|
Post by hoosier on Oct 26, 2008 22:58:06 GMT -5
Sighted in a Marlin 44 Mag for a friend this afternoon, and I am thinking about getting a PCR for deer hunting. I am a ardent traditional muzzleloader at heart, but, shooting his little carbine was a hoot. So, let's talk about the pros and cons of these two calibers please. Actual field experiences very much appreciated. Please share your 2 cents. BTW: does anybody manufacture a lever rifle without a crossbolt safety? (darn lawyers!).
|
|
|
Post by Decatur on Oct 26, 2008 23:35:30 GMT -5
As for the safety, you'd probably have tobuy a cowboy action gun, which wouldn't come in either of the 2 calibers we're talking about.
For choice of caliber, I would definately choose .44 mag! I'm sure a lot of deer have been taken with a .357 mag, but the .44 is a much superior round for deer. $.02
|
|
|
Post by timhixson on Oct 27, 2008 7:59:34 GMT -5
I have a NEF single shot in 44 mag. It is topped with a bushell Banner and shoots very well. This will be its first year for deer with me so my opinion will have to wait, but after target shooting with it I have high expectations!
|
|
|
Post by chicobrownbear on Oct 27, 2008 9:01:38 GMT -5
IIRC with handloads you can push the .357 to blush .30-30 performance, but the .44 is a flat faced deer thumper. I think either would be a fine choice. As for the safety, I don't think there is a lever made without one these days. There is a procedure for plugging the Puma 92 safety hole after removing the safety. I'm sure Old Ironsights has the dirty details with links and such for that procedure, he's the resident leverhead here.
|
|
|
Post by Old Ironsights on Oct 27, 2008 9:45:35 GMT -5
Chico. I favor .357, but they are cheaper to reload and shoot frequently. I'm cheap and like to shoot a lot. The .44 is more expensive to shoot but hits harder on both ends. The current crop of Rossis all have a bolt top "safety" which really has no purpose other than to make you miss your shot. Fortunately they can be removed and the hole plugged fairly easily. The plug can be had from stevesguns.com.
|
|
|
Post by huxbux on Oct 27, 2008 9:47:06 GMT -5
I recommend a used Ruger carbine, bolt, or lever action, or an NEF single shot if you go with a .44. The Marlins are notorious concerning inconsistent accuracy from gun to gun. IIRC the .357 Marlins have no such problems.
|
|
|
Post by indianahick on Oct 27, 2008 10:22:34 GMT -5
Not totally positive but I believe that the cowboy action rifles also come in the 357 because there are a lot of shooters that shoot the 357 in revolver and they like to match their rifle to their hand gun.
|
|
|
Post by drs on Oct 27, 2008 12:51:58 GMT -5
For Deer size game the .44 Magnum wins hands down.
|
|
|
Post by Old Ironsights on Oct 27, 2008 13:11:47 GMT -5
For Deer size game the .44 Magnum wins hands down. I suppose my last 3 DRT deer would have been more DRT if I had used a .44... But yes, the .44's power will compensate for more shooter error than an a .357 will. ;D Indianahick: Yep. Many CAS types prefer the .357 rifles because they can shoot the same .38 squib loads they use in their revolvers. I prefer the Rossi (Win 92) than the Marlin "square bolt" 1894, but aside from some of the issues with the Marlin .44 both are fine firearms. FWIW, there is a Ruger .44 I listed "for sale elsewhere" in Swap & Sell...
|
|
|
Post by Old Ironsights on Oct 27, 2008 17:07:30 GMT -5
FYI:
|
|
|
Post by coyote6974 on Oct 27, 2008 18:19:26 GMT -5
Ever since handguns became legal for deer I've hunted with a .44 magnum. I've taken numerous deer with a .44 and have always been impressed with the authority with which it takes deer. Being allowed to use my .44 magnum lever action carbine just puts the icing on the cake. I used it to take a doe last year, and as usual the .44 magnum performed very well.
|
|
|
Post by steiny on Oct 27, 2008 19:04:42 GMT -5
I'm w/ DRS. Don't care for the .357 after seeing a couple wounded and not recovered with that round. I'd prefer the bigger bullet out of the .44 mag. .45 Long Colt would be another good choice.
