44 Special and 357 experts

[fly-by]

[/quote]
For backpacking/fishing/hunting sidearm I carry a SW 386 XL Hunter.
6" barrel and scandium frame. 
7 rds.
30 oz.
Nice weight for carry and real .357 mag ballistics with a 6" barrel.

Let me know if you'd like to check it out.
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Never heard of that model.  Sounds like the perfect blend of light weight and good ballistics from the longer barrel. 

[thinkingman]

For backpacking/fishing/hunting sidearm I carry a SW 386 XL Hunter.
6" barrel and scandium frame. 
7 rds.
30 oz.
Nice weight for carry and real .357 mag ballistics with a 6" barrel.

Let me know if you'd like to check it out.
[/quote]

Never heard of that model.  Sounds like the perfect blend of light weight and good ballistics from the longer barrel.
[/quote]
Yep.
I used to carry a SW 686 4", which was a nice size but the weight was just excessive.
I can't imagine carrying a Ruger...Those things are built like boat anchors.

[HighRoad]

My brother in law is curious about buying a 357 for backpacking/hunting, and would like to try one out before buying. I can borrow a 357 but to be honest it would be easier for me to just download my S&W 629. so for you guys that have or shot both is there a 44 Special load that is about the equivalent of a 357? mostly in terms of recoil. I know it wont be exact just want to get him close. my 629 is a 6" FYI.

Thanks guys

Should one want to lean toward .357 for trail gun, I recommend the SP-101 w/4" barrel. It's light on the hip for comfortable all day carry, rides close with narrow 5-shot cylinder, feels great in hand with Hogue grip, easy to shoot with utility load of 158g cast over 6.5g of Unique. This one now goes out more often than my .44 Flattop.

[Smokepole]

I load ammo for both .357 and .44 special.  Both real capable guns if you load your own.  If he doesn't load his own ammo, he would be best to go with the .357.  He can target practice with cheap 38's and there is a lot of magnum ammo available.

For someone who loads ammo, it's a toss up.   

[magnanimous_j]

My brother in law is curious about buying a 357 for backpacking/hunting, and would like to try one out before buying. I can borrow a 357 but to be honest it would be easier for me to just download my S&W 629. so for you guys that have or shot both is there a 44 Special load that is about the equivalent of a 357? mostly in terms of recoil. I know it wont be exact just want to get him close. my 629 is a 6" FYI.

Thanks guys

Should one want to lean toward .357 for trail gun, I recommend the SP-101 w/4" barrel. It's light on the hip for comfortable all day carry, rides close with narrow 5-shot cylinder, feels great in hand with Hogue grip, easy to shoot with utility load of 158g cast over 6.5g of Unique. This one now goes out more often than my .44 Flattop.

those grips look really good.

[Bofire]

I own and love a 6 inch 357 mag. a model 19/66/686 etc area all cool. My sons Security six is cool. easy to shoot, accurate, good power. 38 special thru 180 grain hardcast, long sight radius. what is not to like?

Carl