dogslayer

I was thinking of getting a .357 or .44 mag , lever action . I don't hunt big game (unless a cottontail is large) . Therefore I'm not concerned about killing power . I do slap alot of steel . How is the accuracy of these cartridges out of a carbine ? Does one buck wind better than the other ? How far do you think you could hit a 12" plate with one ? Have you had any problems with cycling ? Any problems or recomendations ? Have you got a better caliber choice , thats similar ? Thanks.

Hunter06FlKy

i own a Win. 94 trapper in 44 mag. i could hit a 12 in plate deffinately out to at least 125 or so yards. it does have a good bit of recoil with the 240gr. bullets. it does deal with the wind with the heavy bullets. i really don't know how the 357 performs in this case though.

dogslayer

What length barrel do you have ? Does it have an optical (scope) sight or iron ?

JamminJay

I don't post here often, but this is something I actually know a little about. A few months ago I blew my tax return on a Marlin 1894C in .357 mag with an 18 1/2" barrel (it's great to be a bachelor). I picked it up as a companion carbine to my Blackhawk in the same caliber. It's probably the single most fun rifle I've ever fired. With .38 spcl 158 grain cast loads, which is what you would probably want to use on small game and targets, recoil isn't much more noticable than with a .22. The hottest loads I've put through it so far are Remington .357 mag 158 grain sjhp. These are a bit more expensive, but were a lot of fun to blow up rotting fruit with. Even with these full bore magnums, recoil is a trifle. Accuracy is decent with the factory iron sights, I was able to fairly consistently hit an orange at 100 yards with .38 spcl loads and I'm a pretty lousy shot. The reciever is tapped for a weaver style mount, and at the risk of ruining the looks of the gun I'm considering installing a low power scope or red dot. The only problem I've had so far is some feeding problems with SJHP ammo. This problem is working itself out the more I shoot it and I don't notice it much anymore. Since you're primarily interested in small game and targets, I would recommend the .357/.38 over anything larger. It's more economical to shoot and has virtually no recoil.

James B

I can only speak for the Marlins and the NEF single shots as I have had all of them in both 357 Mag and 44 Mag. The Marlins in 44 Mag are very accurate. I have shot 3 inch groups at 100 yards and I think it would do even better. They are a lot of fun to shoot. As stated above with hot loads the 44 Mag has a little kick to it. The 357 has no recoil to speak of. I have the NEF single shots in both those calibers as well. I love them too. I just got the 357 barrel and have not had a chance to shoot it yet. I like the NEF's because you can get multible barrels for them pretty cheap.

Hunter06FlKy

my winchester has a 16 inch barrel on it, with a 2-7 simmons with see through mounts. the see throughs definately help on close range shots. it's great for really bushy stuff and close range. but it is accurate.

dogslayer

JamesB - I'm also really interested in these NEF & H&R rifles . I like the idea , and the price is right . Simple things dont break . What can you tell me about yours ?

James B

I bought the Handi rifle with the black synthetic stock in 44 Mag. This little rifle is a good shooter. I am shooting 200 grain Hornady XTP bullets in it now. If I zero it at 100 yards it will shoot 2 inches high at 50 yards and one inch high at 25 yards. I also load 44 specials for it for small game with 240 grain cast bullets. I have eight Handi rifles and the 44 Mag is my favorite. I sent my 45-70 reciever in and had a 357 Mag barrel fit to it. The barrel and shipping and labor combined was 107.00 dollars. It only took the 15 days to have it back at my house. If a person chooses the can also have them reamed to 445 Super Mag and 357 Maximum. I probably won't because I already have it in 45-70 if I need a big thumper. I love the handi rifles. I have 223, 22-250, 243, 7mm-08, 280, 45-70. 32 inch 45-70 Buffalo Classic and the 357 Mag and 44 Mag. also a 12 Ga. I still need to send one in for a 30-30 barrel or have Walmart order me one. Walmart will order them for about 200.00