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Ruger Redhawk Choice: .45 Colt--4.20" barrel OR .44 Magnum--5.50 barrel
- Thread starter Southern Shooter
- Start date
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
This is a hunting forum, not a day-care center. Act like grownups--fake it. Works for me; been doing it for decades.
Absent data, some opinions are not "obvious".
Absent data, some opinions are not "obvious".
The Buffalo Bore is as good as or better than Garrett.
The Garrett Hammerhead is heavier, faster, and has a better designed bullet (weight forward) than anything Buffalo Bore makes in .45 Colt. In additon, Buffalo Bore's .44 mag load is also heavier and faster than any .45 Colt load they produce. Advantage: .44 magnum.
Better top end ammo choices, plus cheaper and more available plinking ammo, plus I prefer the 5.5" barrel are the reasons that I would choose the .44 magnum given the two options above.
The .45 Colt would serve his purpose just as well, but I would choose the .44 magnum for the reasons above.
Nomadicone
New member
I own both of those two Redhawk models in those two exact calibers and barrel lengths. I carry the 45 Colt and I highly recommend it. I do reload so that may have a slight impact on caliber. To me a big factor is I would rather carry the shorter lighter gun if you're carrying it any distance. I carry mine in an El Paso Tanker model shoulder holster.
"The Garrett Hammerhead is heavier, faster, and has a better designed bullet (weight forward) than anything Buffalo Bore makes in .45 Colt. In additon, Buffalo Bore's .44 mag load is also heavier and faster than any .45 Colt load they produce. Advantage: .44 magnum."
Yes and yes - you are right and I stand corrected. The only thing that will out penetrate Garrett bullets are the Punch bullets.
Yes and yes - you are right and I stand corrected. The only thing that will out penetrate Garrett bullets are the Punch bullets.
sourdough44
New member
I'd go with the 45 Colt, 4.2" barrel. Yes I have one & a 44 mag. Even if your not a reloader you can find some heavy loads. I like the shorter 4.2" barrel. Get a 'Simply Rugged' holster for it & your all set. My max loads are 265 grn Cast performance bullets & win-296 powder.