Multiple use rounds

[side_job]

I have a question for those with more experience.
I have read several 'survival' essays that suggest you try to consolidate ammo sizes if possible to stock up and keep the variation to a minimum. They suggested perhaps .357 for your handgun, either revolver or semi, as well as lever action rifle for small game, homestead defense. The other round mentioned was 9mm, for handguns and you can get 9mm carbine for defense, or 9mm AR type for game and defense.

I do not have any experience with these particular rifles / AR / carbines, in these sizes, is it factual that one size round could be used through out?

Thanks in advance!

[kawalekm]

HI SJ
I have four such combinations like what you are talking about. I have a .22 pistol/semiauto rifle, .357 revolver/lever rifle, and 44Mag revolver/lever rifle, and a .40pistol/semiauto rifle combo. The .40 pistol/semiauto rifle combo is enhanced more by duplication of magazines between pistol and rifle. They are by far, the most frequently used guns in my collection!

Of the four, the .357 combo gets the very most use at the target range. Beginners shooting for the very first time love to shoot 38spl in the rifle. Then they work their way up to the magnum loads later. Typically, the lever can shoot anything that the revolver can shoot, as long as it isn't some extremely long or short cartridge that won't feed properly. A third advantage of the lever is that, when people see you with it they think "rancher", not "crazy survivalist". The levers typically will outcompete the autos power wise, though the opposite is true for firepower. Although I've shot a deer with the .357, I think the 44Mag is a more realistic shooter for ranges up to 150 yards. Still, you'll never hit anything with it that's an easy shot for a bolt action. And if I pop a gopher sticking his head up, I'd rather use the .22.

A very critical advantage to me is that pistol rounds shoot well with hard cast lead bullets. I cast bullets using scrap wheel weights and tin solder and make bullet hard enough to prevent barrel leading, yet still mushroom upon impact. Using my own cast bullets I can make a box of .40's for about 2.50$, 3.50$ for .357, and 4.25$ for 44mag, buying only powder and primers. I use once fired brass picked up at the range. This ability allows me to stock up on thousands of cast bullet handloads!
Michael

[jim]

I concur.

[side_job]

HI SJ
I have four such combinations like what you are talking about. I have a .22 pistol/semiauto rifle, .357 revolver/lever rifle, and 44Mag revolver/lever rifle, and a .40pistol/semiauto rifle combo. The .40 pistol/semiauto rifle combo is enhanced more by duplication of magazines between pistol and rifle. They are by far, the most frequently used guns in my collection!

Good information, I think the .22 combo is a given for critters and such, the larger size is whats giving me pause. I want something large enough to take a deer at 150, but still be comfortable to tote / carry around the homestead, offering protection during civil uncertainty.

I noticed that you mentioned revolvers, have you a preference for them over semis.

There was a 9MM colt AR I saw on their sight, has anyone had any experience with this weapon?

[kawalekm]

Hi SJ
Actually, I have twice as many pistols as revolvers. It's just that most pistol rounds don't lend themselves to rifle use. I have both 9mm and .45, but if you look at rifle loading data, you don't get much improvement at rifle lengths, just 100fps in some cases. That's because most pistol cases are designed to use small charges of relatively quick powders, and don't have the extra capacity to excel in a rifle. Revolver cartridges like the .357 and .44 can be filled with very slow burning powders like H110 and give you substantial increases at rifle lengths on the order of 400-500 fps. My .40 is lots of fun for plinking, but I wouldn't want to go deer hunting with it.

My personal advice is if you think you need your guns for self-defense/personal protection, go the pistol/semiauto route. If you need more power for hunting applications, go the revolver/lever route. Or, just get both combos!
Michael

[DM]

I always liked the 44 mag. cartridge, and i've hunted quite a bit with my 44 mag. revolver... I've harvested a lot of meat for my freezer with it from moose on down...

I also have a Ruger semi auto carbine rifle chambered for 44 mag., and they make a pretty decent combo too...

DM

[kawalekm]

There's another option for you SJ. Get a Ruger .44mag Deerslayer, and also a Desert Eagle in .44. Then you'll have a .44mag pistol/semiauto combo you can be proud of.