eldeguello

This is quite an easy choice-the 41Mag. is a much better selection for shooting game bigger than coyotes. It is pretty much equal to the .44 Mag., (.410" bullets vs .429" bullets) whereas, although the .357 will kill deer, it is not that much better than a .38 Special. No question here at all, really! Get the .41! I too like Ruger single action revolvers-ALL of them.

DWFan

If you don't reload, go for the .41 Mag. Present commercial loads, with acouple of possible exceptions,for the .357 Magnum have effectively castrated it as a hunting cartridge. The other thing is that the .357 Magnum Blackhawk has a very short cylinder which limits bullet weights unless you deep-seat them which reduces powder capacity and velocity. The .41 Magnum is a typical "middle child" though and will never have the popularity of the .357 or .44. Some folks have been saying it's lack of popularity will cause it to disappear...then again, they have been saying that for decades.

GRIZZLYMAN

I have had mine since 1993, when it was only being produced by S&W and Ruger, as I recall. Today, a look through a Shooter's Bible will yield more manufacturers and models being produced in 41 Mag..

DWFan

I know, Grizzlyman. Just goes to show that what you read in the gun mags isn't always close to reality, doesn't it?

idunno

I'd have to agree with the multitude here and go with the 41. I have a Taurus Tracker 4" 357 and was planning to hunt with it a little, but haven't taken it out yet. I too plan to keep shots within the 30 yard maximum range. I do on the other hand have to disagree with a few of you. Some have recommended hollow points for taking deer. While they may be effective, everything I have read says that a heavy for caliber, flat-nosed, hard cast bullet is the way to go when hunting big game. For example, in the 357 I plan to use a Federal 180gr cast core. I also plan to look into the Barnes expander 140 gr load. All I can say is "practice, practice, practice, then practice some more." That would be the reason why I haven't taken mine out.

stalkingbear

That used to be the case with deer-and still is for some game/bullets but with modern bullets like barnes,it's better to have a bullet that will expand reliably and penetrate. You'll experience much quicker kills.