California Revolver Hunting: .357 v .44

[Jpsmith1]

Somewhere on the internet I recently read about a guy pushing cutting edge bullets as fast as possible out of a .44 mag and getting much better results from handguns.

Found it:

Mono Metal Bullets…A multi year Study - Handgun Hunting Afield

I am always looking for the best mouse trap available. Hunting costs a good bit of money and takes a considerable investment of time; I never want my gear to hold me back. When handgun hunting, I am generally hunting in the remote areas of Wyoming in various terrain; from forested mountains to...

handgunhuntingafield.blog

.44 mag is not a terrible round to shoot well under 50 yards (controlled slow fire rate) if you can control your trigger press.

Came here to give this recommendation.

I'll be using them in my 44 and 45 this year

 

[TheGDog]

Side Question?

Parameters: 4"bbl .357Mag Ruger Security Six. using either Barnes XPB or LeHigh Xtreme Penetrators in either 125gr or 140gr.

Besides the challenge of "staying in the black" with all your shots at 25yds+ w/ irons. For those that have taken deer or black bear with handguns... with a combo like mentioned here, 4-inch, just irons, what would be the most yardage distance you'd be trying that shot at?

Everything I've read states it's basically same as bow hunting yardages. That sound about right? Or no?

 

[Bluefish]

If you are not sold on a revolver, a T/C contender or encore has many options that will be whitetail capable for sub 100 yards. I have taken deer with 357 max and a 150g cutting edge ER raptor. I have since switched to 360 Buckhammer for ammo availability. Also 45-70 500g subs from maker. The maker subs are not bad for recoil and amazing on game performance. I would use the 400 or 350g from a handgun just to lower recoil. They are a .4+g1 and being subsonic, minimum upset velocity is well beyond where you can hit.

You probably can’t use a can, but subs and a fixed breech are a good combination.

 

[RockAndSage]

Side Question?

Parameters: 4"bbl .357Mag Ruger Security Six. using either Barnes XPB or LeHigh Xtreme Penetrators in either 125gr or 140gr.

Besides the challenge of "staying in the black" with all your shots at 25yds+ w/ irons. For those that have taken deer or black bear with handguns... with a combo like mentioned here, 4-inch, just irons, what would be the most yardage distance you'd be trying that shot at?

Everything I've read states it's basically same as bow hunting yardages. That sound about right? Or no?

Bow-hunting yardages would be a good proxy, yes. That said, for any "how far would be max range" questions, with any weapon, the best answer is usually some form of "whatever distance you have already proven you can hit vital-sized targets 10 for 10 with, with that specific weapon, in field conditions." That's the safest, most ethical answer.

 

[Jpsmith1]

Side Question?

Parameters: 4"bbl .357Mag Ruger Security Six. using either Barnes XPB or LeHigh Xtreme Penetrators in either 125gr or 140gr.

Besides the challenge of "staying in the black" with all your shots at 25yds+ w/ irons. For those that have taken deer or black bear with handguns... with a combo like mentioned here, 4-inch, just irons, what would be the most yardage distance you'd be trying that shot at?

Everything I've read states it's basically same as bow hunting yardages. That sound about right? Or no?

I put a dot on my 4" security six. 50 yards on the range wasn't a problem offhand and a 35 yard shot on a deer wasn't too tough.

 

[cal30_sniper]

Came here to give this recommendation.

I'll be using them in my 44 and 45 this year

Now I'm going to have to try these in my .41 Mag.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I've shot a S&W Model 686 in .357 which is the same frame as my Model 629.

So a L frame and an N frame are the same size? I kinda doubt that

 

[JackButler]

I can’t speak to the lead free aspect, but I’ve shot a bunch of deer with a 44 special and under 50yards it’s good to go for sure. Also have shot several with a 6” 357 python with the same results. I almost wanted to try 38specials in the python for deer but never did.

 

[7RemMag]

So a L frame and an N frame are the same size? I kinda doubt that

You caught an error in my wording which was incorrect and my post can be adjusted to reflect that. They are not the same frame size, with the N frame being a little bit beefier. Obviously, due to that fact the 629 is a little bit heftier, but the two handle quite similarly aside from that. That was the main point I was going for but thank you for bringing that to my attention.

 

[cal30_sniper]

You caught an error in my wording which was incorrect and my post can be adjusted to reflect that. They are not the same frame size, with the N frame being a little bit beefier. Obviously, due to that fact the 629 is a little bit heftier, but the two handle quite similarly aside from that. That was the main point I was going for but thank you for bringing that to my attention.

