They always say "when loaded to the same pressure level in strong guns, .45 Colt performs equal to or even exceeding .44mag"

Well, if .44mag is pushed to .454Casull pressure level, I bet it'll be on steroid too.

Seriously, I already have a .44mag revolver (Ruger Bisley), is there a point at all in getting a .45 Colt aka .45 L O N G Colt?

They seem to be equally expensive as factory loads and equally at home as handloaders' pets.

Answer is yes, you do.

This is the big colt's 130th birthday. While the 44 is a great round, one advantage to having a 45 Colt is that you will then have a 45 Colt.
The 45 does allow you to use heavier bullts, and can be more accurate with its faster twist rate if the cylinder throats are correct.

David

Is there a point to getting a 45...that is only for you to decide...there is always a point to getting more guns in different calibers in my opinion. If you are a complete pragmatist, probably no sense in buying it...but if you have the fever like many of us do, there is always room in our safe for another gun. I won't even get into the details of 44vs45...if we get to that point, you don't have the fever yet...

regards,
Graycg

If you are looking to be economical about this the answer is no. You don't really need both. The .44 magnum and the .45 LC can be loaded more or less the same.

However I buy guns because I like there style or the way they shoot. Heck, it could be just because the price was right. I currently have both calibers. One is a Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 magnum, a Contender in .44 magnum and the other a Ruger Vaquero in .45 LC. Like a few have said ahead of me. You just can't have enough guns. I would buy another .44 or .45 if I got the chance and the price was right. They are just fun to have and shoot.

There is one reason-BECAUSE YOU WANT TO. Another is that 45 Colt bullet especially in the LBT forms in the 325-360 gr. stuff actually hit much harder at the proper speed. I used to hunt pigs in Monterey for a number of years and used my 44 with the hard-cast 250 gr bullet at 22.5 gr of 2400 and thought it was great. When I tried the hunts with my hot loaded 45 Colt, they would roll over with their feet up in the air and die very nicely. That never happened when I used to shoot them with my 44's. More often than not, I had to chase another few rounds after them when shooting the 44's. So, the choice is yours.

nope you should give me your .44 and then buy a .45

Read this article by John Linebaugh.

http://www.sixgunner.com/linebaugh/dissolving.htm

Go to www.sixgunner.com and poke around for other articles about the .45 Colt, lots of good reading.

The thing I like about the .45 over the .44 is that it operates at a lower pressure, and particularly has a lower muzzle pressure. Lower muzzle pressure translates directly into less muzzle blast. I shot .44 Magnums for about 20 years and their bark is almost as bad as their bite. I sold off all of my .44 stuff and went to the .45 and a .357 for fun. The .45 with 300 grain bullets will still kick some but at 10,000 CUP less muzzle pressure that disconcerting blast is not nearly as bad.

My philosophy is to keep handguns as handguns and rifles as rifles. I like to keep all of my handgun loads down to about 1200 to 1250 fps and rely on bullet weight and diameter to do the job. If I need more power or a flatter trajectory than that I'll use a rifle.

Now don't everybody jump on me with how much more effective their .454 Casull is or whatever. C'mon - I have zero problem with whatever someone wants to shoot. But remember that all Elmer Keith wanted was a 250 grain bullet at 1250 fps. He found that perfectly effective for his handgunning needs. In fact he originally worked with the .45 Colt but the handguns of his era did not have the strength to handle his loads. The only reason he went to the .44 Special was to get a bit more steel in the cylinder walls.

Anyway, read the article and decide for yourself.

[ 10-21-2003, 18:46: Message edited by: Jim in Idaho ]

The .44mag. has been a pet of mine for over 30yrs. but if I were looking for the "bigger is better" handgun I would look at the .480 Ruger. It is a little more shooter friendly than the Linbaugh or the Casull and packs more thump than the .44mag.

Just the way I see it,,,,,,,

If your going to go a little bit bigger, then why not go alot bigger to make sure you have something different. How about a .475 Linebaugh, you could always load down to 480 levels. I've been hearing good things about the 480 in the SRH. The only .475 I've shot was a Bisley converted by Linebaugh. It shot wonderfully and was very accurate. I've loaded my Ruger 44's with 330gn hard cast to 1500 and 1550fps, Yes The pressure was probably way high but the guns didn't blowup, that should take care of needing more power.
After reading some of Linebaughs stuff on moderate loads, I've tried to curb my magnumitis tendencies somewhat.
Is ruger makeing the Bisley Hunter in 45colt and stainless? If so that would be the one to buy.

