357/44 Bain & Davis

Historical Notes:

Intended for use in special, rebuilt 44 Magnum revolvers, the 357/44 Bain & Davis had a rather short life and fell into disuse. However, in more recent times it has resurfaced as a chambering for Thompson Center Contender single shot pistols, and in this application, it really comes into its own. The cartridge was developed by gunsmith Keith Davis and first announced in an article by Dan Cotterman appearing in the January 1964 issue of Gun World magazine. The original purpose for the design was to bring the velocity of the 38 caliber revolver up to 1410 fps with the 158 grain bullet. Actual velocity is, of course, some 200 to 300 fps below that figure. Ammunition catalogs no longer list the 158 grain 357 Magnum at anything like 1410 fps. In any event, the 357/44 B&D did achieve its goal by developing velocities in the revolver of over 1400 fps. The case is based on the 44 Magnum necked down without any other change.

General Comments:

The 357/44 B&D is another wildcat that started off as one thing (a high velocity 38 revolver cartridge) and ended up as something else (a silhouette and hunting round for single shot pistols). What is interesting about this cartridge is that although smaller than the 357 Herrett, it produces equal or slightly superior ballistics. It is a potent and effective cartridge for either metallic silhouette or small game hunting with bullets of 110 to 158 grains. As a field cartridge, it will cover the spectrum from small game and varmints up to deer, although it's a bit marginal for the latter. Cases are easy to make, requiring only a full length sizing and seating die.

Source: Cartridges of the World

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