One caliber vs multiple calibers in a handgun, what's your justification(s)?

[Shuz]

I read many posts that extol the virtues of various calibers in the same household, and ask myself the question,why?
Years ago I made my life much simpler by standardizing on the .44 magnum as my revolver caliber. I have moulds in this caliber from 173g to 325g; therefore I can cover a wide range of uses. I have 11 revolvers in this chambering with bbl lengths and weights that run the gamut from 4" to 7-1/2", both single action Rugers(5ea) and double action Smiths(6ea). I maintain 38 boxes of at least 50 rounds each, all listed on a spreadsheet, to tell me what I have and where it is located, etc.
Am I missing out on not owning a .357 magnum, or a 41 magnum a 45 Colt or a 454 magnum or ad naseum?
I don't think so, but someone enlighten me, I'll listen to reason(maybe)!

[jmort]

I stick with one revolver caliber. Used to be all .45 Colt, now all .357 mag. I don't think you are missing anything. Reloading and powder are simplified if you want. I would keep your collection growing and not add calibers. Others like multiple calibers, not me. One thing I like about .357 mag over .45 Colt, is that there are way more guns available. Obviously, you have an impressive collection of .44 mag guns. You can add .44 mag rifles, but I suspect you already have.

[btroj]

I don't have a plan or rule on this. I buy what I want. I don't need, or want, to standardize.

I like my 1911 in 45 ACP but it wasn't the easiest thing for my wife and daughter to shoot. I bought a CZ75 B in 9 mm. Not standardized but a purpose.

i won't try to convince you need a 357 if you don't try to convince me I dont. I don't buy guns for your pleasure and I hope you don't buy yours to make me happy.

Do what works for you and makes you happy. I do.

[Green Frog]

If I were going to limit myself to a single caliber (or even caliber family) it would probably be 38/357 since there is such a plethora of bullets and loadings available for this caliber. While the 44 in magnum loadings is obviously bigger and better for the heaviest applications, about 99% of the time, I would be using 44 Specials or their equivalent in Magnum cases, and could fairly easily replicate their performance in a 357 (or even a 38.) Then again, I'm not happy unless I have at least one big bore (44-45+) handgun, one midsize (like the 38/357 above) and a small center fire (327 Federal Mag being my choice du jour) and of course a 22 rimfire like my K-22.

They say, "Beware of the man with one gun..." but I don't ever recall hearing similar advice to beware of the man who only loads one caliber in many guns. Then again that's just me and your mileage may vary... but you did ask!

Froggie

[fecmech]

As long as you're happy that's all that matters. Most of my shooting is with the .38 spl (maybe 10-15K per year) and my .44 and 45's rarely get shot. My HD gun is a Model 15 S&W .38 spl. Probably way below what most people think of as a stopper but I shot PPC for years so for me it's what I'm most comfortable with. The last thing I would try to do is talk a fellow out of his personal choices.

[Cornbread]

I reload and cast for mainly the 45s: 45acp, 45colt, 454 Casull, and 45-70. I also reload for .308, 30-30, 32 Win Special, and 223 but those I do so for very rarely. The lions share of my shooting, reloading and casting by far is done with 45s ranging from .452 - .459. Now if I could just get brass manufacturers to make runs of all those 45s with brass that fits a small rifle primer I would be gold! As it is I have to have three different types of primers around. Also I can use 4227 in 45colt - 45-70 but 45acp I use Unique in. So I have to have two powders. But all in all two different powders for the entire 45 suite isn't that big of a deal I guess.

I used to reload a lot of 357 and I love that caliber but when I moved to Montana the two critters that will mess you up, up here are Grizzlies and Moose. I didn't feel like 357 had enough juice so I stopped using it. Neither does the 45 acp but that is my plinking ammo in my Ruger convertible. I don't take it to the woods as a carry gun.

I guess go with what floats your boat. If I had more money I'd have about every caliber, powder and mold in existence. Since I am not I have to keep it within what I can afford and that meant standardizing mostly on 45s.

[Love Life]

Dang. I thought I was doing good by standardizing to 5 pistol calibers!!

[DougGuy]

I have a 7 1/2" SBH in .44 Magnum with the appropriate "fixes" on it, cylinder throats, forcing cone, half the trigger spring hanging off, it's a little much for squirrels and rabbits but it has filled my freezer with deer on numerous occasions. It usually goes aloft crossdraw on my hip when I take to my treestand with my long gun. It has taken MANY shooting down on them when they invariably come right up under the stand, happens often when you get in where it's really thick and hard to get to and you get up above some trails... Love hunting like this.

The .45 Colt Vaquero is a short barreled job that I like to pack as a trail/belly gun when I am walking, if I ever find myself in thick brush where there are pigs, this one is the one I would hope to find in my hand with enough time to land a good shot, being it will penetrate over 3 FEET of seasoned oak, which is something the above mentioned .44 Magnum won't quite do. If I were up North, this heavily loaded and heavy recoiling pistol would be my choice of sidearm. It is also usually stashed at the back of the house in a strategic location, loaded with Cor-Bon ammo geared to the two legged predators, should I ever have to retreat to that safe place and fetch it I have no longing to see the mess it will make and I hope that day never comes but you never know... S**t happens.

For edc, there is a Kahr CW45 that is a great lightweight .45 ACP, it weighs 1lb 10oz fully stoked with 230gr +P fodder again it's there if I need it but hope I will just enjoy carrying it day in and day out for as long as I own it.

Point? There are more than one purpose for different handgun calibers, and different levels of energy is needed dependent on which game or range dictates it's priorities be best met with a certain caliber.

[leftiye]

Ah likes 'em, Ah buys 'em. Summa dem Ah don't even shoot.

