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Why do you need a .357 magnum? What does it do for "woods camping and target shooting" that a .38spl will not?
The ability to shoot any 38 special load and .357 magnum. And a spot check of 158 gr Hornady XTP loadings shows about 450 FPS and twice the energy at the muzzle. Better to have and not want then want and not have.
But that is totally unneeded. In fact, 357 Mag could be the most nonsensical round ever invented. The crazy recoil, muzzle flash and loudness (depriving the shooter of control, blocking night vision and causing hearing damage) - all of that just to propel a ~9.5mm bullet (and p**s off your neighbors at the range)? I can understand why the police may need to shoot 357 through cars, but it is simply a poor choice for "target shooting" which the OP said he planned to do.
Sorry I do not usually debate things I disagree with but the .38 Special/.357 Mag platform is one of the best, and most practical rounds EVER invented. From a reloading standpoint it is one of the best and has one of the widest 'ranges' of loading options of almost any round. It can be loaded down to low velocity for training. plinking and target shooting on up to bear - busting full bore magnum velocities. Some of the finest guns ever built are chambered in .357 and performs well in a rifle. Not may rounds have survived the test of time as the .38/.357, and when it comes to target shooting good .38 ammo out of a quality gun can produce some of the best handgun accuracy possible. I have 2" Taurus 605 that I regularly 'outshoot' friends with who are shooting their 'nines' - but in all fairness some of them own 'nines' that are not typically known for serious accuracy. TO answer the original question though while I am a 'purist' and a fan of Colt an S & W, Ruger can not be beat. I have owned a couple and WILL have a GP 100 eventually.357 Mag could be the most nonsensical round ever invented.
Why do you need a .357 magnum? What does it do for "woods camping and target shooting" that a .38spl will not?
I'm going to buy one for woods camping and target shooting.
What do you recommend and why?
If I was looking at getting a snubbie, I would agree with you. It's not for EDC, I have an LC9 for that. My Browning Buckmark will shoot very accurate. My FNS9 is a great tactical pistol. At the range I belong to, the report isn't an issue. At other ranges loud Magnum rounds and getting showered by your neighbors ejected brass goes with the territory. If that upsets people, they shoul drive out and fing some remote BLM to shoot at. Just the same, I solicited your input, and I thank you for being part of the discussion.But that is totally unneeded. In fact, 357 Mag could be the most nonsensical round ever invented. The crazy recoil, muzzle flash and loudness (depriving the shooter of control, blocking night vision and causing hearing damage) - all of that just to propel a ~9.5mm bullet (and p**s off your neighbors at the range)? I can understand why the police may need to shoot 357 through cars, but it is simply a poor choice for "target shooting" which the OP said he planned to do.
For punching holes in paper and for camping I would recommend a single action revolver because I believe that it will be able to perform all the functions that you require as well as save you some money on the initial purchase.
Since the OP didn't mention a budget I'm make a very, very big assumtion that money is no object.
That being said, here's a one word recomendation: Python.
A 686 6" is a lot of beef to carry around. You might want to consider a S&W 65/66 or Ruger Security, Police or Speed-Six.
Honestly I'd go with a 5 1/2" Blackhawk.
I like the Ruger for price and durability. I look at the GP100 as a luxury edition of the security-six. The Security-Six was the Border Patrol's standard for years. I love the Smith's but I rarely carry mine as it's "Too nice" and I don't want wear to show. (Yes I know that is stupid, but I'm not a brainiac) I don't mean to say the Ruger isn't esthetically pleasing, because it is, but also since it is less expensive I am not as timid about everyday use.
Any .357 is better with a 4" barrel or longer. The .38+P also benefits from a 4+ inch barrel. It takes that much distance to more efficiently use the extra powder in those rounds. Shoot either one of them from a light weight snubbie and much of that extra powder is converted to more flash, noise, and recoil. (Yes the bullet is going to be traveling faster than a regular .38) Shorter barrels just use up some of the potential before maximum efficiency can be reached. Six inch barrels are really nice, the extra distance helping the ballistics and recoil both. (To me anyway)