The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Ruger Blackhawk knockabout varmint gun (30 vs 357)

**44 AMP** · March 2, 2013, 11:14 AM

First off, forget questions about accuracy. Except where there is a clear feature of the gun, like the .357 convertable firing 9mm cylinder where hard jacketed bullets are slightly undersize for the bore, accuracy is going to be a matter of the individual gun and ammo (and shooter) combination.

Second, the .357 Mag shoots .38 Spl as well, giving you a wide range of options.

Third, the .30 carbine bullets are all RN or HP profile, and designed to work best at rifle (carbine) speeds. Also bullet weights top out considerably less than the .357 Mag. SWC bullets provide a different and usually better level of effectivness on game than RN where there is no expansion.

This isn't to say that the .30 carbine round will not do useful service. But, over all, for a game round, small or big, the .357 Mag is a better choice.

And, you can plink with it just fine, too!

The Ruger .30 carbine is a neat gun, and not just a range toy, but overall, the .357 Mag is a better choice.

Your hearing is your business, but both will screw it up permanently if you shoot them without ear protection!

March 2, 2013, 11:14 AM	#21
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,803	First off, forget questions about accuracy. Except where there is a clear feature of the gun, like the .357 convertable firing 9mm cylinder where hard jacketed bullets are slightly undersize for the bore, accuracy is going to be a matter of the individual gun and ammo (and shooter) combination. Second, the .357 Mag shoots .38 Spl as well, giving you a wide range of options. Third, the .30 carbine bullets are all RN or HP profile, and designed to work best at rifle (carbine) speeds. Also bullet weights top out considerably less than the .357 Mag. SWC bullets provide a different and usually better level of effectivness on game than RN where there is no expansion. This isn't to say that the .30 carbine round will not do useful service. But, over all, for a game round, small or big, the .357 Mag is a better choice. And, you can plink with it just fine, too! The Ruger .30 carbine is a neat gun, and not just a range toy, but overall, the .357 Mag is a better choice. Your hearing is your business, but both will screw it up permanently if you shoot them without ear protection! __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.