[Groo]

Groo here
Some think of a gun as a tool [ you have more than one of them don't you?],
Some as a toy, some as a work of art, it is up to you.
To me they are all three and I have many.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

Jeff Milton famous Indian fighter is said to have accidentally loaded a .45 Colt cartridge into his Winchester rifle which was calibrated to .44-40 during an exchange of hostile boolits. He is said to have used his knife to remove the screws from the sideplate of the rifle, clear the jam and got back into the fight and live to tell about it.

Loading the wrong round in a gun does happen, I showed up for a match with .44 Special ammo but I had forgotten that I had a .44-40 cylinder in my Colt instead of the .44 Special cylinder.

Elmer Keith said: One gun, one load. He also said to beware of the man that only owns one gun, he probably knows how to use it.

There is some virtue to one caliber, I know a man that adheres to the philosophy.

[Jeff82]

These days I exclusively shoot 38/357. I've shot many firearms over the years, and over time have settled upon a few favorites that I now routinely shoot: S&W Model 36 snubnose 38, S&W Model 14 target masterpiece 38, Marlin 1894C 357 carbine. With these three firearms and a dedicated reloading and casting operation I can cover just about all my needs. Every once in a while I've wanted to add a 12-gauge coach gun to my set-up, but so far have resisted the temptation.

[azrednek]

One caliber certainly has its advantages but I have a weakness and desire to own every revolver made by Smith and Wesson. As long as there are young guys inheriting dad or grandpa's classic S&W revolver. I will be sure to satisfy their desire to swap it for the latest Plastic Fantastic. I almost added 32 S&W short about a month ago but backed out knowing I'd have to start scrounging dies, molds, brass etc.

[FlatTop45LC]

I have standardized projectiles on my rifles. I only shoot .224 and .308 caliber rifles now. May add a 6.5mm at some point...

On pistols I shoot 38/357 and 45LC. The wife and I each have a 22 auto. I carry a 40 and she carries a 9.

[Loiterer]

My small assortment is at times fired by more than me.

Family and friends, some just learning, do not all have the same hands or grip. Just is a little easier to get to the next step.

Depends on what i am doing on which one I use at the time.

[Outpost75]

I have down-sized the stable since I retired. I do all of my reloading with only 4064 and Bullseye.

My serious hunting rifles are .30-'06s. My only battle rifle is an M1 Garand. My small game rifles fire either. 32 S&W Long or .38 Special. I have three Ruger convertible Blackhawks in. 357/9mm, .45 ACP/.45 Colt and. 44 Mag./.44-40, with Marlin leverguns to match. And one Winchester Model 12 12-ga. pump gun.

Makes life simple.

[Blammer]

I would go with 41 mag.

[FergusonTO35]

I have standardized pistol calibers to .32 Auto, .38 Special, and 9X19. Three great cartridges introduced within a decade of each other and I feed 'em nothing but reloads with boolits. I do have a couple of .22 LR handguns but they will probably go at some point. .22 LR is not reloadable and loses alot out of the short barrel.

[Bonz]

my wife and I decided that we were going to standardize on 38/357, 9mm and 40. one day, someone at the shooting range let my wife shoot his fathers 1911 from WWII and thats all it took. so now we have .22, .380, .38, .357mag, 9mm, .40, 44mag, 45acp and .500 in pistol calibers. my wife has her own 45's now. just love it when the wife doesn't follow the rules ;-)

[tygar]

If you want only 1 or 2 cals. so be it. Me, I want everything (almost). I "like" to play with various calibers & types of guns. Now I may have favorites that I mostly "play" with, but want to have the 9mms, 380s, 38s & 357s, just "in case". So, I have the 8 or 10, 44s from 3" - 8 3/8, numerous 45s/454s, 460s/500s, many types of 40 & 45 acps etc. That is all part of the fun of what we do.

Also, all the different types of powder & bullets just make it more fun experimenting .

[tazman]

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
-Robert A. Heinlein


I think this applies here.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I would go with 41 mag.

if i had to i could but i dont :bigsmyl2:

[dragon813gt]

Life is boring w/out variety. I could never shoot just one because I like both Semis and Revolvers. I'm upset I waited so long to buy a 32cal revolver. Bad news is that the stepdaughter really likes shooting it so the molds I ordered can't get here soon enough :)

[bedbugbilly]

I think most folks get in to reloading with the false idea that they "want to save money". We all know how well that works as it all becomes an addiction whether it be casting, reloading or whatever. I'm 62 and only started reloading a few years ago after having shot BP for 50+ years. I was only going to buy one "cartridge gun" to shoot - a 38 spl. Well, that plan really worked well as I now have 8 of them.

I would like to think that I would eventually be able to try other cartridges that I have a hankering for - 32/20, 44 spl, 45 Colt, etc. But, I finally decided to limit myself to two handgun cartridges 38/357 (for pistol and my hand rifle) and 9mm for the one semi that I own (SR9). Those two alone are enough to keep me busy as with the 38s, I also load 38 Colt Short and Long.

I finally broke in to loading rifle - I have a 1907 Danzig GEW98 and it's a ball shooting boolits out of it. All I shoot is cast in everything I reload.

Unless a person has a LOT of time and quite a few $$$$ . . it just makes sense to limit yourself to one cartridge or perhaps just a couple. By the time you add a new on - you have the price of the gun, dies, molds, brass and other "do-dads" and it can mount up. Theres a lot to be said for someone who is reloading on a budget - using the basics like a Lee whack a loader, casting with one mold, etc. Let's face it . . . doesn't make any difference what it's loaded on - it's about the creating and fun in shooting what you've put together.

