Originally Posted by
6bg6ga
I own a 686 357 S&W magnum. I also own a S&W 629 44 magnum and a 25-5 S&W 45LC. I enjoy them all. If I were to hunt it would be the 45LC or the 44 mag over the 357 but then that's just my preference because I'm a believer in bigger is probably better. If I were to shoot a bear then it would be a 44mag or 45LC. A mountain lion the same. Any of these calibers can be loaded in order to provide enjoyment in simple target shooting or massive recoil with mega damage with full blown loads. In other words if you enjoy recoil and punishment any of the three can provide that. I've made my hands sting many a time with a max 357 load.