[alyeska338]

Hey guys,
Great topic and hope it generates a lot of interest.  I have only one question, since the 357 is typically in a larger frame handgun and can be loaded to much higher peformance levels, I wonder if it is a fair comparison.  The 357 is fully capable of taking hogs, deer, pronghorn and other assorted game, while it seems the others mention are reserved for smaller game and varmints/pests.  I would think the the 357 would fall into the category of the 40 S&W, 10mm and maybe even the 41 mag and the 45 ACP.  Shoot if you live in good deer country or pronghorn or hunt hogs and javelina's, I put it with the 41 mag, 44's and 45 LC.  It certainly has the power for those game animals listed above.  While it can be loaded with 38's, it may not be completely fair to compare a 32/20 to the 357.  I would include a handgun chambered exclusively for the 38 or the various 9mm's, but would hesitate to bring the 357 into the mix.  I think it is in a different class.

I think we need to keep the playing field level, I don't think you can get 357 performance out of any of these otherwise outstanding cartridges.

 

[alyeska338]

I would include a standard 38, but think the 357 is just too versatile.  It really has no peers till you do get in the 41 mag, 44's and 45's.  It does it all unbelievably well, from paper to squirrels, to coyotes, to hogs, to deer.  It doesn't have the power limitations that the rest have.

 

[alyeska338]

I stand corrected, DOK.  I did not realize the 32/20 was that capable.  Sounds mighty interesting.  Mr. Bowen is one of the most knowledge pistolsmiths around, there's no questioning that, but I really have to disagree with him calling the 357 mediocre for deer when properly loaded.  Just my 2 cents worth though.

 

[alyeska338]

Hey DOK,
You sound a bit biased, so for the sake of science, if you buy one of each flavor of the guns listed on the first page of this thread and send them to me, I will test each and every one and report my results back to the forum.  As you are probably aware, it may take many many years of ongoing tests to come up with a clear winner.  <!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->

I would promise to withold judgement until several thousand rounds have been fired in each imaginable combination of bullet, powder, primer, case, etc... for each gun.  All in the name of science, of course.

 

[alyeska338]

DOK,
You are truly a kind soul.  Thank you for considering the consequences of my ill thought out plan.  You surely saved my wife, myself, the good residents of Alaska and indeed the all in the lower 48 and Hawaii undue grief.  I salute you.  You are a man among men.