I am looking to pick up a new winchester 94 trails end model. I pan on using the gun largely for plinking and traget shooting. I dont plan on mounting a scope, and rather preffer using iron sights. However, i do plan on doing some PA deer hunting in the near future with this rifle.

My main question is what caliber gun would best fit my needs? I dont reload, and I am looking for a gun I can cheaply go through ammo with. This is why i have been leaning towards the .357 over the 44mag, and 45 colt. Will the 357 accept 38 special rounds kindly? Is the 357 powerful enough for PA deer hunting out to 100 yards with iron sights? SHould i consider the 44mag or 45 colt, maybe the ammo is not that much more expensive?

Any information and opinions would be appreciated. I am new to the forum, and relize I am not as experienced or as knowledgeable about firearms as the majority of its members. Thanks

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Well I think the 357 is going a bit light for the deer. Some folks use the 160 round to shoot deer at close range and do well.
Some winchesters will load and shoot 38 spl, but not all ,so , it is best to check this out before you lay your money down , if this is the plan.Otherwise your stuck with the 357.
The 44 Mag is easy to load , many bullets to choose from and once fired brass is to be had.Good hunting bullets bought off the self.
The 45 colt can be loaded up to pass the 44 Mag and will come close to the 45/70 bottom load.
Great hunting and cowboy round , but case's in the once fired are in this country( Canada) rare as pure white deer.
I went with the middle round , but am ready to move up with the 45 colt and reloading .
And then --- the 454C well that is big brother to the colt.

Try some of the rifle's out if any one has one .
Look and price out ammo and if you reload componets.
Are you going to get a revolver to match?

I load the 44 with 200 gr. lead bullet over 5.5 bullseye and can shoot this all day at the range .
Then load the 44 one grain over max. with 110 and the Hornady 240 bullet for deer. The rifle - 94 winchester Trapper.

I have both a Ruger Blackhawk and a '94 Legacy in .45LC and love em both. I can plink with light loads and shoot what the .44 Mags shoot with less pressure.
Go with .45LC You'll never regret it!

I am looking to pick up a new winchester 94 trails end model. I pan on using the gun largely for plinking and traget shooting. I dont plan on mounting a scope, and rather preffer using iron sights. However, i do plan on doing some PA deer hunting in the near future with this rifle.

My main question is what caliber gun would best fit my needs? I dont reload, and I am looking for a gun I can cheaply go through ammo with. This is why i have been leaning towards the .357 over the 44mag, and 45 colt. Will the 357 accept 38 special rounds kindly? Is the 357 powerful enough for PA deer hunting out to 100 yards with iron sights? SHould i consider the 44mag or 45 colt, maybe the ammo is not that much more expensive?

Any information and opinions would be appreciated. I am new to the forum, and relize I am not as experienced or as knowledgeable about firearms as the majority of its members. Thanks

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Hi J.R.
I have 94AE Ranger Compact .357, and it's a sweet shootin' little gun, feeds every kind of 38 Special, and 357 Mag round (over a dozen varieties) I've tried with 100% reliability. Yes, the 357 mag using premium loads will drop deer with no problem as long as you do your part keeping it under 100 yards, knowing the anatomy of the deer (read kill-zone), and practicing every chance you get. That's the beauty of the 357, you can shoot it all day without your shoulder regretting it the next morning. And it won't hurt your bank account either.
Check the links below:
http://www.gunblast.com/MilesFortis-AKChurch_BuffaloBore.htm
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#357
http://mysite.elixirlabs.com/index.php?uid=12665&page=1626
http://www.winchester.com/products/catalog/handgundetail.aspx?symbol=S357P&cart=MzU3IE1hZ251bQ==&bn=1
http://www.winchester.com/products/catalog/cfrdetail.aspx?symbol=X3575P&cart=MzU3IE1hZ251bQ==
I also own, and love my Marlin 94 in 44 mag, but I find myself grabbing the 357 more often, it's just so much fun to shoot.

P.S. Take a look at the latest issue of RIFLE magazine, very informative article on just this very subject

JR ! Get the 44mag. It will take deer and then some ! You can also buy 44mag ammo in different bullets weights since you don't reload ! It will work well in the PA woods ! JAGG

I love my Win 94 Trails End-45 LC great handling, accurate ! Load light or heavy I use it alot plinking and hunting !