Good comments wtroper! I also hunt with the 44 mag and have for years, I also still use the 357 mag. I pick the handgun I use based on terrian, distance of shot and type of game. I also use only the 180 gr for hunting with the 357 mag. My general reson for this topic was to generate some interest back in the 357 mag which was the original magnum hunting round back in the day.