Recoil Comparison

[bodark]

I would like to know the recoil comparison between the 357 magnum and the 44 magnum from those of you who have experience with both rifles. I know it depends on multiple factors, but I would like your general impressions. I will be using factory ammunition. I will use this information to help me determine whether or not it would advisable to purchase the heavier BBB if needed to help with the extra recoil. Thanks!

[JEBar]

we have both a BBS 357 & 44 mag ... the recoil of the 44 is stronger but is still very mild .... I'd put it as being between a 410 and a 20 ga firing low brass shells ... if we had to go with only one, I'd stick with the 44 .... the 357 is a bit cheaper to load and is a capable 100 yard deer rifle .... that said, there is nothing the 357 can do that the 44 can't do a bit better

[bodark]

Thanks JE. I really like the steel version because of the lower weight, but I wondered about the recoil in 44 mag. As I have gotten older, I don't really like high recoil aka 308.

[JEBar]

Thanks JE. I really like the steel version because of the lower weight, but I wondered about the recoil in 44 mag. As I have gotten older, I don't really like high recoil aka 308.

I most certainly understand the aversion to high recoil because having been on blood thinning for several years, I bruise easily .... HSM's cowboy action 44 specials and 44 mags produce considerably less recoil than standard ammo .... with them one has the choice of punching paper with very light recoil and still being able to hunt with much more powerful ammo that creates a bit stronger recoil

[Conax]

I had a Marlin .357 and it had the most dainty kick. It kicked but just a moderate bump. My granddaughter shot it and didn't even complain.
I have a Henry .44 and it kicks.. Like the other fella said, I'd say it is about like a 20 ga shooting bunny loads.
Not unpleasant but it does kick. If recoil is a big deal, get the .44 anyway and practice using .44 specials. They are pud loads in this gun. .44 spcl bullets need to be the classic looking long ones not wadcutters or short little hollowpoints.
According to my guesstimates and this calculator, the .44 kicks a fair amount more than an SKS (7.62X39) and a little bit less than a .243.
About 10-11.5 foot pounds depending on the load.
http://www.shooterscalculator.com/recoil-calculator.php

[tractortad]

Felt recoil is one of those really subjective issues. I've got one 357 and three 44 Mag Henry rifles and I don't think the recoil is that bad from any of them using typical factory ammo - even the BBS44Mag carbine. The brass models with the octagon barrels are heavy enough to soak up recoil and the steel models all have a nice pad to dampen the recoil from magnum rounds. I think the best thing for you to do is try to find a way to try them out for yourself before you buy one if you're worried about the recoil.

[bodark]

Thanks for the additional replies. I appreciate all your experience and advice. I had not thought about the ability to use 44 special, if I need it, to cut the recoil.

[clovishound]

The .357 mag is exceptionally light on recoil. I have the steel version and, as said, the recoil pad soaks up what little recoil is produced. Not sure, but I suspect the recoil pad makes more difference than the extra weight of the BBB.

.38s are like shooting .22s.

Edited to add:

What do you plan to use the rifle for? If it will be hunting, then perhaps the more powerful 44 mag would be the ticket.

If you plan on paper punching, then I would wholeheartedly recommend the .357 mag. Cheaper to shoot, and easier recoil. It is up to hunting for medium game at under 100 yds.

[Henry88]

As I have gotten older, I don't really like high recoil aka 308.

Funny, but those .308's didn't kick bad when we were young

I shot about 12 the other day (steel plate butt) and that was enough for me...........

[Steve51]

I have the steel version Henry .357 and only shoot magnum loads through it - recoil very mild.

I do not have a .44 steel version. I have the heavier brass version with octagon barrel. I only shoot magnum loads through it. Recoil is heavier, similar to shooting clays with a 20 gauge.

Younger kids would have no trouble with the .357 and older kids could handle the .44. When my grandsons were 14 they could shoot the .44 with no complaints.

The Henry .357 BBS is a great all around, all purpose rifle.

[Squatch]

I've spent decades shooting 44 mag through a single action revolver. 44 mag in a rifle, What recoil?!

[JEBar]

I've spent decades shooting 44 mag through a single action revolver. 44 mag in a rifle, What recoil?!

understood ... as has been noted, its all a matter of prospective ..

[bodark]

Thanks for all your replies!

[Squatch]

I've spent decades shooting 44 mag through a single action revolver. 44 mag in a rifle, What recoil?!

understood ... as has been noted, its all a matter of prospective ..

I'm finding age affects perspective. What was a tingle 30 years ago now leaves bruises!

[JEBar]

I'm finding age affects perspective. What was a tingle 30 years ago now leaves bruises!

once again, dead on the money .... our sons have 460 revolvers that years ago I wouldn't hesitate to grab and shoot .... now days, I'm perfectly happy to watch them pull the triggers

[North Country Gal]

In general, I'm more sensitive to rifle recoil than handgun recoil, partly because I'm another one who bruises, easily. Even a 30-30 lever gun can leave my shoulder black and blue if I get sloppy about how I hold it. Speaking of the 44 mag in a lever gun, my experience with the light 6 pound Marlin 1894 in 44 mag has been that it is still doable, as in no bruises, but for sure, that light gun requires a firm hold. Actually prefer it to shooting a 30-30 in a 336 T Marlin as far as comfort.

[DaveShooter]

I shot both my Henry's this past weekend- One in BBS 45/70 18.43" barrel and the other in BBs 16.5 44 mag. Both were shot with factory ammo in 45/70 lever-lution and Win 240 JSP in 44 mag. I must be getting older cause the 45/70 was a lot more pleasant to shoot than the 44 mag rifle. Might of been I was Bench rest shooting both of these rifles. May of been the reason for the more felt recoil. Now my BBS 20" 357 is as pleasant as all get out with 158 Gr PMC JSP bullets. Sure am glad the 44 didn't have a Steel Butt Plate-lol- Still love my Henry's....

[JEBar]

now that is really interesting .... we have a 357 and I couldn't agree more with your impression .... we also have 44 Mag BBS and 45-70 CCH .... right out of their boxes, with hunting level ammo, there is a world of difference in felt recoil .... the 44 has bump I'd rank as being a stronger that a full power 410 and less than a full power 20 ga .... the closest I can come to comparing the felt recoil of our 45-70 would be a light weight 12 g shooting firing 3" slugs or 00-buckshot .... in short, sufficient recoil to where I wouldn't want to fire many rounds per session and none from a bench rest

[Frontiersman]

The recoil on either is so light, that I just don't see making that a factor in the decision.

[bodark]

I am still reading and I appreciate all your replies. Thanks!