After that long dissertation . . . I guess if I were to advise a young person who wanted to get in to reloading and shooting . . . I'd recommend one the basics needed to load, on gun, one cartridge and use those items to learn everything you can about the cartridge, loading and shooting of it . . . and not get caught up in the "I gotta have" addiction. :-)

[rking22]

If I like a certain gun then the chambering is part of the deal. I could get by with 357 chambering if I had to, but I like 44 special and can't get that in a J frame and I like J farmes. I can't get by without 22LR and 44Mags have a purpose too. Had no interest in 380 until I held a Beretta 86, now I load 380s (a lot of 380s). Same with 9mm and a CZ75 clone. To me ,not a lot of difference in chamberings, lots of guns out there I need to try out, so standarizing won't happen untill I have to downsize. Shoot, I got a set of 10mm dies, no present interest ,but never know:)

[RED333]

Since I cant have 5 or 6 ol ladys(way more deadly) I cast and reload for 25ACP(2 pistols), 38/357(2 pistols), 44 mag(1 pistol so far),
45 Colt(1 pistol and 1 rifle), 40S&W(7 pistols), all way less deadly than my wife if I had a girl friend.
Thats about all I have to say about this.

[GhostHawk]

I shoot a cheap Cz-52 that shoots 7.62x25.
My buddy does store his Beretta 9mm here.
My wife prefer's .22LR.

I just ordered Handi rifle barrels in .357 and .44mag.

I already reload 7.62x54r for Mosin's and 7.62x39 for my SKS.

Standardize? What it hecks name for?

Is a Dodge mini van a Chevy truck or a Ford car?

Each cartridge to me has its own unique flavor, things it does better than most of the others.
Yes in theory you could shoot all .44-40 or .357 mag in both pistol and rifle. But IMO the jack of all trades is often not as good at any one thing as the specialist is. And I'm a Jack of all Trades! (But I do have a master's in procrastination)

Would a 9mm carbine be as accurate and powerful as a 38 special/.357? Not to mention as flexable?
Probably not in my opinion.

You can make a case for standardization at least to a point. But you can also make a case for having a whole toolbox of tools, instead of 1 Multi-tool that is supposed to do it all.

Your mileage may vary, and I really don't expect many to agree with me. But to me each individual gun, and cartridge has its place.

Viva la Difference!

[azrednek]

I would go with 41 mag.

If I had to select a single handgun caliber, 41 mag would be the one. I certainly wish it was more popular and had the various selection of molds that 44 and 45 calibers do.

[Shuz]

Some of you folks missed the point.......I'm not advocating for the .44 mag per se, I'm suggesting that life is much simpler if you standardize on one cartridge, and perhaps feed that one cartridge thru many different platforms to satisfy the desire for longer bbls, lighter frames, different actions, etc. As a last point, I'll mention that all my .44 mags are fed by 1/ea Dillon Square Deal B. All I need to do, to go from mild to wild, is adjust the seating stem for a different boolit, and perhaps change powder and/or primer types. YMMV.

[jmort]

I agree, some did not "get it" but it makes perfect sense to me. Short of 200 yards, your .44 mag will do anything and everything for targets, to plinking, to any game, to dangerous game. I agree, KISS. It is axiomatic that people should do what they want. For me, where I live and what I intend to do, the .357 mag is all I need in a revolver.

[jonp]

I'm a big 41Mag fan although I don't have one now. I have several caliber handguns but I find that the 45Colt can do anything I'm going to do with a handgun from 200gr target loads to 300gr shoot through a buffalo rounds. I carry a CW45 like Dougguy does so that is not an issue. Back when I carried an SP101 I loaded more 357Mag than anything. If I had one caliber firearm in a handgun now I'd probably go with the 45Colt if I was handloading but if I had to buy stuff off of the shelf I'd use a 357Mag.

This kinda reminds me of the one rifle argument. It's a whole lot of fun to have a number of rifles in different calibers to fiddle with but walk into just about any gunshop or place that sells ammo all over the planet, I have done it in several countries including Tanzania, and there is going to be at least one box of 30-06 sitting there. Go into any gun shop in the North East and there is going to be 30-30 somewhere about. I can't think of any animal at any distance I'm going to encounter in North America that a 30-06/308 won't take care of in some configuration.

It is much cheaper to have only one caliber handgun but where is the fun in that?

[Char-Gar]

I read many posts that extol the virtues of various calibers in the same household, and ask myself the question,why?
Years ago I made my life much simpler by standardizing on the .44 magnum as my revolver caliber. I have moulds in this caliber from 173g to 325g; therefore I can cover a wide range of uses. I have 11 revolvers in this chambering with bbl lengths and weights that run the gamut from 4" to 7-1/2", both single action Rugers(5ea) and double action Smiths(6ea). I maintain 38 boxes of at least 50 rounds each, all listed on a spreadsheet, to tell me what I have and where it is located, etc.
Am I missing out on not owning a .357 magnum, or a 41 magnum a 45 Colt or a 454 magnum or ad naseum?
I don't think so, but someone enlighten me, I'll listen to reason(maybe)!

You are not missing out on a darn thing! You choice is the best one for the person who just wants own handguns in one caliber.

That said, I very much enjoy shooting the various 38 Special revolvers and the 1911 pistol in 45 ACP. I also own handguns in 32 Long, 32-20 WCF, 357 Magnum, 44 Special, 44 Magnum and 45 Colt. I am not seized with the need or desire to own just one caliber. This is fun thing for me and not a desire to be practical or efficient. I have not counted the handguns in many years, but there is probably 50 or more living around here someplace.

[Multigunner]

Anyone who owns a .22 Rimfire rifle should consider owning a .22 RF handgun as well, and vice versa. Same would go for other pistol/pistol caliber rifle complimentary guns.

The 357 is probably the most versitle but if you need something bigger for some reason you might not agree.

Only reason I own a .32 is because I really like my tiny I frame S&W, I'm not interested enough in that caliber to buy a modern .32 pistol. Same goes for the .380 , if not for running onto a beautifully preserved FN1922 I would not have bought a .380.
Both rest comfortably in a gun case , there if I ever need them, so buying a lot of ammo in those calibers is not an issue.