If you do ever get the chance to handle a 27 (N-frame .357), they shoot like a dream.

 

[7RemMag]

If you do ever get the chance to handle a 27 (N-frame .357), they shoot like a dream.

My Dad’s 686 which was the .357 I referenced I think is a -3…Very nice shooting gun and truth be told, a little handier to carry than my 6” full lug 629 Classic. I like the performance/versatility of the .44 Magnum a little more is all.

 

[Steve300xcw]

you want handy? Look at the model 69's

 

[cal30_sniper]

My Dad’s 686 which was the .357 I referenced I think is a -3…Very nice shooting gun and truth be told, a little handier to carry than my 6” full lug 629 Classic. I like the performance/versatility of the .44 Magnum a little more is all.

My favorite of my Smith clan is the 6” barrel 610 (N-frame full lug unfluted cylinder 10mm Auto). When you put 40 S&W in that thing it shoots like a .22. I’ve got a 7.5” 657 (41 Mag, full lug, unfluted cylinder) that also shoots very nice.

I have a 4” 657 Mountain Gun and a regular 4” 629. They are both an absolute handful with Magnum loads, but fun nonetheless.

Dad carried a 686 on duty for years and I shot that gun many times. I’ve also got a 7-shot 520 that’s basically a 686 half-lug. The L frames are super handy, but for some reason it’s the N-frames that I really like to shoot.

 

[7RemMag]

you want handy? Look at the model 69's

I have handled one on more than one occasion but never fired them. I would surely have one if money were no consideration. Lol

 

[Steve300xcw]

I have the 2.75" one. While I have no desire to go run some of the T-rex loads they sell through the thing. Its actually a pretty comfy and accurate gun.

I will own the 4" one of these days. That thing is damn near perfect

 

[7RemMag]

I don’t bet I’d ever shoot anything real snotty through a gun that light. The loads I shoot through my 629 to hunt with are stout enough that I wouldn’t want to shoot them in a gun that was much lighter. I don’t imagine it would be all that pleasurable.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I don’t bet I’d ever shoot anything real snotty through a gun that light. The loads I shoot through my 629 to hunt with are stout enough that I wouldn’t want to shoot them in a gun that was much lighter. I don’t imagine it would be all that pleasurable.

Lighter n smaller so yea, you're right. Though it is nicer to shoot than a 329. As always, grips can make a big difference

 

[Rich M]

I'm partial to the 357 mag, having wheel gun and bolt action carbine. Reload lead, jacketed, and copper. Kill deer with the carbine. I'm deaf so getting deer inside 50 yards is not something i focus on doing.

Since you have to use copper, know that there won't be much diff between the two calibers. Sure the .44 is .065 larger in diameter. I don't think either bullets are gonna provide much shock. They will go all the way thru.

So, punch em thru the engine room, watch it run off, then sit tight for an hour and go track it. Figure a 75-100 yard trail.

IF you could use an XTP bullet, the 44 mag would provide a bit more oomph and flattening power but the 357 with 158 gr XTP is no slouch.

I find a 44 mag easier to shoot as opposed to 357 mag with hot loads. Lotsa flames. LoL!

 

[jzeblaz]

My favorite of my Smith clan is the 6” barrel 610 (N-frame full lug unfluted cylinder 10mm Auto). When you put 40 S&W in that thing it shoots like a .22. I’ve got a 7.5” 657 (41 Mag, full lug, unfluted cylinder) that also shoots very nice.

This is the one I carry in CA for hunting, Smith 657. I much prefer it to my Ruger 41 and Smith 357 (4"). I have a red dot on it now and it hammers with Barnes factory 180s, I think they are. 10mms are fun for hunting too. In a 6" barrel, they can do some work for sure. For the stated, purpose I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Find what you like best; go forth and have fun.

I have a 4” 657 Mountain Gun and a regular 4” 629. They are both an absolute handful with Magnum loads, but fun nonetheless.

Dad carried a 686 on duty for years and I shot that gun many times. I’ve also got a 7-shot 520 that’s basically a 686 half-lug. The L frames are super handy, but for some reason it’s the N-frames that I really like to shoot.

 

[TheGDog]

I put a dot on my 4" security six. 50 yards on the range wasn't a problem offhand and a 35 yard shot on a deer wasn't too tough.

So put a dot on one, I'm assuming it makes use of the same screw hole(s) for the rear blade sight?
My Vision Requires glasses now 24/7, so that sounds like it'd be helpful I'm sure.

Which models will fit on a Security Six?

does a person have to buy an in-between adapter-plate thing?
(Sorry, just thinking of the questions that seem pertinent to this)