I just asked the same question in the reloading forum 'cause I couldn,t believe that the 44 mag pales in comparison to the older cartridge. The firearms have been made stronger and that is what will allow you to push that 45 colt. 45 colt wins in my opinion.
.44 mag or .45 colt
- Thread starter crazy_davey
- Start date
Danger, Will Robinson.
Gunslinger's reloading information needs some qualifying. Hogdon's own manual lists 28.0 grains of H-110 with a 250 grain bullet as a maximum load generating 30,000 psi for the .45 LC. Also, the manual clearly states that this load is only for Ruger and Freedom Arms revolvers and should not be used in the new model Vaqueros. You absolutely cannot use this load data when dealing with older guns chambered in .45 LC or modern SAA clones. You WILL blow the gun up. This is precisely why Elmer Keith switched from heavy loadings in the .45 LC to using the .44 Special as a high-pressure test platform prior to the development of the .44 Magnum round.
The current Ruger Redhawk will handle these high-pressure loads but it is prudent to note that the .45 LC case is both thinner and weaker than the .44 Magnum case. So, if you choose to use heavy .45 LC reloads, your case life will be shorter than that of the .44 Magnum case. If you want atomic reloads in a .45 caliber then you would probably be better advised to get a Redhawk in .454 Casull. You could then have a gun with more power than the .44 Mag and the Casull cases are designed for high pressures. .45 LC will chamber and fire in these guns just as .44 Special can be fired in .44 Magnum guns.
The whole argument is a bit silly. Either caliber is perfectly adequate. Choose the caliber you like and run with it.
-Zimms
Gunslinger's reloading information needs some qualifying. Hogdon's own manual lists 28.0 grains of H-110 with a 250 grain bullet as a maximum load generating 30,000 psi for the .45 LC. Also, the manual clearly states that this load is only for Ruger and Freedom Arms revolvers and should not be used in the new model Vaqueros. You absolutely cannot use this load data when dealing with older guns chambered in .45 LC or modern SAA clones. You WILL blow the gun up. This is precisely why Elmer Keith switched from heavy loadings in the .45 LC to using the .44 Special as a high-pressure test platform prior to the development of the .44 Magnum round.
The current Ruger Redhawk will handle these high-pressure loads but it is prudent to note that the .45 LC case is both thinner and weaker than the .44 Magnum case. So, if you choose to use heavy .45 LC reloads, your case life will be shorter than that of the .44 Magnum case. If you want atomic reloads in a .45 caliber then you would probably be better advised to get a Redhawk in .454 Casull. You could then have a gun with more power than the .44 Mag and the Casull cases are designed for high pressures. .45 LC will chamber and fire in these guns just as .44 Special can be fired in .44 Magnum guns.
The whole argument is a bit silly. Either caliber is perfectly adequate. Choose the caliber you like and run with it.
-Zimms
Gunslinger said:I hope the mods remove the pics of Brokeback Mountain. Isn't againt the forum rules anyway to post or refer to any Brokeback Mountain stuff.
Don't pretend you don't like it
Methinks the fellow doth protest too much...
This debate has been going on for many years, it's like the 45 Colt guys have some kind of power envy thing going on here. Next thing you know they will be comparing it to the 460 S&W, "well if it get a cylinder made of inobtainium and reinforce the frame with titanium I can beat the 460 S&W's velocities", I can hear it now.
It takes nothing more than reloading for the .45 Colt to equal and surpass the .44 Mag.
Problem is the .44 crowd have a hard time believing anything can be more powerful than a MAGNUM. It's the symptoms of "magnamitus" which precludes them from admitting that their MAGNUM isn't quite as good as the good 'ol forty five that's been with us all these years.
The cocky young buck just can't handle the fact that the old man can still put more weight behind his punches.
Problem is the .44 crowd have a hard time believing anything can be more powerful than a MAGNUM. It's the symptoms of "magnamitus" which precludes them from admitting that their MAGNUM isn't quite as good as the good 'ol forty five that's been with us all these years.
The cocky young buck just can't handle the fact that the old man can still put more weight behind his punches.
RevolverRodger
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Somewhere in QC
.45 is oldschool...
Plus not many good revolvers chambered for the .45 colt
Plus not many good revolvers chambered for the .45 colt
What about a 454 casull? lots of punch and if you want to go light you can use 45lc. I'd buy a super redhawk in this caliber if I had money.
