Master a Magnum?

Specter · 12-27-2005, 07:35 PM

I've done a little but of pistol shooting. Nothing with too much recoil in the past. A .22 LR revolver and a Glock 21 in .45 ACP. I've been reading about Some of the magnums. .357, .41, .44, .454 ect. Could someone tell me what I might expect and/or to watch out for when trying these? (with emphasis on the .454)

12-27-2005, 08:09 PM

Anyone who has ever fired a handgun chambered in the 454 Casull knows this a real powerhouse of a cartridge. Dick Casull wasn’t kidding around when he began to develop the 454. He built the cartridge from the ground up and, in my opinion, created the best all around (traditional) handgun hunting cartridge to ever be developed. When properly loaded a handgun hunter is equipped with a cartridge truly capable of taking game ranging from deer to the largest of dangerous game. Ballistics from a 7 ½” barrel are enough to bring a tear of joy to your eye. Take the ballistics of the popular 44 Remington Magnum loaded with a 240-grain bullet at 1500 fps the 44 Magnum generates 1200 ft. lbs of energy and a 300-grain bullet at 1300 fps generates 1125 ft lbs of energy. Compare these numbers to factory offerings in 454 Casull from Winchester, Remington, and Federal and the performance level of the 454 becomes very clear. Winchester shows a 260-grain bullet at 1800 fps generating 1870 ft lbs of energy, and a 300-grain at 1625 fps generating 1759 ft lbs of energy, that’s an impressive 634 ft lbs more energy than the 44 Remington Magnum with the 300-grain bullet. Remington is now offering a factory load with a 300-grain Core-Lokt bullet charted at the same velocity and muzzle energy as the Winchester load. Federal has joined the party producing a load utilizing the 300-grain Trophy Bonded Bear-claw. It’s nice to see the major ammunition companies producing loads for this fine round and these should only continue grow in the future.

http://www.fishandhunttexas.com/454casull.htm

Troy · 12-27-2005, 08:09 PM

i own a 357 mag, it earns your respect. a fine, healthy caliber.

Specter · 12-27-2005, 08:16 PM

I'm about 5'6" 118 -125 pounds...I'm not a very big guy lol. From what you just posted it doesn't seem like there is any way I might enjoy shooting that finger cannon. Would you recommend me not to rent one out for a test drive?

I'm looking for a wheel gun to simply practice with and as something to take with me while out and about in the deep country. 75% for plinking and blasting, 25% Camper insurance.

Troy · 12-27-2005, 08:29 PM

i have seen some pretty small guys shoot some pretty big calibers. definitely go do some shootin and try some on for size.

troylaplante · 12-27-2005, 08:32 PM

I had the pleasure of shooting a .44 mag Ruger Redhawk some time ago. A buddy of mine and I would go to the range and load the cylinder with three different loads, alternately. We put in a regular load, a Hydroshock, and a home made load sold at the range that they called "deer stoppers". The rounds basically went bang, boom, and ka-friggin'-blam! then started over. The percussion was so strong on the deer stopper loads that it felt like somone had just punched me in the nose each time. My hands were bruised at the end of the range time. A crowd gathered at the window to see what we were shooting when we took out the hotter loads. It was fun, but I don't recommend it for regular shooting.

Specter · 12-27-2005, 08:38 PM

On the Ruger web sight they have this little snubby (one of the Super Redhawk I believe) that is chambered in .454 and, if I'm reading this right, it can also shoot .45 long colt. Would that little barrel make the recoil much more brutal for either round? I have a feeling it would be horrible but I'm really tempted to try it.

Calvin · 12-27-2005, 08:52 PM

The .454 is manageable. The shorter barrel will kick some more than the longer one. However, get a pair of PAST shooting gloves and you should be okay.
Yes, you can shoot .45 LC's in a .454. And, it's not that bad, either.
One other thing-NEVER fire a .454 without hearing protection!! You WILL permanently lose some hearing with a single shot!!

Specter · 12-27-2005, 09:01 PM

Hmm...well that rules out buying one at all. But I still think I'll try one. Unless it's worth it just for shooting .45 Long Colt?

ash · 12-27-2005, 09:19 PM

I've two.357's a .45 and 45long colt and find the recoils in all of them quite tame . I've also had the privelage of fireing a .454 with 300 grain rounds that'll get your attention but it still wasn't unmanageable. I recently purchased a .44 magunum with a 4" barrel and am looking forward to putting a box of 240 grain ultramax through it. The only cartridge I felt had a little more kick than necessary was the 50AE out of a desert eagle but in hindsight I was young (younger) and a little inexperienced.

