I think that even the 357 is a bad "starter" round for a non-hunter, non-reloader.
The only reason why it gets nods over a 44 is the 38 Special used in its cylinder....
So, the 44 Special and reloading does the same for the 44 Mag.
The press would have all of us believe that in order to have a "hunting" handgun, we have to cram said case with a max load of ball powder in order to make the hollow-pointed wonder bullet work like a rifle bullet.
I'd happily take a 44 loaded with a 250 cast bullet and a moderate charge of 231 or Unique over a 357 loaded to max with a 158 XTP and H110/296. Recoil is about the same, but anyone who has fired either in the woods knows which is more "comfortable"...
I'm not saying that a 44 Special is easier to learn on than a 38; I'm saying a 44 Mag could easily be a better option than a 357 in the field. Most people here seem to agree.