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5505&return=Y
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5505&return=Y
FYI:
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=1
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=12
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=5
http://www.linebaughcustom.com/Articles/HEAVYWEIGHTBULLETSPARTI/tabid/199/Default.aspx
http://www.linebaughcustom.com/Articles/HEAVYWEIGHTBULLETSPARTII/tabid/200/Default.aspx
http://www.linebaughcustom.com/Articles/THE45COLTDISSOLVINGTHEMYTH/tabid/201/Default.aspx
My .02 cents: For heavy load, strong 45 LC revolver, for everything else, especially silhouettes, 41 Magnum in the same model revolver. This is true “shooter’s” calibre, and it’s best for practising with 210-220 gr bullet at 1100-1200 fps, for just cent or two more per round than 357. And when you hit metal plate, it goes down. I can fire hundreds of rounds in a single day without fatigue. Tried 44, first 100 OK, after that, well…
And if anybody thinks that 41 is pipsqueak, see what it could be done with it:
http://leverguns.com/articles/paco/41magnum.htm
http://leverguns.com/articles/paco/41heavy.htm
http://leverguns.com/articles/41data.htm
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=1
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=12
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=5
http://www.linebaughcustom.com/Articles/HEAVYWEIGHTBULLETSPARTI/tabid/199/Default.aspx
http://www.linebaughcustom.com/Articles/HEAVYWEIGHTBULLETSPARTII/tabid/200/Default.aspx
http://www.linebaughcustom.com/Articles/THE45COLTDISSOLVINGTHEMYTH/tabid/201/Default.aspx
My .02 cents: For heavy load, strong 45 LC revolver, for everything else, especially silhouettes, 41 Magnum in the same model revolver. This is true “shooter’s” calibre, and it’s best for practising with 210-220 gr bullet at 1100-1200 fps, for just cent or two more per round than 357. And when you hit metal plate, it goes down. I can fire hundreds of rounds in a single day without fatigue. Tried 44, first 100 OK, after that, well…
And if anybody thinks that 41 is pipsqueak, see what it could be done with it:
http://leverguns.com/articles/paco/41magnum.htm
http://leverguns.com/articles/paco/41heavy.htm
http://leverguns.com/articles/41data.htm
BC Bigbore
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- BC's Peace Country
Glad this little debate came along as I'm looking at a buying another revolver shortly. Can't decide on the chambering between .45 Colt, .44 Mag or .454 Casull. So far, the .45 Colt is getting the nod...
- Location
- AB foothills
Some interesting responses. Some people still cant warm up to the fact the the old Colt .45 can outperform a 44 magnum with bigger heavier bullets, and less presure.
Hey Onty, I allready own a .41 magnum as I stated before and know exactly what it can do. But some very good points made there as well.
So how many people that responded actually own a Ruger Redhawk with a 4 1/4" barrel chambered in .45 Colt. I will betcha no one does
Good debate guys! Other than the Broke Back Mountain crap, but some people seem to be fixated on that subject, I wonder why? Maybe trying to come out of the closet in some discreet way
Hey Onty, I allready own a .41 magnum as I stated before and know exactly what it can do. But some very good points made there as well.
So how many people that responded actually own a Ruger Redhawk with a 4 1/4" barrel chambered in .45 Colt. I will betcha no one does
Good debate guys! Other than the Broke Back Mountain crap, but some people seem to be fixated on that subject, I wonder why? Maybe trying to come out of the closet in some discreet way
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Jeez......any of you out there thinking of getting a big bore.....go 454 Casull. The Ruger SRH has enough weight to tame the beast even with a 4.25 barrel. The .45 colt cowboy action loads are similiar kick to a Glock 17. Aside form that I think it comes down to firearm type/models. What I ment to say is if you want a semi auto in .44 you can get one, I don't think there is a .45 Colt semi auto. Both are fine cartridges. They are both so good it really depends on what kind of firearm is being used to assume which is best. Really it all comes down to personal taste and if you reload or not. The .44 mag is purchased in factory ammo at greater power factors then .45 Colt. Just my 2 cents.
TO me, it is simple....
If you handload, use a 45 Colt and a strong revolver like the Rugers. These strong revolvers, modern brass and modern powders can easily beat the 44 mag inpower.
If you doint' handload, buy a 44 mag. You can get cose tot he top performance of the 45 colt loaded in a modern handgun.
Factory ammo for the 45 (unless you buy it from special dealers) doens' t compare to the .44
Since I handload, I'd tke the 45, any day. Good brass is availble,and you can use a heavier bullet at similar velocity, with probbay less pressure!
If you handload, use a 45 Colt and a strong revolver like the Rugers. These strong revolvers, modern brass and modern powders can easily beat the 44 mag inpower.
If you doint' handload, buy a 44 mag. You can get cose tot he top performance of the 45 colt loaded in a modern handgun.
Factory ammo for the 45 (unless you buy it from special dealers) doens' t compare to the .44
Since I handload, I'd tke the 45, any day. Good brass is availble,and you can use a heavier bullet at similar velocity, with probbay less pressure!
- Location
- Tucson, Arizona
Just what do you want to do with it? Shoot moose and bear, or more likely shoot targets, and if necessary, burglars.
If you enjoy recoil and lots of noise, ..44mag is the way to go. If you just want to be able to fire off a full box of ammo without spraining your wrist, use a .45.
Hotter is not always better. the .45 LC will stop anything on two legs quite well if history is any proof.
Reminds me of the wannabe's at the range with their atomic-powered nuclear tipped latest hot rod cartridges in their plastic stocked High powered scoped stainless steel rifles who can't hit #### at 100-200yds while my No1Mk3 or No4Mk1 hits the target every time.
Oh yeah, the .454 Casull, all it needs is the towbar and wheels.
If you enjoy recoil and lots of noise, ..44mag is the way to go. If you just want to be able to fire off a full box of ammo without spraining your wrist, use a .45.
Hotter is not always better. the .45 LC will stop anything on two legs quite well if history is any proof.
Reminds me of the wannabe's at the range with their atomic-powered nuclear tipped latest hot rod cartridges in their plastic stocked High powered scoped stainless steel rifles who can't hit #### at 100-200yds while my No1Mk3 or No4Mk1 hits the target every time.
Oh yeah, the .454 Casull, all it needs is the towbar and wheels.
