for Fixed Barrel, as most came from the factory with the interchangeable barrels. They made Fixed Barrel versions, however they were not as common as the interchangeable versions. It is a 3" barrel, in 357 Magnum, 6-shot cylinder. As to reloading, I have decided to get into reloading for this gun. The biggest plus IMO to reloading is being able to download some light target rounds for all day fun-shooting, and being able to load up some hot rounds if need be. I have decided to start out with the Lee Classic Loader, as it will be a rather inexpensive way to start, however I see a press in my future once I get a bench together and a little space to set-up everything. For now, with my limited space, the Lee Loader will do for now. I contacted Lee about the classic loader, and was told I could get the 38 Special loader and I would be able to use it for both 38 and 357 cases. This will be perfect, as I have a cousin who shoots 38's, but doesn't reload, so I will be able to get his brass. Plus if I shoot 357's, I'll be able to use that brass as well. I have been able to shoot this gun only once so far, with some target 38's, and the gun shoots very well. Lock-up is perfect and no timing issues. I am super happy with the gun overall. Thanks all for the suggestion of 357! |