I'm far more interested in the various operating systems and design details of handguns, especially antiques, than in their calibers.

[MtGun44]

I have strictly limited myself to .22 Short, .22LR, .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP,
.38 Super, 9mm Luger, .38 S&W, .38 Special, .357 Mag, .44 Spl, .45 ACP,
.455 Brit, and .44 Mag in pistols - and usually one of each cartridge is not
adequate to scratch that itch.

Do what you want and your budget can stand.

Life is short, take big bites.

Bill

[Shuz]

Folks, I gotta fess up. While I do 95% of my handgun shooting with the .44 mag, I also have have "standardized" on the .380ACP for my "close social work carry guns". But there again, I got a Taurus 738 in one rig's jockey box, an AMT Back-up in another rig's door pocket, and I carry a Ruger LCP everywhere, unless carrying my Smith 329PD. It's hard to conceal a 329PD, unless it's flannel shirt time out this way!
Also, I gotta fess up, when it comes to rifles, like Bill, I have currently limited myself to .22-250,.250Sav, .25-06,7mm-08,7mm Rem mag, .30-30, .35 Whelen, .44mag, and .444Marlin.

[Quiettime]

One caliber vs multiple calibers in a handgun, what's your justification(s)?
Because they don't make a Makarov in .44 Magnum!

[snowwolfe]

I would be bored to death if I owned just one caliber.

[azrednek]

I have strictly limited myself to .22 Short, .22LR, .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP,
.38 Super, 9mm Luger, .38 S&W, .38 Special, .357 Mag, .44 Spl, .45 ACP,
.455 Brit, and .44 Mag in pistols - and usually one of each cartridge is not
adequate to scratch that itch.

Do what you want and your budget can stand.

Life is short, take big bite

Bill


Bill you missed one!! Pretty sure it was you that posted some good advice on the 9MM Makarov. With the long list, bet there is another you may have forgotten.

[Four-Sixty]

This reminds me of a debate I have often with my Wife. When trying to decide on a place to eat out, she will say she wants to stick with an old standby as she does not want to be let down. I, on the other hand, say I want to try something new as I want to make sure I am not missing out on something good.

I decided I would put a limit on what I would get into however. I will only buy into calibers that meet one of the three following conditions.
1) The case has a rim on it
2) It is a cast boolit friendly caliber
3) It is relatively common/easy to find

[tazman]

Also, I gotta fess up, when it comes to rifles, like Bill, I have currently limited myself to .22-250,.250Sav, .25-06,7mm-08,7mm Rem mag, .30-30, .35 Whelen, .44mag, and .444Marlin.

What!!! No 30-06!!!!! Shame on you. I thought everybody was required to own a 30-06.
And no, the 25-06 and 35 Whelen do not count even if they are based on the same case.:bigsmyl2:

[dragon813gt]

What!!! No 30-06!!!!! Shame on you. I thought everybody was required to own a 30-06.
Shame on me as well then. 30/06 is overkill for anything here. Most shots are 50 yards or less. Even the 308 I own is overkill but that one is stainless w/ a synthetic stock so it sees the bad weather. I guess the 358 Winchester is really overkill now that I think about it. 35 Remington probably falls into that category as well. But that one is a great handling rifle. While writing this I really realize why I grab my 1894C first before any other rifle :)

[truckboss]

I've narrowed it down to one.One that uses boolits.

[happie2shoot]

Just posted this on GT.

I use to shoot many pistol calibers but now I have narrowed it down to just 22lr,
9mm, 38sup, 38sp, 357sig, 357mag, 40s&w, 10mm, 44sp, 44mag, 45acp, 45sup,
460row, 45colt, 454, 480 and 475L.

Life is much simpler now that I got rid of my Blackhawks in 30carb and 41mag.

Still have those 14 boxes of 380 brass I don't know what to do with, maybe I will
get a gun for them.

I need to thin out the rifle collection, too.

[azrednek]

I decided I would put a limit on what I would get into however. I will only buy into calibers that meet one of the three following conditions.
1) The case has a rim on it
2) It is a cast boolit friendly caliber
3) It is relatively common/easy to find


I've narrowed it down to one. One that uses boolits.

My criteria, it fits in a Smith and Wesson.

[DLCTEX]

Standardize if you wish, but I like variety.

[NavyVet1959]

Since a firearm is a tool, just like a hammer or a saw, I have to ask you: Do you only have a single hammer and a single saw?

If so, then you need to turn in your man card immediately.

[NavyVet1959]

By the time you add a new on - you have the price of the gun, dies, molds, brass and other "do-dads" and it can mount up.

Tell me about it! I currently reload for

.223
.308
.300 Win Mag
.300 AAC
7.62x39
9mm
.357 SIG
.38 special
.357 magnum
.40 SW
10mm
.44 special
.44 magnum
.45 ACP
.460 Rowland
.45-70
12-gauge



Yeah, it kind of adds up after awhile.

But I keep telling myself to look at all the money I'm saving... :)

[jonp]

The answers here are interesting. It does show the affluence in America now a days where not that long ago people had one gun because that was what they could afford

[GhostHawk]

Navy V et nailed it.

Do you do all the work around your house with one of those leatherman multitools? It has a screwdriver, pliers, it does everything pretty much right?

Or not quite to the same standard perhaps as a good Stanley 8" rubber gripped screwdriver?
Or not quite to the same standard perhaps as a really good Estwing hammer?

Different strokes for different folks. And there is a caliber out there that almost anyone can love and make the most out of.

Or be like the proverbial bull in Montana, instead of racing down the hill to do one of those calls, lets walk down the hill take our time and do them all!

Well I don't know about "all" some of those cows are old and fugly.

Still most have their moment when they are as cute as puppy's.

The way I look at it the more Calibers you can play with gives you more and different things to do.
And the more Molds you need to cast for them, and Sizer dies so you can tweak what you molded.