Ruger makes a 7 1/2" blued Bisley, a Stainless Bisley handled Blackhawk and a Super Blackhawk Hunter all in .45 Colt, but not a Bisley Hunter.

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=864&return=Y

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=470&return=Y

I have this latter model - the 5 1/2" Stainless Blackhawk with the Bisley grip frame. Bought one of the first runs they made a couple years ago. Now THAT is a shootin' iron. A bit heavy but the 5 1/2" barrel is real packable, and that Bisley grip frame handles even the heaviest loads.

I am not speaking down to you, but most think the .44 and the .45 are almost too close to equate, but most forget that the .44 Mag is only .429" compared to .452". That's a pretty decent jump.

I bought my first one a few years ago, and never dig the .44 mag out of the safe anymore.

I truly feel the .45 to be more versital in the same case, i.e. no 44 Special junk to deal with. You can run from 600 fps Cowboy loads to 335 Cast Performance at 1200 fps or more

I don't recall what kind of 44 you have, but I preer the extended Super Blackhawk grip frame over the Bisley. I am currently using Leadhead bullets, who make a true Keith style cast bullet that runs 274 grains. Just got some LFN style 310 cast bullets as well. Now I just need a culling mission to Australia to shoot 100's of critters over 100 pounds to tell you how they work.

I just finished reading the Linebaugh article, every word of it. Very VERY interesting indeed. Taught me a few things, especially the part where using good fitting lead bullets in oversized .45Colt chamber/throat for maximum accuracy/velocity.

Looks like the .45 Colt makes a better handloader pet. When loaded hot in a gun with proper strength and tight chamber/throat, it will hit harder than a .44mag factory load of same bullet weight.

I wonder has anyone loaded .44mag hot to justify the cartridge.

I've loaded my 44's hot for a while and I decided to back off because you only get stuck brass when you go way past 40,000 psi. Also, the 45 Colts seem to be easier to find the one or two ACCURATE loads that you are always looking for.

Buy it. Shoot it. Love it. I've got a Stainless Bisley like Jim in Idaho. Love that thing! It will do anything a 44 Mag will do at sane pressures (a few fps difference does not matter a hoot when you're pushing big 300+ gr bullets).

Ever tried to shoot a 44 Mag without ear protection? Hurts doesn't it! The 45, even hot loaded, is so much easier on the hands and ears. No huge muzzle concussion and excellent accuracy. I won't give mine up - even for a free 44! maxman

I have them both and love them . Get the 45 if you want it, or like me and need it . It is a great toy to play with. Just make sure you get one to handle the higher pressure you are talking about i.e. Ruger Bisley, Super Blackhawk, etc.

Hcliff

Pyrotek; 265gr Hornady and 26.5 gr of H110 and a Standard primer make for a fairly hot load in an SBH. derf

Okay, I stand corrected. I could have sworn that I saw an ad the other day for a Bisley Hunter model. If you wanted the scope mount, then go with the hunter model. If not then the 5 1/2" Bisley would seem pretty nice. The square trigger gaurd on the regular Super BlackHawk has always taken a bite out of my finger. I like the Bisley grip frame much better. I also have a 4 5/8" SS Blackhawk in 45colt with a Bisley cylinder. I put the Houge MonoGrip on it and it behaves pretty well. It is nice and light to pack. A buddy of mine got a Linebaugh built .475 and after shooting it, I had to see just how close I could come with some 405's in my little 45. That's why I have the Bisley cylinder in it now. Rugers are strong, but they do have a limit.

you will be happy with either one you choose. I'm sorry but there is NO difference in killing power between two like guns. Both will do just about any job you can ask of them.

But If you like different' how about a 445 supermag from Dan Wesson. Yes I am biased as I love mine. It is ample for anything in the world and is just flat out cool.

But in truth both 44 and 45 are great and if you don't reload the 44 is for you and if you do both are great. Have some fun choosing between them but remember you will most likely have both in the safe before long anyways. .

Brian

[ 10-23-2003, 06:06: Message edited by: 445 supermag ]

OK, OK...here is you REAL excuse for the 45 Colt.