|
|
|
Post by Old Ironsights on Oct 27, 2008 19:33:20 GMT -5
I'm w/ DRS. Don't care for the .357 after seeing a couple wounded and not recovered with that round. LOL! ;D I could saythe same thing about 12ga slug... Personal preference and comfort with your skill/ability is all important. Yes, a bigger/heavier bullet can be better. I don't discount that at all. But then, what is the #1 US "deer cartridge"? IIRC it's the .270... In the hands of a dedicated HUNTER a .357 is every bit as good as any arrow/cartridge you can find. It's just practice and knowing the limitations of the round. If it were all about "big honkin bullets" there would be no deer lost after being hit with a 1 oz Slug... ;D
|
|
|
Post by greghopper on Oct 27, 2008 19:58:07 GMT -5
If it were all about "big honkin bullets" there would be no deer lost after being hit with a 1 oz Slug... ;D There's usually not.. ...ever seen a Deer Shot in the ribs with a 1 oz slug??? ... they don't go far!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by gillgrabber on Oct 27, 2008 20:01:10 GMT -5
I've shot dozens of deer with a Marlin model 1894 lever action chambered in .44 magnum/.44 special. Personally, I've found the .44 special far more accurate than the .44 magnum. It's all about shot placement.
|
|
|
Post by Old Ironsights on Oct 27, 2008 20:05:49 GMT -5
If it were all about "big honkin bullets" there would be no deer lost after being hit with a 1 oz Slug... ;D There's usually not.. ...ever seen a Deer Shot in the ribs with a 1 oz slug??? ... they don't go far!!!!! If they're shot in the ribs with almost anything they don't go far... Made me sick to hear that there were a couple of slug-hit deer lost in the swamp at DSP last year. Bullet placement is everything... maybe a little less important with a big honkin bullet, but important none the less. My choice is .357. I won't begrudge anyone else their choice.
|
|
|
Post by danf on Oct 27, 2008 20:06:30 GMT -5
I beg to differ....
I've only ever lost one deer, and that was with a 12 gauge slug. I'm sure I hit it in the ribs, but the bullet performance was POOR, and there was almost NO blood trail. Dad found her a week later, over 300 yards away and across the creek from where the trail was lost.
Bullet choices are better nowadays with slugs, but they are still very EXPENSIVE. They hurt not only the wallet, but also the shoulder.............. But we've covered this issue before, as I recall..............
Hoosier- get a carbine barrel on a T/C Encore/Contender and have fun. If you can't decide between .357 mag and .44 mag, split the difference, load your own and get a .357 maximum! ;D I'm currently getting 1.25" groups with my 14" Contender at 50 yards, and I haven't done any extensive load testing just yet. I *know* it can do better. Not to mention I've got a better bullet going down the tube than any shotgun slug will ever be.......
|
|
|
Post by Old Ironsights on Oct 27, 2008 20:08:53 GMT -5
...If you can't decide between .357 mag and .44 mag, split the difference, load your own and get a .357 maximum! ;D ... Snork! ;D You mean the .35 Rem Short/.38-55 Special ? ;D
|
|
|
Post by jajwrigh on Oct 27, 2008 20:36:18 GMT -5
Both calibers are more than adequate to cleanly harvest a deer. Like many before me have said, its all about shot placement. I am a dear fan of the .357 mag, but I only own a revolver in this caliber. I equally have a soft spot for the .44 mag, but I currently only own a rifle in this caliber. Both rounds are very accurate and I wouldn't feel undergunned with either in a rifle. My particular model of Marlin 1894 is unusually accurate with .430 Hornady XTPs in 240gr and 300gr configurations. At this point, I have no logical reason to change. Pick one or both and find what it likes and practice every chance you get. Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by hoosier on Oct 27, 2008 23:46:33 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback guys! Danf, I forgot about my Contender...a barrel for it would be an option. I really want a lever rifle to be honest though. I have killed several deer with the 44 Magnum out of my Ruger Super Blackhawk...so I know what the cartridge will do out of a short tube. I expect only more potency out of a longer barrel. I am curious about field experiences with the 357 as I could reload 38's for plinking and fun all year long cheaper than the 44 (even 44 Special). Like I said, after sighting in my friend's rifle, it got me wishing for a new rifle basically. It would be hard for me to use something besides my Hawken though, as I love the extra challenge (1 shot and patched roundballs)....it adds to a hunt in my opinion. Anyway, I am rambling now. Thanks again for all the replies and please share more if you can. Hoosier.
PS, hey Old Ironsites...will you share your opinions about the Marlin 1894? Sound as if you may have a dislike with these rifles. Just curious what it (they) might be. Also, do you know how hit and miss (no pun) the accuracy in their 44's run with current production? My friends shot out of the box, but I have read there are some lemons being made right now. Also, is their 357 rifled for heavier bullets? Seems the 44's rifling may be a little slow for the heavier stuff. Thanks a lot.
|
|