Quote Originally Posted by earplug View Post
The Civil War era Cap and Ball guns were roughly the power of lower end 38 spl. loads Many gun fighters were excellent killers with such guns.
A lead SWC will do fine. Elmer Kieth who helped develop the 44 REM MAG ws a SWC advocate.
No argument with either statement except we're discussing a pack gun not gunfights and 44 mag wasn't in the mix. I'd rather have my semi-auto if it's a gun fight.

Just a couple of thoughts:

If a 4" .38 and a 4" .357 are roughly the same size/weight why not allow myself the option of substantially greater range & penetration with the .357 considering I could shoot any of the available .38 rounds also?

I don't think many folks carry SWC for SD despite being reasonably effective in a large caliber but I agree a hole is a hole.

The .38/.357 debate is well covered even here not likely much I could add.

Make you a deal; I'll let you watch me swap rounds chasing rabbits if you let me watch you go against a bear with .38 wadcutters.