.44 Special vs. .45 Colt

[twidle]

I am going to buy a Marlin 1894 in either .44 or .45 Colt. My experience with both in pistols has shown the .44 to be more accurate. I plan on using it for silhouette matches. Can anyone give me their thoughts /experience with both.

 

[rcmodel]

Since I don't believe Marlin makes a .44 Special chambered 94, I doubt it will matter.

Shooting the shorter .44 Spl. in the .44 Mag Marlin chamber will result in bullet jump before the bullet reaches the rifling. It works just fine for plinking, but I doubt you would win any matches with it.

And I'm at a loss with your statement that you plan to use it for silhouette matches.
Those are usually either .22 pistol matches held at relatively close range, or center-fire pistol at long range, with big Magnum calibers being favored, or at very long range with high-power rifles.

Can't think of anything where .44 Spl. would be used, or even be suitable.


rcmodel

 

[twidle]

Pistol Cartridge Cowboy Lever Action Silhouette

Some more information the top shooter in the club uses a 1894 CB 24" in .44 magnum with .44 special loads. This gun is very hard to find the .45 Colt is fairly easy to get. I'm just wondering if I should hold out and try to find a .44 or just go ahead and get a .45 if it is just as accurate.

www.scssa.org/smallbore_cowboy_lever_action_ri.htm

 

[rcmodel]

Here's one rat cheer:
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8263124

As far as 100 yard accuracy, I don't know what to tell you.

But the .45 Colt can be hand-loaded to shoot right with a .44 Special in revolvers.

Factory loads might be a different matter, although I couldn't say.

Maybe someone else with more .45 Colt Marlin Cowboy experience will chime in pretty soon.


rcmodel