Specter · 12-27-2005, 09:50 PM

Thanks for all the info everyone. I might opt for something under the .454. I want to be able to fire it without needing ear protection every single time. Your info helped alot.

I'm intrested to hear some short stories about your experiances with above calibers. If you got one post it. Thanks.

ash · 12-27-2005, 10:00 PM

Every handgun I own with the exception of my 22 calibre revolver requires hearing protection even my S&W 22A. It's unlikely you'll find anything over 22 that you won't need it for. The .454 is a great round but a little on the pricey side. If you like a recommmendation I would suggest the .357 you can fire .38's which make it nice and cheap for plinking or 180 grain cast core .357 magnum for small game. If you get a revolver with a 6" barrel there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to hunt with it also.

Specter · 12-27-2005, 10:07 PM

I'll probably end up with a .357 mag. At the range, hearing protection of course. I was refuring more to out in the field. I never shot anything all that loud besides a 30-30 without hearing protection...well a 30-30 isn't really that loud. *shrugs*

dave375hh · 12-28-2005, 10:35 AM

Learning to shoot .357, .44 mag, .454cas. only takes using .38spc. .44 spc. or std .45 Colt loads to get used to the gun. I don't shoot any handguns without ear protection. When handgun hunting I wear electronic muffs, this includes .22's. Don't shoot any fullhouse loads untill you've mastered the gun with the light loads. Shooting the fullhouse stuff first could make a mental image that will affect you every time you load them up. A .44 mag or .45 Colt in a strong revolver can handle anything in the US if the shooter does his part, and flinching isn't doing your part ever!

Snakebite · 12-28-2005, 05:50 PM

I think Dave hit the nail on the head with that post. First of all, hearing protection is a must!!! You sure as heck dont want to end up with tinnitus like I have and .22's WILL do it. Its a lifelong thing with no cure.
I've never shot the 454 but the .44mag was one of the first handguns I ever fired. Dang near enough to scare me away from handguns forever, but I was pretty young.
a 38/357 or the 45 Colt is an excellent way to start. Try the hot Corbon loads from the 45 after the standard loads and they will get your attention real quick! Plenty of power for almost anything and you can shoot the cowboy action loads for plinking. Best of both worlds.

Otter · 12-30-2005, 05:39 PM

Good advise above, Hearing protection is a must, many of us have some loss of high frequency sound from being subjected to gunfire, turbine engines, and other noise.
I recently fired the Taurus Raging Bull .454 Casull, with the ported barrel it had recoil comparable to the .45 auto. much less than the .44 Mag.

"Life is too important to be taken seriously."

Outriderdark · 12-30-2005, 09:27 PM

Go with a .357. You can shoot cheap .38 specials out of it for plinking.
.357 is a good all around cartridge that won't break the bank. You can hunt with it, use it for plinking, home protection, and zombies.

With .357 you can practice enough to be able to rap off rounds at a reasonable rate without your muzzle ending up pointed at the sky. Unless you're into reloading, or have alot of spare cash, you won't end up shooting a .454 or .50 alot and even .44mag is pretty expensive.
Just my .02.

David0031 · 01-10-2006, 02:37 PM

Definitly go with the 357, best first wheel gun caliber out there. Also very easy to reload if you decide to (allows more shooting). As long as you don't go to a real light wait gun the recoil isn't a problem at all. My Taurus 66 was my first centerfire handgun. It's an older one with only a partial underlug barrel, newer ones with full underlug would (heavier with the weight forward) would be even easier to shoot. Though I've never though recoil was an issue with it, but it's been carrying a scope most of it's life. I've taken 6 does with it out to 75 yards and a few squirels too.

A big plus for revolvers is you don't need to search for you brass after shooting either. 357 would always be my sugestion for a first handgun, well maybe after a 22. Go Taurus Tracker series and you can get both in the same size gun, I've seen 22lr in stores for $250, didn't price 357's since I already have one. David

1963duce100 · 01-10-2006, 09:35 PM

Ny super blackhawk 705 inch is a dream to shoot yes there is alot of muzzle rise but the felt recoil is not much. My dads .357 in a kgp 100 4 inch with hot loads is a bit stiff but not too bad. I feel that most any one could shoot.

Troy · 01-10-2006, 11:01 PM

my old .357 sauer cowboy shootin iron has a minimal kick, a little bit of lighning out the barrel though. easily managable.

