For what ?
For IMHSA both worked well , the max may have a bit less sight adjustments to be on target. In hunting deer the 44 has the best chance maybe. Small game the max might win . But when you say one is better it is so close it really can't matter much. Cost may be higher to get max brass .

 

All of this is pretty obvious, but I'll state my opinion:

I think the .357 Max is better at the low power end (with .38 special loads) than the .44 Mag is (with .44 Special loads).

The .357 Max will give a flatter trajectory out to 200 yards with normal loads.

The .44 Mag will give you better heavy bullet capability for larger game. (I want to delevope an accurate 300gr load for mine)

If I could only have one, I'd go with the .357 Max.


But since I can have both, I do. ;D

 

All of this is pretty obvious, but I'll state my opinion:

I think the .357 Max is better at the low power end (with .38 special loads) than the .44 Mag is (with .44 Special loads).

The .357 Max will give a flatter trajectory out to 200 yards with normal loads.

The .44 Mag will give you better heavy bullet capability for larger game. (I want to delevope an accurate 300gr load for mine)

If I could only have one, I'd go with the .357 Max.


But since I can have both, I do. ;D

I too have both. Thanks to Tim I have a .44/.445 and the Max. I agree with everything said above, but the .357 Max remains less expensive to reload for.

Pete

 

I defy anyone to walk into WalMart and buy a box of .357 Max ammo. But if you reload like x percent of bench shooters and y percent of hunters do, the Max is interesting. I generally just shoot .357 Mag loads now, though I suppose when hunting season rolls around, that could change.

 

Last few times I checked you could not find 357 mag or 38 spl. at W M .

 

I just bought 2-100 round WWB value packs of .38sp.

.357 mag is a different story though.

 

my local guy has 3 kinds 357mag an 2 different kinds 38 special.total he has over 20 boxes between 38 an 357.plus he has a ton of primers.
Kawie

 

Why would you only get one? ??? Depends on what ya want it for and whether you reload or not. Ammo availability around here is pretty much back to normal, some places still limit a guy to 5# of powder and 1,000 primers per day/ per person. The Max is very flat shooting for a pistol cartridge and is cheaper to reload. Brass can be hard to find sometimes as it's a "seasonal" thing. 44 mag is a proven performer and as stated, easier to find the ammo in the stores. With the right bullet and shot, I think either would get the shot done on anything from Elk on down in size, the max isn't that much slower than the 35 Rem and that's taken it's share of elk. So, like I said, why would you only get one? The question should be, WHICH one should I get first? ;D DP

 

unless your talking about hornady superformance ammo, a reloader can easily get performance equal to a 35 rem factory load with the 357max. out of a handi. with a lot less recoil.Thats pretty good for a pistol cartridge. but just reading this post makes me think I need a 44 barrel : maybe my next poll will be " does your wife have understanding when you buy a new gun?" had a friend tell me gun buying is a disease, I think he's right, and I think I'm infected. 2cents.

 

I had a 357 mag. I got rid of it and kept my 44 mag. I can't really see what all the fuss is about with the 357. :-\



Spanky

 

I had a 357 mag. I got rid of it and kept my 44 mag. I can't really see what all the fuss is about with the 357. :-\



Spanky

For me it's the fun of having a rifle that has a huge range of power levels because of the 3 cartridge compatability. (Maximum chamber)

The .44 does basically the same thing, but with 2 cartridges, and more lead and powder needed (generally).

Plus, I always have rifles that match whatever handguns I have in the inventory, so I need both.

 

I can't really see what all the fuss is about with the 357. :-\
Spanky

Spanky,
I can say the same for the 44 mag... I never have seen why its so popular!
I always gravitate towards the less popular rounds. I have had literally a dozen different 44mags. Currently I have one Handi and one Ruger flat top. Some of them shot very well, but NONE did what my 45 Colt does for me. I'm also a big fan of the 41mag...so go figure. The 35 cal will always have a spot in my heart, right beside the 45. :

Whats better? That's a Ford vs Chevy kinda question. Personally its a sentimental choice, its the 357 Maxi for me! If I feel a heavier bullet is needed, the 45's are only two shelves down in the safe. :

CW

 

I just think the 44 is more versatile, especially when reamed to 445. Factory ammo for the 45 is anemic to say the least. 45 ammo that is loaded to the ragged edge will match standard 44 mag ammo... barely.



Spanky

 

After reading all the posts so far, I have come to the conclusion that DP has had the best answer:
" WHICH one should I get first? Wink Grin DP

 

Have had the 357 mag handi and have the newest 44 mag handi SB1 model , For cheap plinking I picked up a 500 count box of .431 rounded flat nose lead, Which I have no doubt would put a major hurt on game should that oportunity arise . The 44 with the WWB semi jacketed soft points are so accurate out of the rifle that it often knocks the 1" blaze orange stick-on bulleyes off the cardboard at 50 yards and not to shabby at all at 100 either ;D

I would like to play with the Maxi , for all the reason the guys above mentioned. That and I think the wife would like it. But would it do anything more then the 44 mags I have now? Nope probably not with in the range we normally encounter game at here.

I say buy both and just sell the one you like less to one of us handi hungry addicts

 

I think that it should be 444 vs 357 max. I can load the .444 down with pistol bullets to .44 Special levels. And up to "I can't stand to shoot it from a bench" levels with the very few rifle bullets available (Just like the Max has very few rifle bullets available.) .444 brass is ALWAYS available. Unlike .357 Max or .445 Supermag brass. Just a bit pricey.