He who ends up with the most toy's wins right?

Well I am most likely not even in the race, but I have my toy's out and I'm playing and I'm enjoying myself.

Is there any other standard by which to measure?

[MrBFR]

I've consolidated somewhat, which is that most of mine are either .40/.41 or .45 cal. I haven't narrowed it down to a single cartridge but more like narrowing it down to a particular caliber. So mine are:

.40 S&W
.41 Magnum

.45 ACP
.45 Super
.45 Colt
454 Casull

[Shuz]

What!!! No 30-06!!!!! Shame on you. I thought everybody was required to own a 30-06.
And no, the 25-06 and 35 Whelen do not count even if they are based on the same case.:bigsmyl2:

I agree, as I posted my currently owned rifle cartridges, I was well aware of no .30-06's! Well, again I gotta fess up, last year at this time I had 3/ea .30-06's, but I got such good offers on them, I sold them. Now I have 3/ea 444Marlins to take their place; but I still have many boxes of .30-06 rounds loaded in my shop cabinets, and I still have the .30-06 dies. You never know, I might run into another Ruger ultralight .30-06 with a tang safety!

[jmort]

Amazing, the lack of reading comprehension. O/P merely said he had settled on one revolver caliber. And he wanted to know thoughts on branching out into other revolver calibers. Nothing more or less. That devolved into laundry lists and tool analogies. I do 9mm, .357, .223, ..308, and 12 gauge. I settled on .357 for revolver calibers. There have been a couple responsive posts suggesting .41 mag, never a bad choice.

[Motor]

I don't really see any good reason to. If I did it would mean getting rid of some of my favorite ones which is not going to happen. Besides, how can you, even with creative loading, do what a .22 can do with a .44? Variety is the spice of life. :)

[375supermag]

Hi...

I have no intention of standardizing on one handgun caliber.

I don't mind stocking multiple dies, bullets, primers, etc.

I shoot a lot of .357Mag in a couple of different power levels in half a dozen revolvers and continually consider adding another one or two revolvers in that caliber.

I shoot a lot of .45colt in several different revolvers in a couple power levels and would gladly add a couple of revolvers if I could find ones I want at the price I want to pay.

i know that when funds are available after the holidays that I will be adding at least a couple of handguns, most probably in calibers I already own and possibly a couple in calibers(.30Carbine and .327Mag) that I do not currently own.

Right now, I own and reload for the following handgun calibers...

9MM
38Spl
357Mag
41Mag
44Spl
44Mag
45ACP
45Colt
45AutoRim
375SuperMag.

I own multiple firearms in all of them save the .45AutoRim and .375SuperMag, plus I own a couple of .22LR/Mag revolvers, as well.

No intention of consolidating or limiting myself to one, two, three or any number of calibers. Never even considered it...in fact, the sooner I can expand the number of calibers the happier I will be.

I view this as akin to limiting oneself to one book on one subject. There is too much to learn to even consider such a course of action. The same applies to limiting oneself to one caliber...too much to learn to even consider the idea as any more than a theoretical discussion.

I read somewhere once that standardization is for insects, not humans.

[Artful]

I read many posts that extol the virtues of various calibers in the same household, and ask myself the question,why?
The story will very by person - My mother had 22LR revolver when I was a kid - first handgun I purchased was a 357 revolver - shot both 38's and 357's in it. Found that the 357 didn't do real well shooting steel targets at long range got a 44 Magnum. Change of shooting sports to bullseye found me wanting a good 22 semi auto and a 45 ACP to shoot all three stages.
- so at this point 22LR, 38 spl, 357 mag, 44 mag, 45 acp - I was at this level of complexity for a long time

- then got a Ruger 45ACP/45 colt convertible, already had the molds so just new brass and die to shoot other cylinder - no big deal

- then I had someone order a 9mm Taurus and never picked it up - I had shot my friends and liked it so I decided to keep it - brass was becoming very easy to find for it and I had a couple of molds that worked with it - so why not.

I then picked up some other handguns because they were cheap, their ammo was cheap and they were interesting (9x18 makarov, 7.62x25, 7.62x38R etc). I just like the learning experience after all life is not just find you thing and quit, it's about new and exciting experiences.

Think of things that you have purchased - was the purchase the experience or was it the using of the item that you remember? First rush as you take those ski's all the way down the hill without falling, getting that scuba gear on and finding that first wolf eel or sea lion. Welding up your first project or grinding/milling out your first knife... those memories are what stick with you, right?



Am I missing out on not owning a .357 magnum, or a 41 magnum a 45 Colt or a 454 magnum or ad naseum? I don't think so, but someone enlighten me, I'll listen to reason(maybe)!

You don't have to own 'em but at least try 'em is my thought for ya.

[Dframe]

To each his own. I would be bored to tears limiting myself to only one calibre.

[Chev. William]

All right, I am a 'piker' when it comes to cartridges used and reloaded as I only work with;
.25ACP, .25 Stevens, .250ALR, .250ALRM, .250ALS, .250ALC, .30 Carbine, .30-06, .32Extra Short, .32 Short, .32 Long, .32 Extra Long, .32 Extended Long, 44-40WCF, .45ACP, and .45 Winchester Magnum.

I guess I am just not up to some of the other cartridges I have fired but do not own nor want to reload such as 7.62x39, .50BMG, 20mm, or 3"-50 HEVT.

The 3"-50 left me with Service Connected Hearing Damage so I now receive 'Stereo Hearing Aids through the Veterans Administration and Disability pay for 44% Disabled (rounded down to 40%)

Chuckling,
Best Regards,
Chev. William

[jmort]

And how does this help the O/P who merely asked about extending his revolver calibers beyond .44 mag?

[Bonz]

Also, all the different types of powder & bullets just make it more fun experimenting .

Definitely me also...

