Hello all. I'm new to the site and new to handgun hunting. I've hunted with archery tackle my whole life and tried using my S&W 686 this past year. It seemed to work well on the whitetail, so now I'm hooked. I was just wondering if moving to a .44 mag. or .480 would be better than the .357 for deer sized game? Also, I recently got to fire a Ruger SRH in .480 and thought it performed nicely. I just wish they offered the Super Black Hawk in this caliber.

IMHO as far as revolvers are concerned there is no need to go larger than a 44 Mag or modern 45 Colt for whitetails. Both of these are also very capable for even much larger game. These two have the advantage over the 480 in that there are many more bullet options in both factory loads and for the handloader. That said I do think you would be better off moving up from a 357 Mag. For the money, a SBH Hunter is hard to beat.

I have to agree with Gary. The .44 Mag and modern loads for the .45 Colt are hard to beat for Whitetail hunting. Both give you all the dispatching power you need and they are a pleasure to shoot. Both cartridges give you wide loading latitude in that you can load light target loads or "magnum" hunting loads or anything in between with a broad range of components to choose from. I have a Super Blackhawk Hunter in .44 Mag and it sure is a joy to shoot....It just feels right in your hand. Mine has a Bisely grip which some people prefer, others like the standard Blackhawk grip. Both models are available and that does give you some flexibility on the Hunter Model. I also own a Redhawk and a Super Redhawk and really like them also.

the .480 would be pretty cool! but....i'm with these other fellers. i love the 44mag! and the super blackhawk hunter is an awesome rig!
if'n i wasn't so sentimental, and have gotten attached to my 7 1/2" redhawk 44mag........... i'd trade her in on the blackhawk hunter

should i

Man, I'd shoot for the 44 mag anyday. It's a great cartridge and available in so many different guns. If you reload the choices even get better. Me, I'm partial to S&W, but I own quite a few Rugers too. Good luck.

First of all let me say welcome to the board.

44 or 480?? Well get them both, life is to short to wonder if one was better than the other. As for deer size game the 44 is more than adequate, cheaper to shoot (especially if you don't reload), has a better selection of factory ammo, and offered in many, many platforms to choose from.

The 480 picks up were the 44 leaves off with the heavier bullets. I love mine. It is neat round, kind of like a 475 Linebaugh Special(with out the custom gun price). I've taken three deer and never recovered a bullet. Large hole clean thru.

I have two 44 mags and the 480, I would not part with either. So like I say buy them both.

Thank you all for replying. I sincerely appreciate the help, and the attitude of the members of this board. It looks like you all have confirmed my suspicions. .44mag it is. That SBH with the Bisley grip does feel nice in the hand. Now if I can just get the wife to let go of the checkbook for 10 minutes