12-27-2005, 07:35 PM	#1
Specter Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 90	Master a Magnum? I've done a little but of pistol shooting. Nothing with too much recoil in the past. A .22 LR revolver and a Glock 21 in .45 ACP. I've been reading about Some of the magnums. .357, .41, .44, .454 ect. Could someone tell me what I might expect and/or to watch out for when trying these? (with emphasis on the .454)

12-27-2005, 08:09 PM	#2
Logansdad Guest Posts: n/a	.454 Casull is seriously hardcore ! Anyone who has ever fired a handgun chambered in the 454 Casull knows this a real powerhouse of a cartridge. Dick Casull wasn’t kidding around when he began to develop the 454. He built the cartridge from the ground up and, in my opinion, created the best all around (traditional) handgun hunting cartridge to ever be developed. When properly loaded a handgun hunter is equipped with a cartridge truly capable of taking game ranging from deer to the largest of dangerous game. Ballistics from a 7 ½” barrel are enough to bring a tear of joy to your eye. Take the ballistics of the popular 44 Remington Magnum loaded with a 240-grain bullet at 1500 fps the 44 Magnum generates 1200 ft. lbs of energy and a 300-grain bullet at 1300 fps generates 1125 ft lbs of energy. Compare these numbers to factory offerings in 454 Casull from Winchester, Remington, and Federal and the performance level of the 454 becomes very clear. Winchester shows a 260-grain bullet at 1800 fps generating 1870 ft lbs of energy, and a 300-grain at 1625 fps generating 1759 ft lbs of energy, that’s an impressive 634 ft lbs more energy than the 44 Remington Magnum with the 300-grain bullet. Remington is now offering a factory load with a 300-grain Core-Lokt bullet charted at the same velocity and muzzle energy as the Winchester load. Federal has joined the party producing a load utilizing the 300-grain Trophy Bonded Bear-claw. It’s nice to see the major ammunition companies producing loads for this fine round and these should only continue grow in the future. http://www.fishandhunttexas.com/454casull.htm

12-27-2005, 08:38 PM	#7
Specter Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 90	On the Ruger web sight they have this little snubby (one of the Super Redhawk I believe) that is chambered in .454 and, if I'm reading this right, it can also shoot .45 long colt. Would that little barrel make the recoil much more brutal for either round? I have a feeling it would be horrible but I'm really tempted to try it. Last edited by Specter; 12-27-2005 at 08:40 PM.

12-28-2005, 10:35 AM	#14
dave375hh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 587	Learning to shoot .357, .44 mag, .454cas. only takes using .38spc. .44 spc. or std .45 Colt loads to get used to the gun. I don't shoot any handguns without ear protection. When handgun hunting I wear electronic muffs, this includes .22's. Don't shoot any fullhouse loads untill you've mastered the gun with the light loads. Shooting the fullhouse stuff first could make a mental image that will affect you every time you load them up. A .44 mag or .45 Colt in a strong revolver can handle anything in the US if the shooter does his part, and flinching isn't doing your part ever! __________________ Dave 375 H&H

12-30-2005, 05:39 PM	#16
Otter Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vermont Posts: 955 Images: 6	Good advise above, Hearing protection is a must, many of us have some loss of high frequency sound from being subjected to gunfire, turbine engines, and other noise. I recently fired the Taurus Raging Bull .454 Casull, with the ported barrel it had recoil comparable to the .45 auto. much less than the .44 Mag. "Life is too important to be taken seriously." __________________ Life is too important to be taken seriously.

12-27-2005, 08:09 PM	#3
Troy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manitoba Canada Posts: 2,501 Images: 3	i own a 357 mag, it earns your respect. a fine, healthy caliber.

12-27-2005, 08:16 PM	#4
Specter Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 90	I'm about 5'6" 118 -125 pounds...I'm not a very big guy lol. From what you just posted it doesn't seem like there is any way I might enjoy shooting that finger cannon. Would you recommend me not to rent one out for a test drive? I'm looking for a wheel gun to simply practice with and as something to take with me while out and about in the deep country. 75% for plinking and blasting, 25% Camper insurance.

12-27-2005, 08:29 PM	#5
Troy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manitoba Canada Posts: 2,501 Images: 3	i have seen some pretty small guys shoot some pretty big calibers. definitely go do some shootin and try some on for size.

12-27-2005, 08:32 PM	#6
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	I had the pleasure of shooting a .44 mag Ruger Redhawk some time ago. A buddy of mine and I would go to the range and load the cylinder with three different loads, alternately. We put in a regular load, a Hydroshock, and a home made load sold at the range that they called "deer stoppers". The rounds basically went bang, boom, and ka-friggin'-blam! then started over. The percussion was so strong on the deer stopper loads that it felt like somone had just punched me in the nose each time. My hands were bruised at the end of the range time. A crowd gathered at the window to see what we were shooting when we took out the hotter loads. It was fun, but I don't recommend it for regular shooting.

