.357 or .45LC?

[dustinflint]

I need to buy a rifle for pistol cartridge. I like the Rossi with a 24-inch oct barrel (shot one today).

Should I get a .357 or .45LC and why? Feel free to throw out other cartridges if there is something else I should consider.

Thanks!

Dustin

[GTKF]

I was also impressed by the Rossi 24" octagon after handling and shooting one last year. I've been waiting for over a year for a case hardened model. They haven't had any available, or many other octagons according to Braztech web site. I have seen a few SS models on a few sites. Finally lucked out this spring and got my first choice a 24" Marlin 357 CB to go with my .44 CB.

I shoot both in PC but prefer the .357. It's cheaper to shoot, about 6.00 per box of 50 vs 11.00 for the .44, if you reload with lead bullets. It's also more accurate with a light load (can't say for the .45) with less recoil and reduced target damage. I wouldn't use the .357 for CLA but would/do use the .44. I'm not convinced a hot loaded .357 lead bullet will reliably take down the CLA Rams, but a 240 grain .44 will.

[Innocent]

dustin...I have several firearms in the 45LC and 357....I prefer the 45LC, can load to a lighter recoil load with better reuslts downrange than the 357.

Mary

[dustinflint]

Thank you both for the replies. Mary, when you say you have better results downrange with the 45LC, are you talking about accuracy or knockdown power or both?

Dustin

[dustinflint]

Ken,

Do you always use your .44 mag for CLA? What are the advantages/disadvantages of that gun over a 30-30?

Dustin

[GTKF]

Hi Dustin

No I used it for both PC and CLA with 2 different loads. I found this confusing when shooting both rifles at the same match in different relays so began shooting CLA with a 35 Rem and 30-30.. I now have 2 other guns for PC and plan to use the .44 for CLA. It has a longer sight radius and less kick than the 30-30 and no problem taking sown the rams

[dustinflint]

Ken,

How long is the barrel on your .44 mag and what loads do you use for CLA??

Sorry for all the questions, but you've piqued my interest.

Dustin

[GTKF]

Hi Dustin

It's a Marlin CB with a 24" barrel. I shoot 240gr Laser Cast bullets sized to .430, 21gr of IMR 4227 with Federal primers

[AMB]

If your 0bjective is to be match winner, .357 for PC and a .30-30 for CLA. They're also the most economical to shoot. If money is not a consideration, and if winning HOA is not a factor, shoot what ever you think is cool.

[dustinflint]

Well, we'll be keeping score, so I may as well try to win. I have a Marlin 39A that I shoot our smallbore cowboy matches with, but next year we will have a monthly match with smallbore, PC, and CLA, so I want to be set up for it. I don't necessarily need to go out and try to spend as much money as possible, but I can spend what's needed to get the right combination of guns that (1) are very accurate, (2) don't beat the hell out of me, and (3) will reliably knock down every animal I hit. With that in mind, and with the advice I've gotten from other shooters, it looks like my best options are:

1. Stick with what I have and add a pistol cartridge gun (3 guns total) - I have a Marlin 336 in 30-30 with a 20-inch barrel. If I use that gun for CLA, I just need to determine what brand and cartridge PC gun to get (which is what this thread is all about)

2. Replace my 30-30 and get a PC gun (3 guns total) - I could easily sell my 30-30 and buy a new one with a longer barrel (like a Marlin XLR with a 24-inch barrel) and decide on a PC gun, which I'd likely get in a 24-inch Rossi to keep the total cost reasonable.

3. Use the same gun for PC and CLA (2 guns total) - if what I'm hearing is correct, a 44 mag can do both jobs and allow me to sell my 30-30 and drop a bunch of money on something like a Marlin 44 mag with a 24-inch octagon barrel (which are hard to find and expensive, but reasonable if it will cover both PC and CLA with the proper loads)

If I'm going to spend the money, I may as well get what I need from the beginning, so hopefully you experienced shooters can help me decide...

Dustin

[Innocent]

Sit tight on what you have, use it. Shoot more matches, get a chance to shoot a 38-55 and a 45LC, try different manufacturers, watch what happens to them on the line. Grow your collection over time.
Mary

[Baja_Traveler]

I was in the same boat - for our monthly PC match I've been using my 39a, because that's all I have that will qualify. the .22 works great on all animals except the 2,3,4 rams I ring every match (I even rang a chicken once ). Just last week I got the funds together to buy a blued Rossi 24" octagon .357 from Steve's Gunz, all worked up for silhouette. I was holding out for a case hardened version of the same gun, but I'm not willing to wait another year or so for one to finally show up, and Steve happened to have this one available right now. Can't wait to get it later this year...

Probably because of the Cowboy Action game 45LC's are ALOT easier to find, but for my intended use I think it's too much gun (along with the .44). The .357 has proven accuracy, and is plenty big enough to reliably knock over the rams, as well as its cheaper to shoot.

I'll be going a different route than most of you though - I'll be using 20 grains 3f Swiss under a 158 grain snakebite BP bullet in 38 special cases. Yes, I'm addicted to it - I love everything about shooting black!

[Daveb43]

Thought I'd put in my .02 cents worth. I have a Braztech/Rossi M92 with 24 inch barrel I bought over a year ago- before the prices went up. I shoot a 158 grain Barry's bullet over 14.0 grains of H-110 at about 1550 fps. Granted I'm not a great shot but I've only rang 1 ram in the last 2 seasons. It was fairly centered front shoulder hit. That load and velocity are beyond Barry's mfg. recommendations but I have not had any problem and its a very accurate load. I intend to try some 158 gr. XTP's over a little more H-110 for next year. I will also be looking at an old RCBS mould I found on E-bay which is a 185 gr. round nose with GC. Not sure about powder charge yet but am thinking H-110 with a magnum primer.
I've not tried 45 Colt but do have a Winchester Legacy in 44 mag. that has done really well in the past. But I became a little more "recoil sensitive" so the 357 appears to be what I need.

[GTKF]

Dave are you talking CLA rams at 200 mtrs?

[Daveb43]

Hey GTKF. Just saw your post. Sorry for the delay. Yes, the load I spoke about- 14.0 gr. H-110 with the 158 gr. Berry's bullet does knock our rams over- except for the one I hit in the low shoulder. I tried that load at Whittington Center 2 years ago and knocked down every one I hit. The data I have says that's not the max load either- at least with a 158 gr. jacketed bullet. As I said, Berry's Bullets does not recommend pushing their bullets that hard (1550 fps) so I thought I'd work with the XTP's this winter at higher velocities. I have chronographed Berry's plated 158 grainers as fast as 1750 fps but I can't recommend that load for accuracy. This is with my Braztech/Rossi M92 (24 inch barrel) 357 mag. levergun.