[Shuz]

Well folks, you're gonna have to keep this thread going or let it die without me as I'm gonna be off the net for a couplea weeks!--Shuz

[MT Gianni]

I have thought about this for a couple of days. I want to compare a handgun to a hammer. I have used hammers all my life from 4 oz to 8 lb double-jacks. I would liken the 22 lr handgun to an 8 oz hammer, it is a tool almost anyone can use. The 12 oz tack hammer is a specialized tool and not for everyone but if you need one nothing else will do. It's equal is the 32 Long. Not much that can be done with a hammer can't be done with a 16 oz, ball peen, roofing, carpenters, rubber, plastic faced it will do almost all lighter work. it is the 38 Special, 9mm, 32 H&R and 327 Fed. 2 lb hammer is the 357, 40 S&W, 44 special and 45 Acp. Heavier tools for larger jobs. the 4 lb hammer is the 44 Mag, 45 Colt in a Ruger or TC. The heavy hammers are the 454, 480, 475, 500 and others.
You can down load the 44 to do almost everything but still have the weight of the gun and size to contend with. If I am peening a brass orifice smaller with a 4 oz ball peen a 2 lb ball peen hammer will dent it instead of lightly moving metal where I want to push it. Either plan works.

[Bonz]

Well folks, you're gonna have to keep this thread going or let it die without me as I'm gonna be off the net for a couplea weeks!--Shuz

big thanks for starting a great discussion :-)

[Markbo]

I cant anseer this. Because I dont want to think about and common sense take over and lead me to consider something I dont want to consider. Like downsizing! [smilie=f:

[Minerat]

My smallest center fire is a 380 and the largest is 50AE. I load for all and I like guns. If I have to pick one then I choose all of them and because I live in America I can do that.:rolleyes: To quote my 7 year old grand son from a poster he did in school "The land of the free because of the brave." I think he meant "home" but I like "because".

[azrednek]

I cant anseer this. Because I dont want to think about and common sense take over and lead me to consider something I dont want to consider. Like downsizing! [smilie=f:

I'm with you and don't want to let common sense get in the way. I will begin downsizing when my final will is read.


I have thought about this for a couple of days. I want to compare a handgun to a hammer. .

I like the analogy. Same principal could be applied to screwdrivers and pliers.

[Lefty Red]

Although I have settled on the 38/357, I don't see where the OP would be better off with anything other than a 44.

Always good to have one pistol, maybe one revolver and one semi, and learn to shoot it. I know I am a better shot when I settle on one load and shot just that weapon and load allot at different ranges.

But we are not all the same.......thankfully!

[Petrol & Powder]

I admire the OP's idea and it has some solid logic behind it. Unfortunately I've never been able to pull that off. :-|

Simplifying your logistics is a VERY worthy goal and I make a lot of reloading/casting decisions based on that goal. As far as one caliber, I've never been able to get there in the handgun world and only got close in the rifle world 1 time and that didn't last.

Now, the majority of my .357" bore revolvers are chambered in 38 Special so I rarely load .357 magnum anymore. 38 Spl. will work in .357 mag chambers so that's no problem If I have one of my few .357 mag revolvers in my hand.
I settled on one bullet for 44 caliber, so that only requires one mold.
I only shoot one target load in 20ga so that shotgun reloader is set for that load and never changes.
I got rid of all of my .380 auto stuff years ago.
I only load one powder in 9mm luger.

I think there is real value in simple logistics but there's a tendency to seek the best tool for the job and that results in the need for a bigger toolbox.

[Petrol & Powder]

although i have settled on the 38/357, i don't see where the op would be better off with anything other than a 44.

Always good to have one pistol, maybe one revolver and one semi, and learn to shoot it. I know i am a better shot when i settle on one load and shot just that weapon and load allot at different ranges.

But we are not all the same.......thankfully!

beware of the man with one gun, he probably knows how to use it !

[dragon813gt]

To quote my 7 year old grand son from a poster he did in school "The land of the free because of the brave." I think he meant "home" but I like "because".
No, he got it right. It's a reminder that we are free because of all the Veterans.

[MtGun44]

azredneck - Nope - don't shoot the Makarov.

Hammer comparison is apt. I have tiny 1 or two oz brass or brass
and plastic, tack hammers, 16 oz carpenter hammers, 21 and 22 oz
framing hammers (plain and waffle face), 3 lb drilling hammers, and
a few 8 and 16 lb sledges. . . . . . and a splitting maul, brick hammer
and geologists hammer. . . . probably missed some.

Bill

[stogierob]

I went the other way - One platform, multiple calibers... two 1911 pistols, one in .22lr and one in .45acp. I'm building a custom WW2 blanks pistol (also .45acp for the casing size), and I'm eyeing the RIA .22TCM/9mm 1911 as the next pistol...

Rob

[azrednek]

While we are side-stepping to hammers. About 2 years ago after misplacing my tire knocker and needing a wood handle to hit the sprue plate. I bought a cheapie $2.99 hammer from Harbor Freight, sawed the head off and have been using the wood handle since. I almost felt guilty destroying a perfectly good hammer but 2.99 compared to a $16.00 tire knocker from a truck stop and wood handles starting about $6.00 at Harbor Freight I took the cheap way out.

[dh2]

Only one caliber of pistol? that is like saying the only rifle you need is a 30-06, sure it could hunt most any thing, for antelope I prefer my 25-06 and for elk I prefer .300 Win. Mag. not that the 30-06 has not killed plenty of both. So why would a hand gun be any different , My 44 Mag will stay in my safe between my .357 Mag and my .454 Cassull

[paul h]

As for me, I started with a 44 mag but then a buddy let me shoot one of the first 480's to make it into the state. To me it was enough gun give me warm fuzzies in bear country, and I wouldn't hesitate to use it to take a moose so the 44 was sold to fund a 480. The only downside to the 480 is it uses fairly large doses of lead and powder. I've tried over a dozen different bullet molds and find for guilt edged accuracy I need ~300 gr of lead @ ~1000 fps. That just isn't a powder puff target load.