It will shoot 9MM, 357 and 40 cal bullets out of .452 muzzle loaded sabots! From actual experience I can tell you that this is great fun and once you perfect you reloading technique, you can achieve fine accuracy. I currently drive 180 gr .40 cal Gold Dots 1500 fps from the 4 and 5/8ths inch bbl of my Blackhawk.

Ruger does make a Bisley hunter in 44mag. they do make a Hunter model in 45 Colt and 41 mag. I own all three and will soon convert the 41 and 45 to Bisley grip frames.
Hope that helps,
Nav

Sabot- What kind of loads and techniques are you using for those rounds? I've often thought about trying that setup, but have heard that getting the sabot/bullet combo through the forcing cone into the barrel is a real trick. Any tips you can share? What kind of accuracy are you getting at 50 yds with those? thanks, maxman

i just bought a s&w 500 and will probably settle on the 440 grn cast proformance keith style bullet
for heavy game

or a 400 grain jaketed soft point from hawk bullets.

it al depends what i plan on doing the gun is extremly accurate.

Yes, like when they asked the old cowboy why he carried a .45.......he replied," Because they don't make a .46."

This issue is NOT if you have a 44 Mag, or a 41 Mag.

The issue is . . . Do you HAVE a 45 LONG Colt.

If one can afford the gun then they should buy it and enjoy it. Maybe passing along their 44 Mag if need be.

I went without a 44 Mag for a period and luckily I finally corrected that omission.

Buy it shoot it with modern loads (IF you buy a modern load gun) and then decide which fits your fancy!

LouisB

All pure speculation, but what the heck it is cheap to speculate with YOUR money!

Of the four pistols and six rifles I own, three pistols and four rifles are .45's. I have two bullet molds, a 230 grain .452 TC and a 300 grain .452 WFN. The 230 grain mould makes all my practice ammo for the 45ACP and 45Colt and the 300 grain gets in all my serious loads for 45Colt and is patched for the 45-70 plinking ammo. If I had to rely on only one powder, I would not suffer terribly with only Unique to load with.

Do you reload? If you wanted a hotter handgun, you could go to the 445 supermag, or you could stick with what you have and get a rifle with a rifle cartridge: the .444. You would want to get heavier bullets for it (260 to 300 grain) for serious work but you could develop loads that match the balistics at whatever range you normally shoot using whatver bullets you get in the greatest quantity for your .44.

Sure, there are some good reasons to go with the 45, but there is no reason to abandon your 44. I won't get a 44 mainly because I don't already have one. I would most likely go to a 38-40 (my father has a 40S&W and I could use the same bullets loading for him) or a 41 as a secondary caliber, or a 475/480 if I wanted to step up.

[ 11-09-2003, 08:15: Message edited by: 45LCshooter ]

I would have to say the choice has more to do with use than caliber. I like my S&W revolvers for carry but realize I won't hot load them on a regular basis. I've never come close to wearing out a single action Ruger, but then again my S&Ws still answer the call to duty, from 25 years old down to the lastest Mountain Revolver. I had my .45 Colt Redhawk 5 1/2" out next to my 6" model 25 S&W yesterday. One is blue the other is stainless. The Redhawk cylinder is heavier, as is the whole gun, but after a day in woods they both carry nicely in a shoulder holster. There still isn't a good cylinder clamp imbeded in the leather for the Redhawk, like in the Galco shoulder holster. Other than finding the right leather and grips, either gets the job done. I personally like the smaller grip on the S&W for my shorter fingers. Just my specific case of personal fit being more important than caliber, action type, weight within reason, or finish. I'm irritated by the fact you can't access all the charging holes in a single action without turning the cylinder all the way around, or reloading a single chamber easily. The grip on the Bisley Ruger single action seems to be an answer to the single action's limited control compared to most double action grip frames. I'd like a small rubber grip set for my Redhawk, which is already barely small enough, but the stainless steel grip frame stands up to sweat, mud and blood (a little exeration there) and the wood isn't exactly ugly, but close! As someone who has the bug, get both the .44 Mag, the .45 Colt, and don't forget other barrel lengths and sight types, as well as finishes. Custom guns are a great way to have something almost no one has too. My 4 5/8" .45 Colt shoots way to high, almost six inches at 25 yards, with 255 grain SWC at 980 fps. Any one with a cure? Enjoy your .44 Mag and pass it on to your kids or grand kids.

Keep that .44 and get a .45 too. I see no difference on deer because they go down fast with either one. But the question is FUN. You have to have a .45 too. Never have too many guns.