Need help deciding..
- Thread starter attila787
- Start date
jersey_emt
New member
I'd go with the .44 Magnum. .50 GI ammunition is very difficult to find. In fact, I've never even seen it on a dealer's shelf. Of course, .44 Magnum is harder to find than 9mm or .45 ACP, but it's still fairly common and widely available.
jersey_emt
New member
Wow, just looked up some info on the .50 GI, and I'm thoroughly NOT impressed....
.45 ACP 230 grain bullet @ 900 ft/s, 414 ft-lb
.50 GI 230 grain bullet @ 1000 ft/s, 510 ft-lb
Only 100 feet per second faster for the same projectile weight?
On the other hand....
.44 Magnum 240 grain bullet @ 1500 ft/s, 1200 ft-lb
Much better -- 600 feet per second faster for a similar projectile weight.
.45 ACP 230 grain bullet @ 900 ft/s, 414 ft-lb
.50 GI 230 grain bullet @ 1000 ft/s, 510 ft-lb
Only 100 feet per second faster for the same projectile weight?
On the other hand....
.44 Magnum 240 grain bullet @ 1500 ft/s, 1200 ft-lb
Much better -- 600 feet per second faster for a similar projectile weight.
44 Magnum
Also, consider Rugers (Redhawk, Super Redhawk, Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Bisley) and Freedom Arms. (if you can afford it)
Maybe a Desert Eagle? I've read they're not as reliable as revolvers, but it would be nice to have a recoil system to absorb some of that recoil.
Are you ready to really get beat-up shooting a gun? Because all that extra muzzle energy is not free, especially not in a revolver.
This is another reason to go 44 Magnum; you can also shoot 44 Special. I think cowboy loads are a good option, although also expensive.
Consider getting into hand loading, whichever way you go. Around me, 44 Magnum is $25+ per box, and 44 Special is hard to find, and only seems to come in unplated, un-jacketed bullets.
Then, you have to decide how likely it is you'll ever get around to hunting with it. If it is likely, get a longer barrel revolver that can easily take a scope. If it is less likely, get a 4-5.5" barrel and forget the scope for now.
I took my Redhawk deer hunting one time. I had only one window of opportunity. The deer was probably 50 yards away in thick woods. When I cocked the revolver, she bolted. It would have been an easy shot with a rifle. Based on that experience, I wouldn't take a handgun hunting in Alaska. I'd hate to get skunked on an expensive trip like that because I brought a revolver instead of a rifle.
Still, it is quite a fun range gun, especially with light hand loads.
Also, consider Rugers (Redhawk, Super Redhawk, Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Bisley) and Freedom Arms. (if you can afford it)
Maybe a Desert Eagle? I've read they're not as reliable as revolvers, but it would be nice to have a recoil system to absorb some of that recoil.
Are you ready to really get beat-up shooting a gun? Because all that extra muzzle energy is not free, especially not in a revolver.
This is another reason to go 44 Magnum; you can also shoot 44 Special. I think cowboy loads are a good option, although also expensive.
Consider getting into hand loading, whichever way you go. Around me, 44 Magnum is $25+ per box, and 44 Special is hard to find, and only seems to come in unplated, un-jacketed bullets.
Then, you have to decide how likely it is you'll ever get around to hunting with it. If it is likely, get a longer barrel revolver that can easily take a scope. If it is less likely, get a 4-5.5" barrel and forget the scope for now.
I took my Redhawk deer hunting one time. I had only one window of opportunity. The deer was probably 50 yards away in thick woods. When I cocked the revolver, she bolted. It would have been an easy shot with a rifle. Based on that experience, I wouldn't take a handgun hunting in Alaska. I'd hate to get skunked on an expensive trip like that because I brought a revolver instead of a rifle.
Still, it is quite a fun range gun, especially with light hand loads.
zombieslayer
New member
I'd rather have a 44mag. The 50gi is expensive to get into. Gander has sme factory ammo for it, but its ridiculously expensive. Is a regular Glock 20 not enough power?
jersey_emt
New member
Smaug said:
You have similar options with several of the larger calibers too.
You can shoot .45 Colt from a .454 Casull revolver.
You can shoot .454 Casull or .45 Colt from a .460 S&W Magnum revolver.
You can also shoot .480 Ruger from a .475 Linebaugh revolver, but .480 Ruger is extremely powerful anyways.
The option to shoot .45 Colt from a .454 Casull or .460 S&W Magnum revolver is great, because those heavy revolvers will make the .45 Colt shoot quite soft, probably similar to shooting .44 Specials from a .44 Magnum.
So you get the option for extremely powerful rounds (.454 Casull or .460 S&W Magnum), but with the added flexibility of shooting .45 Colt rounds without punishing recoil if you don't need the extra power at the time.