With both of those critical feed stocks now hard to come by I wanted something to practice with that gets more rounds per pound, hence the 38/357. I could live with those two, but somewhere along the line I came into a 45 acp, and I figured a ruger bisley 45 convertable would be nice for my wife.

[Char-Gar]

I admire the OP's idea and it has some solid logic behind it. Unfortunately I've never been able to pull that off. :-|.

Don't EVER let logic creep into your thinking about guns,for it will severely limit the number of guns you own and shoot. Logic is the enemy of all true gun nuts! In fact, I question the OPs dedication and commitment to the insanity.

[Petrol & Powder]

Don't EVER let logic creep into your thinking about guns,for it will severely limit the number of guns you own and shoot. Logic is the enemy of all true gun nuts! In fact, I question the OPs dedication and commitment to the insanity.
I once labeled myself a gun enthusiast but I have long since come to terms with the fact that I'm a gun nut.

You're absolutely right, Logic can severely limit the numbers of guns that one can own & shoot.
When you're right, you're right ! :D

[bobthenailer]

GEE! I think every caliber handgun has its merits! and like having various calibers/guns. to date i had nothing in 40 cal and i don't think i ever will ,I have it surrounded though.

[Wayne Smith]

Humm - I have a completely different perspective on this and it is equally personal. I read history as a hobby (currently reading: A Warrior Dynasty, the rise and fall of Sweden as a military superpower) and enjoy experiencing some of what I read. I have cap and ball revolvers, I have a S&W Model 3 (2000) in 45S&W (45 short) and multiple other guns of historical interest. Not all of them are, but that is one major motivation for some of my collection. (44-40, 32-20, 9Mak, 7.62x25, etc.)

[charlie b]

Well, if you ask my wife she will tell you that if it says COLT on it, it is good :D :D She loves her Lightweight Commander in .45 and her 1903 (.32 ACP). She also likes to shoot my Python with light loads. She lusts after a SAA in .32-20, but only if it says COLT, not any of those weird names, like S&W, Ruger or Uberti. :)

I really tried to reduce the number of guns I owned. Am down to less than 20 :) Each has a purpose.
Bedside, her Commander and I have a Springfield XD in.45
Family room, her 1903 and my Python
Truck, P64 9mm Makarov
Car, Ruger SP101
Carry, me either the SP101 or P64, her the Commander or 1903
Plinking, me the Python, her the Commander and 1903

Rifles, M1 Garand, Mod 94 in .30-30
Shotgun, Charlin 24ga

Not a complete list but these are the ones we shoot/use the most.


Now, one thing I never got was multiple calibers in one gun. I thought it was kinda neat at one time. Had a Contender for a while, couple caliber conversions for a 1911, and a Blackhawk had the spare cylinder in .45ACP. I rarely used more than one. The Contender kept the .30 Herrett on it all the time and the 1911 kept the .45 on it. I think I fired the Ruger with.45ACP once or twice. Sold off all the conversions/barrels as I rarely shot them. Then got rid of those guns entirely (son-in-law inherited the 1911).

And, yes, if I thought about it a bit I could reduce to one caliber. It would be either the .45 or .357 But...I don't need a backup gun in bear country either. To me that takes a single purpose gun and one that is not pleasant to shoot a lot. :)

[Jeff82]

Wayne, I can relate to that. I took about two years off to shoot trapdoor carbines, cap-and-ball revolvers and blackpowder cartridge revolvers. I learned a lot from that, and it gave me a totally different perspective on nineteenth century history.

[dubber123]

Groo here
Some think of a gun as a tool [ you have more than one of them don't you?],
Some as a toy, some as a work of art, it is up to you.
To me they are all three and I have many.

I like this response, and it fits my viewpoint perfectly :)

[rmark]

In handguns I prefer small or large primers. Simplifies logistics.

[white eagle]

I did the same as you did and went to just one cal.in handguns and the same as you as well
I do however miss the 480 Ruger I had that cal just seems to say hunt me

[Markbo]

In handguns I prefer small or large primers. Simplifies logistics.

Well what else is there? :roll:

[NavyVet1959]

Well what else is there? :roll:

Small pistol magnum primers
Large pistol magnum primers
Small rifle primers
Small rifle magnum primers
Large rifle primers
Large rifle magnum primers

And yeah, I've used each of these in pistols over the last few years.

[blueeyephil]

My first center fire handgun was a Colt 357 mag. That's all I had for years, until we bought the little 32 mag. If I just went to the range and shot targets from time to time that would be all I would need for sure. Well, maybe throw in a .22 lr.

But, I can't see going to just one caliber, although it would be easier in some ways. I've tried to get my wife to switch to 38 spl, 380 ACP or 9mm, from that 32 Mag. Not going to happen. I actually like the 32 Mag and I really think it is a very good revolver caliber for most women. So, one caliber doesn't fit all needs. I have a small 380 for pocket carry but carry a 38, 9mm or 40 S&W IWB. I shoot at a couple of local USPSA matches each month. The 9mm or 40 S&W work for that. I even have the 357 SIG but haven't shot that in several years. Got that with a SIG P226 that had both the 40 S&W and 357 SIG barrels. Later bought a slide and barrel conversion in 9mm for the SIG. Great gun and handy to have in an ammo shortage, since it can shoot any of those cartridges. Can change from one to the other in less than a minute. In auto I've avoided the 10mm and 45 ACP, so far. I see both as too expensive and I don't need them. I don't want a 1911 unless I can have a nice one. And before I save up for a nice one, I've spent my money on something else. So I guess I just don't really want one very bad.

