44 mag vs. 45 colt

[doc25]

I'm wondering what all the fuss is about the 44 mag? I have Sixguns by Keith. When I look at load data from the .45 Colt it looks equal to or slightly superior to the .44 mag. I did not look at ballistics tables but for close range work there probably isn't much difference. Any input I don't understand here?

 

[Gatehouse]

You can load a *NEW AND STRONG* 45 Colt up to levels that beat the 44 Mags performance, wihtout too much trouble.

The thing is, Keith had the 44 Mag developed becuase the 45Colt revolvers of the day coudln't handle the pressures that modern revolvers can.

Most manulas will give at least 2 sets of data for 45 Colt- One is for old guns, and the other for stronger revolvers, liek Rugers etc.

 

[t-star]

my old manuals (circa 1991) do show that there is a slight ( repeat slight) edge in favor of the 44 - basically it says if you want 44 mag performance, get a 44 mag- if you want near, get a 45 colt on a modern system

 

[doc25]

I am reading the Hornady manuals and am reading the Ruger/Thompson contender page which has higher ratings for the load. So I am right Keith did not get much more from a .44 mag than was possible with the .45 colt. Bet he would have loved the .454 or .500.

 

[Mystic Precision]

In modern HG, the 45LC exceeds the 44 mag by a healthy margin.

simply a function of available bullet weights. The 45 can use 325 to 350gr monsters. For the brave, some have even loaded to near Casull pressures and performance.

The 44mag usually isn't stuffed with bullets much over 275gr.

So, it is possible for a 45LC loaded to the gills to exceed a standard 45-70.

Jerry

 

[Bullwhip]

Was reading in last years Handloader that one of the pluses of 45 Colt is the operating pressures are lower versus the 44 mag, with comparative bullet wt and powder charge.

 

[Mystic Precision]

That is a rule of thumb for any firearm cartridge. The larger the bore, the heavier the bullet that can be launched at or below smaller cal pressures.

Why African monster stoppers have rather large bores (40 to 50cal).

Jerry

 

[Splatter]

The .454 Casull is to the .45 Colt as the .357 Mag is to .38 Special

 

[Salty]

I have a 44 mag Ruger only because a good deal landed in my lap. I would have went with a modern strong revolver in 45 Colt otherwise, and probably will one of these days..

 

[Sharptail]

The .454 Casull is to the .45 Colt as the .357 Mag is to .38 Special

As the .44 Special is to the .44 magnum. Weren't Keith's loads developed for the .44 special? They were considered very hot for the calibre, and hence the .44 mag?

Sharptail