Flyboy_451
New member
Why insist on a factory load?
I do agree that in factory loadings, the .44 edges out the .45, but I thought the original question posed was which is more powerful...
Limiting it to factory loads is not a way of accurately determining which is the more capable cartridge. I think a much better comparison is much like the one Mr. Linebaugh did in which the loads were only restricted to the pressure that produced equal safety margins for the guns they were to be fired in. Now we are comparing the capabilities of the cartridge, not some arbitrary limitation imposed by anything (or anyone) other than physics. The .45 is at a disadvantage here because the larger diameter limits the strength of the gun, but this increase in diameter increases the work potential of the pressure generated. Mr. Linebaugh demonstrated that the increase in work potential due to diameter, outweighs the pressure difference, and thus, the .45 will outperform the .44.
By using factory loads by such companies as Buffalo Bore, you can indeed increase the performance of the .44, but this is the result of increasing pressure, likely beyond the 100% safety margin that Linebaugh allowed. If we were to increase the .45 to the same degree beyond that 100% safety margin, you would see the same result as when were held to a 100% margin. As I said in another post, it is not reasonable or scientifically honest to increase the pressure of one, without doing the same with the other. This would be like comparing loads for five shot .45s to loads for six shot .44s. it is not an apples to apples comparison.
Having said all that, I do agree with you that the availability of heavily loaded .44 gives it an advantage to some shooters. It has also been my experience that for the vast majority of applications for which a handgun is suitable, either one is a good choice. but, no matter how ya slice it and dice it, the .45 edges out the .44 when loaded to the same safety margins for a given firearm capable of handling heavy loads.
Given the choice, I think it is safer to increase diameter rather than pressure. I also find it more pleasant to shoot. YMMV
JW
I do agree that in factory loadings, the .44 edges out the .45, but I thought the original question posed was which is more powerful...
Limiting it to factory loads is not a way of accurately determining which is the more capable cartridge. I think a much better comparison is much like the one Mr. Linebaugh did in which the loads were only restricted to the pressure that produced equal safety margins for the guns they were to be fired in. Now we are comparing the capabilities of the cartridge, not some arbitrary limitation imposed by anything (or anyone) other than physics. The .45 is at a disadvantage here because the larger diameter limits the strength of the gun, but this increase in diameter increases the work potential of the pressure generated. Mr. Linebaugh demonstrated that the increase in work potential due to diameter, outweighs the pressure difference, and thus, the .45 will outperform the .44.
By using factory loads by such companies as Buffalo Bore, you can indeed increase the performance of the .44, but this is the result of increasing pressure, likely beyond the 100% safety margin that Linebaugh allowed. If we were to increase the .45 to the same degree beyond that 100% safety margin, you would see the same result as when were held to a 100% margin. As I said in another post, it is not reasonable or scientifically honest to increase the pressure of one, without doing the same with the other. This would be like comparing loads for five shot .45s to loads for six shot .44s. it is not an apples to apples comparison.
Having said all that, I do agree with you that the availability of heavily loaded .44 gives it an advantage to some shooters. It has also been my experience that for the vast majority of applications for which a handgun is suitable, either one is a good choice. but, no matter how ya slice it and dice it, the .45 edges out the .44 when loaded to the same safety margins for a given firearm capable of handling heavy loads.
Given the choice, I think it is safer to increase diameter rather than pressure. I also find it more pleasant to shoot. YMMV
JW