versitility 44mag vs 45lc

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fisherman66

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I'm trying to get a handle on which has the ability to fill the most roles. I don't reload, but have considered it. The purchase of a new gun would inhibit my ability to reload short term. Price of ammo is a consideration, but would not likely influence the decision too strongly.

Purpose: field protection (hogs & mountain lion) & possible hunting. I've considered 454 cascull & 460, but price becomes more of an issue at that point.

Ruger is my main pick at this point and I prefer the asthetics and fuctionality of a double action (which may limit my choice to a 44mag).
 
Based on what you've written- get the .44 mag. I have killed game with both, and they are roughly equal- placement still wins or loses the day.

I'm a DA man myself, and have used the Redhawk and S&W 29 extensively. They are both fine handguns. The 29 packs a little better, and since I prefer 4" barrels it gets the nod for me.
 
Both 44 mag. and 45 LC are simply excellent rounds. Because there are a lot of old time, not too strong, 45LC's available and much of the ammo is loaded so as to not exceed their strength. So, there is some pretty weak 45LC ammo out there. A number of companies such as Cor Bon and Buffalo Bore load much hotter stuff for stronger revolvers - of which Rugers are near the top of the list. You just need to learn which is which.

As to handloading! Handloading for either the 44 or the 45LC is a lot of fun and some really spectacular results can be achieved. I have some 45LC loads that outperform 44 mag stuff hands down and and really do well as hunting loads.

It is my experience that 44 magnum offers more choices off the shelf than does the 45LC. If you do take up handloading then I sure do recommend the 45LC in an appropriately strong revolver.

My personal choice is the Ruger Redhawk with a 7.5" barrel and is a double action revo. It has been a real performer for me. Good luck.
 
How do loading pressures figure in here (SAAMI specs I guess?)

Assuming the LC is loaded to lower pressures, but a Redhawk can handle the increased pressures; do I need to reload to capture any extra versitility?

I just don't shoot enough to justify reloading now. When/if I move out of the city I could invision myself shooting everyday. But, until then I'm chasing the city cheese and sitting in traffic.:(

Does Buffalo Bore adhere to the pressure limitations?
 
Go with the .44mag. Federal's 300grn (castCore) hunting round will do everything you need it to do as far as protection and/or hunting. Much cheaper rounds are available for target practice.

I prefer a S&W 629 or Colt Anaconda, but you can't go wrong with the Ruger Redhawk.
 
I prefer a S&W 629 or Colt Anaconda, but you can't go wrong with the Ruger Redhawk.
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I'd prefer a Korth, but that ain't happening. I'm a value shopper. Ruger has always filled my niche. It's like Craftsman vs. Snapon. I can't justify the increased cost with small return on premium. Infact I have not felt like I have even given up a small return on premium. I dry-fire my GP100. The trigger is more than adequate. I'd still like to own a Korth....
 
Go with the .45...lower pressure,larger diameter .429 vs .452,heavier loadings possible.Ruger Blackhawk,Redhawk or Super Redhawk.Shot placement #1 consideration....a .429 will kill just as well as a .452.Try both will same gun model (Redhawk 44 and Redhawk 45 for example) and bullet weight(same manufacturer and approximate velocity) if you get the opportunity and see which feels better.I can almost guarantee you will notice a subtle difference.
 
Slow,

You are starting to address the meat of my question. Can I up the pressure to 44mag levels in the appropriate gun? I assume I must do that myself for liability reasons.

I think the 45lc is the more versitile gun, but probably only if reloading.

I guess I should spend more time evaluating the possiblity of reloading, then think about what doors that open (I have the cart before the horse.)
 
I personally prefer the .44mag (at the moment) and have a custom Redhawk (5 3/4") and a Taurus Model 44 (4" comp). I too want to shoot the .45 and am considering a SuperRedhawk in .454 as it will also shoot .45. There are a lot of good, lightly used .454 SRH's around for dirt cheap prices.

I am also going to eventually get a .460 since it will also shoot the .454 and .45. Only waiting to see if S&W brings out a shorter barrel version. Otherwise I'll pick up a used one and have it shortened to a better packing length, say 5" or so.

