Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Is the 44 mag a novelty for a nonhunter?

Don't get me wrong here, I'm not trying to slam the 44mag as I currently have Ruger Redhawk in 44mag but wonder it's not to be used for hunting, is it a simply a loud novelty item?

My honest opinion is one needs to be a reloader/handloader if one intends to shoot this caliber with any regularity to become proficient with it.

Without the hunting intent of the 44mag, I'm currently thinking that one would be better off with a 357mag as an all round handgun. Commercial ammo is more readily available AND much cheaper. Shooting 38special is as gentle a starter cartridge for someone just beyond their 22lr handgun. The guns are less bulky & heavy in comparison to the 44mag. I see a lot of pro's for the 357 and few cons/negatives. It may not be the best black bear protection handgun as woods/trail gun but it can get the job done.

I like to hear from the experience 44mag users here, their opinions and feedback. For a nonhunter is the 44mag more a novelty item?

Thank you!