.45LC vs. .44 Mag

rig_pig69

rig_pig69

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So I'm new to revolvers, and the calibers, and am thinking about getting one. I'm looking for something that's fun to shoot, with more recoil then my single six. I had my mind set on a .44 mag, but have been offered a decent .45 LC...

Now my question is... which one has more reloading options power wise?? The pistol I've been offered is a Ruger Black hawk, a fairly modern one, so I'm guessing it should be strong enough.
It seems factory ammo isn't close between the two, but some of the reload's I've read, the .45 is pretty 'lively'....

Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated :)
 
Either of those 2 should provide considerably more recoil than your single six if that's what you want. Are you looking for another single action? The blackhawk is nice, but a 5 inch 629 in 44mag will really get your attention.
 
.45lc in a blackhawk will be quite similar to .44mag. only difference is if you want lots of power you'll have to reload it yourself with the 45lc. going with a single action i'd say go with the 45lc, just because of the historical value.
 
Viper26 said:
Are you looking for another single action? The blackhawk is nice, but a 5 inch 629 in 44mag will really get your attention.
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Sorry... I should have mentioned that.... I would prefer another single action.

I've thought abou a 357, but I just don't think it will do what I want it too.


only difference is if you want lots of power you'll have to reload it yourself with the 45lc.
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Ya, I sorta figured that. I'm curious though as to which one would provide/handle the bigger bang, of if there the same.
 
They're both fun to shoot. Whatever gun you like and can get a decent deal on should make the decision for you. I have both and give it little or no thought as to which one.

If I were working in the wilderness where grizzlies were a problem, I'd obtain a wilderness carry permit and carry my 4" M29 in 44 mag. At the range, I see little difference.
 
You know you want a S&W 29, why are you kidding yourself? And what's up with your love for Ruger all of a sudden? We can get you some help if you need it, just ask.
Patience is a virtue, the longer you wait for a nice .44 mag, the longer it will be before you ultimately sell it in search of the next impulse.
 
I think the 44mag provides more options for making big noise, but go with the 45lc in the blackhawk. Just seem to be a better fit in the single action.
 
I'm the other way. .44 mag is easily capable of going past the happy point to "too much" and sore hands and wrists. However I shot some .45LC a couple of weeks back that were stout but still within the max load power and they were just right. Enough kick to satisfy anyone that is halfway normal and a huge fireball to make me grin like a silly schoolboy with a new toy.

So if you've got a line on a Blackhawk in .45Colt for a good price I'd say go for it.... Unless it has a long barrel. Long barrels let the powder burn too far and then you lose the big fireball aspect. And THAT is half the fun... :D The loading option range for .45Colt far and away eclipse those of .38Spl/.357Mag. Unless you're a total recoil junky the .45Colt will deliver the goods and entertain you for a long time to come. Reloading to achieve this state of Nirvana is a definite requirement though.
 
Farlsincharge said:
You know you want a S&W 29, why are you kidding yourself? And what's up with your love for Ruger all of a sudden? We can get you some help if you need it, just ask.
Patience is a virtue, the longer you wait for a nice .44 mag, the longer it will be before you ultimately sell it in search of the next impulse.
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Yes mother.....f:P:2:
 
... Recoil junkie..... :D

If I came across either caliber for a good price I would jump on it. .44Mag can take higher pressures but from my own times shooting full house factory ammo I found I just didn't need that much. Two cylinders worth and I was ready to shift back to .22 to get a rest and not end up the night with sore hands. Of course if I had my OWN gun in either I could reload to whatever I wanted. And in the end that makes ALL the difference.

Don't go by what you find for .45LC in factory. So much of it is aimed at cowboy action shooting. When reloaded to near the max specs the .45LC is fully capable of rocking your soul even when shot from a heavy Ruger Super Redhawk like I did. In a lighter non-Super version regular Blackhawk it'll do the job. Maybe not with the same possible excess that the .44Mag can deliver but enough that you'll leave the range craving a blue rare oversize slab of cow on the way home....:D
 
You can load a Blackhawk pretty hot..A hot loaded .45 COlt will do anything that a .44 Mag can, and then some.;)

If you are stuck using factory ammo, the .44 Mag will have more power.:)
 
i had a blackhawk convertible- too darned slow to reload- now i shoot a redhawk in 5.5 in 44 mag- that and the fact i already had a winchester in 44 mag- wanted to match it- but if i was going to do cowboy, it would be a blackhawk in 45- when you get into 'LOADS FOR RUGER AND CONTENDER ONLY"- they're in the BACK of the reloading manual in my speer- they match the 44 mag almost fps for fps, using the same bullet and powder- all that being said, i also put a set of hogue grips on it to help with the recoil
 
rig_pig69 said:
It would be nice to have the option for factory ammo. Which one is easier to find??
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I suspect it would be tough to find .45LC ammo that isn't the soft cowboy loads these days. Call your local shops to see what they have and be sure to confirm if it is cowboy action loads or not.

But either way be it .45LC or .44Mag the factory stuff is hellishly priced. If you're going to set up for reloading anyway why would you even bother with buying factory?
 
John Linebaugh wrote an interesting article about the .45 Colt you might want to read: http ://www.customsixguns.com/writings/dissolving_the_myth.htm
 
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