John L
 
Unless you want to pay high prices and have limited availablity for the loads the .45 Colt would be a poor choice until you start reloading. It can be made to equal and exceed the .44 magnum in the right guns. If you do decide to take up reloading then you can go one step further and get a .454. You will have more power than the 2 mentioned cartridges plus the ability to shoot the .45 Colt also.
 
Majic,

I think that is what I will do. Perhaps even a 460 if the price is right. I don't need the extra power at this point, but I like reasonable heft to tame recoil and versitility of 45 to 460. I really don't want more than 6 inches of barrel. I'd like to see more options in the future.

Thanks all for the comments.
 
I’d go (and did) with .44mag, you can also use mild .44spl in it. ‘Regular’ 44mag ammo is more powerful than .45colt, But you can reload the .45 pretty hot although you need a gun chambered for .454casull, in fact you should consider getting .454 that way you can still shoot .45s and if you want you can always use hot .454s.

Start reloading any ways, will save you a fortune over time ;)


Edit; :o I guess I should’ve read the entire thread^
 
Having used both .45LC & .44Mag extensively, I'd strongly urge you to get involved with reloading sooner, rather than later. Both calibers can be anything you want them to be, from bunny-popper to bear-stopper. To have the versatility of either round, you need to load your own. You also need to load, in order to find the "magic" load your gun digests best. As far as the comparison between the two cartridges, I've found no difference whatsoever. Anything one will do, the other will do, just as well.
 
A gun chambered for .454 Casull will truly do it all. Powerful 454 rounds with 45C versatility thrown in. Mild cowboy loads all the way over 1000ft/lbs with the 45C and then 1600-1800 ft/lbs with the 454.
 
Someone mentioned on a different thread that a 44 mag +p+ load is available for Redhawks, Super Redhawks, TC Encores and other firearms capable of chambering the longer 44 mag rounds. They are claiming 1700 ft/lbs energy! If you have a load like that then who needs a bigger hammer. josh
 
Just to muddy the water ;)

I'm trying to get a handle on which has the ability to fill the most roles. I don't reload, but have considered it.
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.44 and .45LC have been pretty well covered.
I can only add, don't overlook the other 2 calbers that can be had.
- 10mm
- .41 Mag.
Both are in the same basic class as the .45 and .44.
if you stumble onto a good deal on either one in your search,,,snatch it up.

No- they aren't bear stompers,,but either will drop a cat or pig with the right load.
 
Korth = hype

5.5" stainless Redhawk.

Caliber?

44, of course ('cause you can buy ammo everywhere, including Garrett and BuffaloBore).

Voted with my own money, too (but I own a 5.5" stainless 45 Colt Redhawk, too, and a 5.5" stainless 41 Mag Redhawk, too, and, oh, you get the picture.....)
 
Thank you for the responses.

As far as Korth = Hype.....I don't doubt it, but the finish is remarkable. That said I see all but collector pieces of firearms as tools. A Redhawk will serve me well.

I think I'll get into reloading before making another centerfire purchase.

Are SAAMI pressure rules only for factory made ammo? Do companies like Buffalo Bore adhear to those rules for +P+ and Ruger only ammo?
 
I can only add, don't overlook the other 2 calbers that can be had.
- 10mm
- .41 Mag.
Both are in the same basic class as the .45 and .44.
Click to expand...
10mmm is in the same class as .44mag :eek: How’s that?

Energy wise, 10mm is about the same as .357mag (at least very close) but .44mag is waaay out of the 10mm league, so is the .41mag...


Are SAAMI pressure rules only for factory made ammo? Do companies like Buffalo Bore adhear to those rules for +P+ and Ruger only ammo?
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first of all the +p+ .44mag is not just for Rugers, they also fit Dan Wesson and Taurus Raging Bull. the heavy 340gr bullet needs a full length cylinder that's all. As for pressure, don't know since I don't think there are any specs for +p+ in .44mag..
 
info

SAAMI is a voluntary organization; not all manufacturers subscribe.

No ammo manufacturer wants to blow up your gun, so outfits like Garrett, BuffaloBore, CorBon, and some others, prefer to adhere to conventional pressure limits.

Liability insurance is pricey. :barf:

There is no "+P" or "+P+" 44 Magnum or 45 Colt ammo. There is only "Safe in my gun" or not......



"........sounds of insane laughter still, yes still, echoing........"
 
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