Mike Venturino in American Handgunner on why the .45 Auto is the best revolver cartridge
https://americanhandgunner.com/handguns/the-best-ever-revolver-cartridge/
Everybody needs a 41 Mag!So far I have 3 on the list and still can’t decide, maybe I really do need a 41 mag…
I kind of expected that too. However, I myself voted for the 44 Mag even though I have and am a real fan of my Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt.Between all the SAA fans and the Ruger Fans (both single and double action) I really expect 45 Colt to win this with 44 Mag a respectable second.
I voted for 45 Colt, but these are all good points. Plus the fact that, with 44 Mag, you don't have to concern yourself with whether your particular handgun will handle a given load as long as you stay within max pressures.I kind of expected that too. However, I myself voted for the 44 Mag even though I have and am a real fan of my Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt.
The thing is, I've always liked the versatility of my Ruger 45 Colt - I can load it with powder-puff, snip the heads off mountain grouse loads, to medium, make a big "boom" and punch big holes in things at the county gravel pit loads, to rip-roaring, stop an imagined charging grizzly bear backpacking loads.
However, when I was about to vote in this poll, it dawned on me that I can load my Smith Model 69 44 Mag the same way for all of those things. And, if I use 44 Special cases, I don't have to deal with those cavernous, 45 Colt cases when using small charges of powder for those "powder-puff, snip the heads off mountain grouse loads."
Of course, if I wasn't handloader, I might have voted differently. But maybe not - the 44 Mag is pretty darned versatile even without handloading.
Yeah, comparably speaking, I guess so.Except, come on, 44 Special cases are still pretty cavernous. The same can be said for 38 Spcl.
That's a really good point too. Ten or twelve years back I decided to treat myself to a genuine Colt SAA. I had a choice between a 45 Colt and a 44-40 Winchester. I opted for the 44-40 because I was worried that someday one of my "Ruger Only" 45 Colt loads might somehow wander over into my genuine Colt SAA if it was a 45 Colt.Plus the fact that, with 44 Mag, you don't have to concern yourself with whether your particular handgun will handle a given load as long as you stay within max pressures.
While I'm not sure 41 Special qualifies as the Ideal Big Bore, I'd really like one like your GP-100. You know, just in case you get bored with it and decide to give it to someone who'll give it a good home.I see the choices, voted, and commented; but in thinking about the ideal cartridge that starts with a 4 or higher, I will propose 41 Special, because it can be 6 rounds in a medium frame gun, be loaded very powerfully or more tame, and can be a carry gun, range gun or hunter. Mine is a GP100, but loads passed around are too powerful for this shooter. I am instead currently shooting 6 grains of Unique with 210 lead. Notice that I included no criteria for availability of ammo nor guns nor industry support beyond brass from Starline. 41 Special is a casualty of the history of police guns, but is capable of just as much endearment as the 44 Special, while fitting one more round in a gun capable of being carried with comfort.
I hear you. I've often thought that the Charter Arms Bulldog in 45 Colt would be a neat gun to have, but it'd come with the same concern.That's a really good point too. Ten or twelve years back I decided to treat myself to a genuine Colt SAA. I had a choice between a 45 Colt and a 44-40 Winchester. I opted for the 44-40 because I was worried that someday one of my "Ruger Only" 45 Colt loads might somehow wander over into my genuine Colt SAA if it was a 45 Colt.
Speaking of cavernous cases...Would a BFR in 45/70 count? I have been eyeing one for a while, but haven't be able to justify that much money... yet. Would be a blast think. Handloading would allow it to range anywhere from 45 colt light loads to 500 mag loads and well beyond. would be a nice companion to my rifle.
Me too. I have 3 41 Magnum revolvers and no 44 or 45 caliber pistols. Mice, M moose, or bear the 41 Magnum hs always been enough for me.Something else...
Specifically, the .41Magnum.