What do you put in your Magnums? Magnums? Something less? Or Both?

[Doug.38PR]

For me, my Colt Python and S&W Highway Patrolman see nothing but Magnums. I put in the gun what it was designed to shoot, nothing less.
If I want to shoot .38 Specials or +P I shoot a .38 Special (which I probably shoot often than anything).

Magnums, to me, are for Magnums. Same thing with my .44 Magnum Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk...I don't care for .44 Specials in that gun, Magnums are more fun to shoot.


Way I see it, if you're going to carry, handle and shoot as bulky a gun as a Magnum usually is, make it worth the while.

 

[Camster]

My 357 magnums(a 19-3 and a PC 27) only see 38 specials,no plus Ps or anything like that.
And for the 38 special ammo,most of it is just wadcutters.
I just like heavy duty guns with the look of the magnum lug, and mild ammo.

 

[peppercorn]

Model 629 and 29 get about 75% Magnums, 180 grain JHP lately.

Model 19, I am moving toward .38 special as of late due to experience and consensus on this model.
Recently acquired a Model 28-2 for High Volume Magnum useage.

 

[semperfi71]

I will "download" Magnum cases to lower velocities so that I can practice the feel of the handgun without top end recoil.

But I never shoot shorter cases ammunition in a longer cases cylinder. I do not want to deal with the extra cleaning chore.

 

[youngda9]

Magnums only for me. I have a .22 pistol if I want to shoot the whimpy loads. I get a "kick" out of the magnums.

Cost is no issue since I reload...to be casting as well soon.

 

[scooter123]

I don't reload at this point so my 357 Magnum only rarely sees any Magnum ammo. Sometimes when I'm feeling really "flush" I'll run a box of American Eagle 158 gn. SJSP downrange in my 620 but at 30 dollars a box that doesn't happen very often.

As for the carbon ring from shooting 38 spl. I've found it's pretty easy to clean up as long as I'm shooting the American Eagle 130 gn. 38's, with Winchester White box it's a totally different story. Frankly, I find WWB to be plain foul so I do my best to avoid using it. On the other hand American Eagle, Blazer Brass, and Speer Lawman are very clean shooting and easy to clean up.

 

[Shooting Padre]

Depends what I'm doing. If I'm target shooting, .38 reloads or factory .38. Self defense or in the woods, .357 magnum for sure.

 

[jspick]

I do not shoot magnums unless I want to sight in the gun for them and then carry it for protection in the woods. I see no need to shoot magnums for fun.

1. It is more expensive.
2. I will catch flak for this next statement. But I am secure enough in my manhood that I can shoot 38's or reduced 44 mag loads in my guns for plinking and target shooting.
3. It is easier on and the gun.
4. The only time I need a magnum is when I want protection form bears, wolves and mt lions.

I could just as well shoot a 44 special or 38 special only gun but the magnum gives me the vesatility to chamber a hotter round for added protection when I choose to do so.

John

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I shoot 357s out of my 686 and 44 mags out of my 629 Classic. 38s are boring as all get out out of my 686. Haven't even tried 44spl out of my 629 yet. I practice with what I will have in my handgun when it counts out in the woods. How good can you be with full house mags in your 357 when all you practice with is 38s? That's just my personal opinion....

 

[dwever]

For me, my Colt Python and S&W Highway Patrolman see nothing but Magnums. I put in the gun what it was designed to shoot, nothing less.

Well, my N Frame .357 was designed to shoot .357, .38+P, and .38, nothing less. Look, it's your prerogative to only shoot .357, but hey, I like the flexibility.

The big N frame gives me great recoil control, it fits my hand, and in my closet right now are three different kinds kinds of .357 JHP Federal Premium, and PNC JSP .357, as well as Speer .357 Short Barrel, Winchester .38+P, Winchester .38, and .38 CCI Shot. Everyone (except the CCI shot) has at least one full TKC match grade moon clip next to it (Federal Premium Personal Defense barely fits). Federal Premium Reduced Recoil .357 JHP is in the weapon with two more full moon clips below my car radio. Nice to have choices.

 

[22shtur]

I make reduced loads for my 629. That makes shooting far more enjoyable for longer range sessions, which makes a better handgunner. The full magnum loads shoot about 3/4" higher, and that is hard to measure in the field on an animal.

 

[old bear]

With one exception all of my handguns are chambered for the .357 magnum cartage. With the exception of my M-19 I shoot full charge .357 Magnum ammo in all of them. When used for home defense or carry use I load my M-19 with .357 Magnum ammo.

 

[Hearsedriver]

.38 for target/plinking. .357 for protection/hunting.

 

[Jeb21]

I mostly shoot 38 specials out of my magnums.

 

[roaddog28]

At the range I shoot CCI Blazer 357 magnum 158gr Hollow Points. I shoot this round in my K frame magnums and my L frame. Heck I shoot this round in my Ruger 357 magnums too. I will sometimes shoot the 125 gr hollow point mainly from Black Hills. I like this round. I sometimes shoot 38 specials in my 357 magnums only because of cost.
I agree with the OP about shooting 357 magnums in a 357 magnum revolver.
Regards,
Howard

 

[Dftplan]

Hot 44 spl loads in 44 mag cases in my mod 29. If I want to feel recoil I practice with my SRH in 454 Casull with hunting loads. The older I get the less fun the hot loads are becoming.

 

[Sealevel]

From my Model 65 3" on the range I prefer to shoot .38 with an occasional .357 round mixed in for the "charge". With my 6" barreled 586 I normally shoot .38 as a cost consideration but will shoot .357 by the box for the enjoyment. The 65 with magnas and a Tyler shoots the 158 grain .357 w/o any great discomfort, the 586 mellows them out completely.

 

[DonD]

I have two .357s and two .500 Mags. My loads for both calibers are similar in intent.

I load fairly heavy .357s for CCW practice as well as some moderate stuff for plinking fun.

I load light Trail Boss loads for plinking fun in the .500s and then generally shoot 3 cylinder full of much more robust ammo for grins and keeping my accuracy proficiency up as much as practical. I can't shoot much more of the heavy stuff in one session as it takes a toll on my nerves and accuracy goes to hell. Don

 

[NE450No2]

I have been using S&W 44 Mags since @ 1971.

The beauty of the 44 Mag, and any magnum for that matter, is that they are capable of shooting ammo at power levels from light target loads to full power magnums.

Kinda like a car that can drive 20 MPH in a school zone, to 70 MPH on the highway.

So I have light loads to full power loads for my 44's, and use them as the situation fits.

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, I don't currently have any magnums, but when I did, I shot different loads depending on what I was doing: mild loads for plinking, full power to retain proficiency, etc.

I did prefer to stick with magnum brass even for mild loads so as to avoid the "fouling ring" that can be caused by shooting specials in magnum chambers.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.