12-27-2005, 08:52 PM	#8
Calvin Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,000	The .454 is manageable. The shorter barrel will kick some more than the longer one. However, get a pair of PAST shooting gloves and you should be okay. Yes, you can shoot .45 LC's in a .454. And, it's not that bad, either. One other thing-NEVER fire a .454 without hearing protection!! You WILL permanently lose some hearing with a single shot!!

12-27-2005, 09:01 PM	#9
Specter Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 90	Hmm...well that rules out buying one at all. But I still think I'll try one. Unless it's worth it just for shooting .45 Long Colt?

12-27-2005, 09:19 PM	#10
ash Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 934 Images: 3	I've two.357's a .45 and 45long colt and find the recoils in all of them quite tame . I've also had the privelage of fireing a .454 with 300 grain rounds that'll get your attention but it still wasn't unmanageable. I recently purchased a .44 magunum with a 4" barrel and am looking forward to putting a box of 240 grain ultramax through it. The only cartridge I felt had a little more kick than necessary was the 50AE out of a desert eagle but in hindsight I was young (younger) and a little inexperienced.

12-27-2005, 09:50 PM	#11
Specter Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 90	Thanks for all the info everyone. I might opt for something under the .454. I want to be able to fire it without needing ear protection every single time. Your info helped alot. I'm intrested to hear some short stories about your experiances with above calibers. If you got one post it. Thanks.

12-27-2005, 10:00 PM	#12
ash Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 934 Images: 3	Every handgun I own with the exception of my 22 calibre revolver requires hearing protection even my S&W 22A. It's unlikely you'll find anything over 22 that you won't need it for. The .454 is a great round but a little on the pricey side. If you like a recommmendation I would suggest the .357 you can fire .38's which make it nice and cheap for plinking or 180 grain cast core .357 magnum for small game. If you get a revolver with a 6" barrel there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to hunt with it also.

12-27-2005, 10:07 PM	#13
Specter Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 90	I'll probably end up with a .357 mag. At the range, hearing protection of course. I was refuring more to out in the field. I never shot anything all that loud besides a 30-30 without hearing protection...well a 30-30 isn't really that loud. shrugs

12-28-2005, 05:50 PM	#15
Snakebite Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tucson, Mexico Posts: 1,839	I think Dave hit the nail on the head with that post. First of all, hearing protection is a must!!! You sure as heck dont want to end up with tinnitus like I have and .22's WILL do it. Its a lifelong thing with no cure. I've never shot the 454 but the .44mag was one of the first handguns I ever fired. Dang near enough to scare me away from handguns forever, but I was pretty young. a 38/357 or the 45 Colt is an excellent way to start. Try the hot Corbon loads from the 45 after the standard loads and they will get your attention real quick! Plenty of power for almost anything and you can shoot the cowboy action loads for plinking. Best of both worlds.

12-30-2005, 09:27 PM	#17
Outriderdark Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 1,125	Go with a .357. You can shoot cheap .38 specials out of it for plinking. .357 is a good all around cartridge that won't break the bank. You can hunt with it, use it for plinking, home protection, and zombies. With .357 you can practice enough to be able to rap off rounds at a reasonable rate without your muzzle ending up pointed at the sky. Unless you're into reloading, or have alot of spare cash, you won't end up shooting a .454 or .50 alot and even .44mag is pretty expensive. Just my .02. __________________ "Would it make you feel better, little girl, if they was thrown outta windows?"-Archie Bunker

01-10-2006, 02:37 PM	#18
David0031 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 7	Definitly go with the 357, best first wheel gun caliber out there. Also very easy to reload if you decide to (allows more shooting). As long as you don't go to a real light wait gun the recoil isn't a problem at all. My Taurus 66 was my first centerfire handgun. It's an older one with only a partial underlug barrel, newer ones with full underlug would (heavier with the weight forward) would be even easier to shoot. Though I've never though recoil was an issue with it, but it's been carrying a scope most of it's life. I've taken 6 does with it out to 75 yards and a few squirels too. A big plus for revolvers is you don't need to search for you brass after shooting either. 357 would always be my sugestion for a first handgun, well maybe after a 22. Go Taurus Tracker series and you can get both in the same size gun, I've seen 22lr in stores for $250, didn't price 357's since I already have one. David

01-10-2006, 09:35 PM	#19
1963duce100 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 120	Ny super blackhawk 705 inch is a dream to shoot yes there is alot of muzzle rise but the felt recoil is not much. My dads .357 in a kgp 100 4 inch with hot loads is a bit stiff but not too bad. I feel that most any one could shoot.

01-10-2006, 11:01 PM	#20
Troy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manitoba Canada Posts: 2,501 Images: 3	my old .357 sauer cowboy shootin iron has a minimal kick, a little bit of lighning out the barrel though. easily managable.