So, I say look at what you need and get that first, and if you can swing it. Get what you want. If that means more than one caliber, so be it. That's what makes the world go round.

If one caliber can do everything you need and/or want. Great, you just simplified your life.

[35 Whelen]

I read many posts that extol the virtues of various calibers in the same household, and ask myself the question,why?
Years ago I made my life much simpler by standardizing on the .44 magnum as my revolver caliber. I have moulds in this caliber from 173g to 325g; therefore I can cover a wide range of uses. I have 11 revolvers in this chambering with bbl lengths and weights that run the gamut from 4" to 7-1/2", both single action Rugers(5ea) and double action Smiths(6ea). I maintain 38 boxes of at least 50 rounds each, all listed on a spreadsheet, to tell me what I have and where it is located, etc.
Am I missing out on not owning a .357 magnum, or a 41 magnum a 45 Colt or a 454 magnum or ad naseum?
I don't think so, but someone enlighten me, I'll listen to reason(maybe)!

Eleven revolvers all in the same caliber??? Doesn't make much sense to me. What does your 4" .44 Magnum do that your 7 1/2" doesn't? I mean I'm OK with that, if that's what blows your skirt up, but you've hardly standardized other than from a handloading standpoint. It would make more sense to me to own the same style revolver in different calibers. Each caliber to me is unique and has its own use.

For example, when I want to plink or just burn ammunition, I cast/load .38 Specials and at 2.5 - 3.0 grs. per load, I don't worry about burning silly amounts of powder or using up my alloy for dinging my metal targets or poking holes in paper. The .38 is also the chambering for my wife's concealed carry and is my go-to cartridge when introducing new shooters to handguns.This caliber works well for CAS too. The .357, well, it's the bastard child in my house. I own three revolvers so chambered and feel it's more than necessary for target shooting, yet not quite enough for deer hunting. The .44 Special is the darling of my house. I love it and shoot it to near obscenity and it is my favorite hunting caliber. Then there's the 45 Colt. I realized today why I keep my .45 Colts; one because I enjoy the challenge of trying to make them shoot accurately (which I haven't yet) and two, because it makes all my other revolvers so much more accurate!

35W

[Dave C.]

Do you only eat vanilla ice cream?

[dragon813gt]

Do you only eat vanilla ice cream?

It's all I've eaten since Thanksgiving. It's all that's been in the house ;)

[Bazoo]

I have standardized along the lines of 38/357. A blackhawk, of which I am out right now, and a marlin 1894c. Wife has a 686, and a 380. I could tolerate a 35 caliber rifle like 35 remington or 35 whelen.

I carry a 45 automatic though, 1911A1. And im quite fond of my 22's. And my 20 gauge.

I dont fancy having a dozen calibers though. The classics, the basics, and the ones I want.

[Markbo]

Small pistol magnum primers
Large pistol magnum primers
Small rifle primers
Small rifle magnum primers
Large rifle primers
Large rifle magnum primers

And yeah, I've used each of these in pistols over the last few years.

As I thought. All small or Large. :razz:

[Catshooter]

Do you only eat vanilla ice cream?

Why yes, thanks for asking! :)


Cat

[wdr2]

I enjoy exploring the capabilities of new (to me) calibers. In handguns, I now load for 22 Hornet, 32H&R, 327 Fed, 357 Mag, 357 Max, 44 Special, 44 Mag, 45 Colt, 44-40, and a Colt 1860 44. I cast for all except for the Hornet, a very accurate Contender. Can't see any advantage to limiting my handgun calibers except that I am running out of MTM ammo box color selections. I now "need" a 480.

[robertbank]

Well I always wanted a .22Kit gun to go with a 70's vintage Model 27 and about the time I could buy one the Gov'y decided to drop a 4.2" min barrel length rule in front of me so I branched out. A K38 joined the household then a 455 Webley to go with a much earlier pristine Webley in 38SW. Well I trade the Webley for my Longbranch then the 455 went to a friend for a M14 which went to my son then the K38 and M 27 went to the youngest as he had bought a M 29 mint revolver. Well then Ruger came out with their 4.2" .22lr, which spawned a GP-100 which in turn gave birth to a 686 for back up to the GP100. Things were going ok except in all of this at the back of my safe was the Beretta Stampede in 45 Colt my wife bought me for my retirement. Nice gun that now has an even nicer Cattleman in 45acp and an El Patron in 357Mag. Yes a Ruger convertible 45acp/45Colt showed up last June.....why not!

I guess I should have stuck with one caliber in revolvers but what is a fellow to do. I also have an addiction for Semi autos and admit to assisting S&W with their bottom line (2x M&P)9MM & 2x 40cal), CZ UB (4XCZ 9MM, & a 45acp), 3 Norinco 1911's and a Tanfoglio 9mm/40cal and a 22Kit for the CZ's. Gone is an STI Trojan 9MM for the 686.

Maybe it is time to down size...or not.

Take Care

Bob

ps Just two more purchases in the spring, a New Edition CZ and another El Patron in 357mag. Then I will quit the habit.....I promise.
pps I have a 41 Long Colt that my Great Grand Dad once owned. I have had it since I was 16 so it really doen't count in the total.

[ejcrist]

I'll start by saying pretty much the same as most, that whatever your reasons doesn't matter but to do what makes you happy. My logic is somewhat opposite of one caliber and many firearms in that caliber. First, I definitely don't want to hunt cottontails with a 44 mag even if she's downloaded as far as she can go. Second, I believe 44 Specials shoot best in cylinders made only for 44 Specials. Third, I have a hard time keeping track of my checkbook balance let alone the best loads for 10 different firearms of the same caliber. It's easier for me to know the 44 mags I have loaded are for a single revolver in that caliber, or maybe two revolvers in that caliber, but 10 would definitely give me a headache. The one exception I'd make though is in the case of the 32's. I really love them and always feel like I need one more.

Gene