45 LC or 44
- Thread starter Karate
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The ultimate info source on this question:
http://www.sixgunner.com/linebaugh
Read pretty much everything there
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Note that at least one factory load using Linebaugh's theories is available, the Buffalo Bore 325grain hardcast at 1,300fps - rated "RUGER ONLY". It will work in a .45LC Blackhawk, Vaquero, Redhawk or SuperRedhawk (the latter can be .45LC or .454Casull). Loads of that sort must NOT be used in any .45LC S&W - it may be the same frame as the S&W .44Magnums, but the heat-treat isn't as good as what S&W does for the 44Mags. Some big Dan Wessons or the Colt Anaconda .45LC can handle some fairly wild .45LC+Ps, and Cor-Bon's 45LC+P hunting loads are rated for the Anaconda as well as Rugers - although Cor-Bon doesn't quite take things out to Buffalo Bore's level.
http://www.sixgunner.com/linebaugh
Read pretty much everything there
.Note that at least one factory load using Linebaugh's theories is available, the Buffalo Bore 325grain hardcast at 1,300fps - rated "RUGER ONLY". It will work in a .45LC Blackhawk, Vaquero, Redhawk or SuperRedhawk (the latter can be .45LC or .454Casull). Loads of that sort must NOT be used in any .45LC S&W - it may be the same frame as the S&W .44Magnums, but the heat-treat isn't as good as what S&W does for the 44Mags. Some big Dan Wessons or the Colt Anaconda .45LC can handle some fairly wild .45LC+Ps, and Cor-Bon's 45LC+P hunting loads are rated for the Anaconda as well as Rugers - although Cor-Bon doesn't quite take things out to Buffalo Bore's level.
In the general handgun section weshoot2 mentioned a major 45 colt load I think. I would like to see what the hottest 44 mag loads compare to it for reference I guess.
And on sixgunner they had a 12+ page argument over the 45 colt and the 44 magnum and power held within each one. Excellant site, I actually slowly read every post in their history and learned a lot.
For new brass and new rugers, 45 colt wins handloading. But some old 45 colt brass and most if not all 45 colt old firearms should be carefully checked. It was also interesting that some who bought 45 colt chambered rugers would find either the cylinder or bore of the barrel a bit small, and this caused lots of leading when shooting lead rounds. They actually have kits for taking care of this if you do some research. Some did not need to open things up, but many did. The 44 mag did not seem to have this problem, I have not taken the time to check mine out.
I got a couple 44 mag rugers earlier this year, redhawk and super blackhawk. I already had a lever action in 44 mag and figured I would be plenty happy with hot 44 mag loads for the time being.
Of course those durn birds head ruger single actions don't come in 44 magnum and I am too cheap to really want to swap grips around.
Check price of rounds if you will not be reloading much or at all for a while. Some say it is so much easier to find 44 mag, but I think 45 colt should become more available soon.
And on sixgunner they had a 12+ page argument over the 45 colt and the 44 magnum and power held within each one. Excellant site, I actually slowly read every post in their history and learned a lot.
For new brass and new rugers, 45 colt wins handloading. But some old 45 colt brass and most if not all 45 colt old firearms should be carefully checked. It was also interesting that some who bought 45 colt chambered rugers would find either the cylinder or bore of the barrel a bit small, and this caused lots of leading when shooting lead rounds. They actually have kits for taking care of this if you do some research. Some did not need to open things up, but many did. The 44 mag did not seem to have this problem, I have not taken the time to check mine out.
I got a couple 44 mag rugers earlier this year, redhawk and super blackhawk. I already had a lever action in 44 mag and figured I would be plenty happy with hot 44 mag loads for the time being.
Of course those durn birds head ruger single actions don't come in 44 magnum and I am too cheap to really want to swap grips around.
Check price of rounds if you will not be reloading much or at all for a while. Some say it is so much easier to find 44 mag, but I think 45 colt should become more available soon.
You can't go wrong with either if you handload. Out of the box most Ruger 44's are more accurate than the 45's. Again I say most, IMHO.
You mentioned defence and general shooting or MAY carry in the woods. You'd most likely be better served with the .44. Buy a Redhawk or SBH. You can't go wrong with either.
You mentioned defence and general shooting or MAY carry in the woods. You'd most likely be better served with the .44. Buy a Redhawk or SBH. You can't go wrong with either.
If you reload, and like to shoot lead bullets, get the .45.
If you want to shoot jacketed bullets, or don't want to reload, get the .44
I have a sheriff's model .45 colt vaquero with the bird's head grip, and a Varuero-bisley 5.5" in .44 mag, and the .45 colt outshoots the .44 every time.
The loads I shoot in my .44 need adjustment, they just lead the barrel way too much.
If you want to shoot jacketed bullets, or don't want to reload, get the .44
I have a sheriff's model .45 colt vaquero with the bird's head grip, and a Varuero-bisley 5.5" in .44 mag, and the .45 colt outshoots the .44 every time.
The loads I shoot in my .44 need adjustment, they just lead the barrel way too much.
thecreeper23
Inactive
I would recommend the .45 Colt over the .44 Remington magnum. The main reason being this: unless you're already half-deaf, moderate loads from a .45 Colt are considerably less noisy than moderate or factory loads in a .44 magnum. If there's a reasonable chance that you would fire whichever sixgun you get without ear protection, the .45 Colt would be less likely to damage your hearing.
Now, if you're worried about being attacked by Grizzly bears or body-armor clad gangs of bikers or some other "what-ifs" get the .44 Magnum and load it hot. On the other hand, if this is just a gun for walking around in the woods and keeping in the glove box, the .45 Colt is a more reasonable gun.
Now, if you're worried about being attacked by Grizzly bears or body-armor clad gangs of bikers or some other "what-ifs" get the .44 Magnum and load it hot. On the other hand, if this is just a gun for walking around in the woods and keeping in the glove box, the .45 Colt is a more reasonable gun.
warhammer357
Moderator
Reality
I have about five double action .44 magnums.
My home defense gun?
The SMith and Wesson Mountain Revolver chambered in .45 "long" Colt. Less recoil, less muzzle blast and more fun to shoot. Also, for many years .45 lC ammo was cheaper than .44 spl or .44 mag. These days I buy Cowboy Action Shooting Loads by the way.
Either gun is good, and the .44 is more versatile in terms of a wider range of power you have at your finger tips.
However, the .45 will get the job done as well as anything else.
I have about five double action .44 magnums.
My home defense gun?
The SMith and Wesson Mountain Revolver chambered in .45 "long" Colt. Less recoil, less muzzle blast and more fun to shoot. Also, for many years .45 lC ammo was cheaper than .44 spl or .44 mag. These days I buy Cowboy Action Shooting Loads by the way.
Either gun is good, and the .44 is more versatile in terms of a wider range of power you have at your finger tips.
However, the .45 will get the job done as well as anything else.
This page has been my guide, lo, these past few months.
Enjoy:
http://www.sixgunner.com/linebaugh/dissolving.htm
Enjoy:
http://www.sixgunner.com/linebaugh/dissolving.htm
Blackhorse
New member
I have 6 guns that shoot 45 colt and one that shoots 44 mag, luv them all, but you can tell where my preferance is.
