.357 rocks... why argue?

[Old Ironsights]

Between Paco & Skeeter, why even ask the question any more?

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_re ... 57_200810/

[Nath]

Thanks for sharing, I could'nt agree more

nath.

[J Miller]

Argue with Paco and Skeeter??????????? Ha! You think I'm daft?

There is nothing to argue about. I have two .357 Mag revolvers and two Lyman 358156 molds. If I could get someone to cast me some from 15-1 or 16-1 I'd be tickled pink. Got the SP Primers, and lots of 2400, and scads of brass.

But ................. I still like the .45 Colt better

Joe

[salvo]

I just miss the way Skeeter put pen to paper!

[Lefty Dude]

I love my 44'ers but when I get serious for accuracy, out comes my 1967 Ruger three screw 6 1/2" .357. With full loads this piece is the shooter I always reach for. It loves those 1/2 jacketed 158 gr. Speers, sitting on top of a Max. load of 2400 Alliant Powder.

[FWiedner]

Be sure to check this space again next month for Skeeter's iron-clad reasoning for his unparalleled fondness for this great cartridge as well as a chart of his best handloads.

Now doggone it, THAT'S the article that I want to see... 1425fps...

[TedH]

No argument here.

[woods-walker]

Thanks.... I'm a big fan of Skeeter Skelton and enjoyed reading his articles in Shooting Times. I guess his stories and advice is what developed my fondness for the .357 magnum and Model 27's with five inch barrels. Heck and that's just the start of it all.....

[Gary]

That was a good read. Even in our day of black Ninja rifles and high priced ammo, the 3-5-7 can still hold it's own.

Excuse me. I need to run out and buy some 2400.

[slimster]

I well remember hungrily devouring every word I could find written by Skeeter, Bill Jordan and Elmer during the 70's in ST and G&A. Too bad there is not a "sticky" nostalgia thread. I do wish part 2 of that article was available though.

[Old Savage]

One of my favorite authors. I have a couple of his books and one at least has this article. Thanks for posting it. Now I have it here too.

[Birdman]

I like what he says and will get no arguement from me.

[t.r.]

I took this big bodied cow elk with my 357 MAG. Took quick two shots; first one was fired at about 50 feet.

357 MAG kills at least as good as modern compound bow at close range. But beyond 75 feet or so, I wouldn't recommend 357 MAG for taking big game.

TR

[piller]

Yes, there are some bigger and more powerful cartridges out there, but there is no way to argue against the .357's abilities. I must admit to being one of those folks who like to use big, loud handguns. Despite my fondness for what I own, if I could only choose two calibers for a handgun they would be .357 and .45 (Long) Colt. The .357 would probably be my final choice due to it's versatility and lighter carry weight compared to the .45 in most guns.

[stretch]

There's nothing wrong with the 357 Magnum round. It's plenty powerful, and in the
right hands, pretty much kills what it's aimed at. It's not for a beginning shooter,
which is probably it's biggest fault. It's also a bit snappy in small guns, but at
conversational distances I'm not sure the end result would be in doubt.

I like the 41 Mag better, though - and while I can probably make a good case for
it being a superior cartridge in most ways, I'll be the first to admit that a lot
of the preference is just irrational personal opinion.........

[tman]

the .357 has taken all game the earth has to offer. I KNOW THERE ARE BETTER, MORE POWERFUL CALIBERS OUT THERE. but before there was, the .357 did it all. it did back when, and it will still do it today.

[meanc]

The 357mag out of a revolver has definitely proven its worth since its inception. I have no doubt they're capable of dropping anything in North America.

Then there's the 357mag out of a lever. How about a 158gr @ 2100fps...better yet, a 180gr @ 1800fps

At those kind of velocities, with a well constructed bullet, the 357mag becomes a whole different beast.

[Old Ironsights]

I really need to shoot my Rossi 180/1800s out of my SP101 over a chrony.

They are abusive, but not uncontrolable - even from a 2.5"...

Be interesting to see what they are doing out of the snubby... Not to mention how big a Fireball that load of LilGun produces...

[morgan in nm]

I really can't argue a whole lot with this but I love the .41mag. Now let me explain my reasoning-a few years ago, I wanted a 357mag and traded for one; a ruger blackhawk in SS. I tried every kind of load I could think of in it and was dissappointed with the accuracy. I believe the problem was with the forcing cone as I look back on it but that didn't occur to me at the time. I traded it off for a 657 smith and found true happiness. Now the reason I cant really argue with the 357mag is that I now own a S&W 13, 19, 27, 28 all of which are impressively accurate. Unfortunately, when it comes to hunting, I still grab the 41. Now, I don't know if its because I am so used to it or the fact that I am so proud of it because it got me started in reloading.

I definately wouldn't be afraid to hunt with the 357 but some habits die hard.

[J Miller]

My one and only ( so far ) big game animal, javalina, was taken with a .357 Mag. The load was a170gr Keith SWC (358429) out of my Mdl 28.

I still have the Mdl 28, and I still have one of the bullets I shot the javalina with.

Joe

[Rusty]

I can imagine doing without a lot of things but I can't think of being without at least one .357. IIRC we have a total of 4 of them right now. I've been thinking of getting another long gun as well, but can't make up my mind. One of the best articles Skeeter ever wrote is the one he did about heading for the hills with a 5" M27 and a bug out type reloading set up. Maybe that's the one they intend to print next month. IIRC it was "The One Gun Man" or something like that.

[Lefty Dude]

I had a thought at one time to send my 67 three screw .357 to Hamilton Bowen and convert it to 44 special.
It was just a thought you understand, since I have the original box & paper work for the piece. I let the thought out off my mind. I decided to look for no good Ruger .357, all I need is the frame & cylinder, condition is not an issue.

Skeeter had several converted to 44 special.