.44 spl. compared to .45 acp.... thoughts?

[meef]

The title specifically did not contain "vs." because I'm not looking for a caliber argument. Just looking for input from those what got 'em or shot 'em.

I've been a .45 acp fan for most of my shooting life. But hey, if it goes bang, makes noise and smoke and has a bit of recoil - it's my idea of fun. I've had a considerably large sampling of armament over the years (wish I'd kept every last bit of it).

I generally prefer a semi-auto in handguns, but I've had my share of revolvers too. Weather dependent, my carry preferences are: 1.) .45 acp 2.) .38 spl 3.) .32 acp - in that order. The cooler the weather, the bigger the caliber.

At any rate, I just recently acquired a new S&W Thunder Ranch Model 21 in .44 spl - because I liked the way it looked, the...umm... gaudy gold logo notwithstanding. The price was so right. Haven't fired it yet, but am looking forward to it.

I know that both calibers would be more than adequate for zombie removal, but from what I've read (such as Street Stoppers & Handgun Stopping Power) the .45 seems to outshine the .44 by a considerable margin - which doesn't seem to make much sense when looked at as objectively as I'm capable of. Maybe when those books were written there wasn't the wide variety of factory ammo available that there is now?

For example, I just picked up some Corbon 200gr DPX and holy cow! -- 950 fps @ 401 ft/lbs with a hollowpoint big and deep enough to drink Guinness from (okay, I exaggerate a bit, but not much) should get the job done.



Anybody have any thoughts to share on the apples to oranges relationship of these pieces?

 

[Sistema1927]

Both calibers are great, and both can be handloaded to outperform factory ammo.

I have the TR 22-4 in .45 ACP, I chose it because it doesn't have the "gaudy gold" , and due to the fact that I prefer the square butt on N-frames. Large frame big bore revolvers are great.

 

[James T Thomas]

evolution

You will become aware that the ACP, due to it's popularity has a much greater degree of bullet designs. Technology.

The spl is virtually undeveloped, as of now.

The ACP therefore has a more impressive record.

The ballistics remain similar.

Please post your impressions on the trigger, sights, accuracy, etc.

 

[lwrnc1963]

I'd say they're six of one,half a dozen of another. Both are proven fight stoppers with similar ballistics. The 45 is easier to find good defense rounds for in your local stores but not by much.

 

[rockstar.esq]

The .44 Special is just plain manly. Ballistically the 45 ACP can't really keep up with it. A quick review of Elmer Keith's work should put to rest any commentary otherwise. Records associated with accuracy generally laud the .44 special for it's performance. My two main carry calibers are the .44 Special and the .45 ACP. Without decending into the madness of the revo vs. auto debate, I'd say that I feel well armed carrying either 5 .44 spls or 8 .45 ACP's. A word to the wise on the .44spl is to purchase as much Black Hills loads in Thunder Ranch trim as humanly possible as the Keith style wadcutter loaded therein represents what I consider to be the pinacle of cast bullet design for a large bore revolver. Keep in mind that Taurus and Charter Arms have both produced 5 shot .44 spls that conceal well yet maintain the shootability of larger frame handguns. I've never really understood why so many revolver shooters act as though the world stopped turning once the snubbie .357 mag was invented since the .44 spl bulldog configuration pre dated it and never developed a reputation for anything less than affirmatively stopping the fight.

 

[CSA 357]

I have both 44 spec and 45 acps , i think they are both great cal. i load my 44 spec with 240 gr swc at around 1000fps , i feel well armed with it on my belt, the 45 acp with a good bullet is a good fight stopper too, its been doing it for many years*csa*

 

[meef]

rockstar.esq:

A word to the wise on the .44spl is to purchase as much Black Hills loads in Thunder Ranch trim as humanly possible as the Keith style wadcutter loaded therein represents what I consider to be the pinacle of cast bullet design for a large bore revolver.

Great idea. I'd read a bit about that load and felt that it would make a fine addition to my ammo storage bin. Just wish it was a little less costly, but I guess that's the price of admission for the good stuff.

 

[Roadkill]

I have a couple of .45 1911A1s and a Western Marshall/Suhl .44 mag revolver. I shoot warm .44 loads for fun in the six shooter, my take is that the .44 has a lot more power than the .45s. Either one would nearly stop a VW anyway, and uploading the .44 to shoot in a .44 mag leaves a lot of room for a bigger boom.

 

[XLMiguel]

I have one of them TRS .44's, and while I can't comment on it's stopping ability IRL, it is a sweet shooter, and I have no doubt that it is capable of stooping a fight. Ballistically, it compares well to many .45 ACP loads, and can be loaded 'up' if you're so inclined. As noted, the ammo selection is more limited than .45 ACP, but I have .44 SPL Silvertips, Golddots, and other stuff that I suspect would work just fine in a PD situation as long as you put them where it counts. Go for it.

 

[Tigerseye]

I would prefer the .44 spl in a revolver. I don't like the "moon" clips.

Either is a fun caliber to shoot!

Now, add the .45 Colt into the mix.

 

[Plink]

I own guns in both calibers and have kept both for house defense and personal carry. Power and effectiveness are similar for both. I don't necessarily buy into the bigger is better thing, though there's strong evidence to support it. I chose them specifically for a reason. They're proven performers, yet they do it at low pressure levels. If anyone has ever touched off a high pressure round in an enclosed area, they know why this is an important issue.

 

[BigO01]

My opinion is the old 44 special basically got pooped on when the Magnum was developed .

If you reload you have a wide varity of excelent bullets with which to make great defensive and cheap practice ammo .

Nice gun you have there I hope you have the sense keep it cause good 44 specials are hard to come by .

 

[Richard]

If a pictue says a 1,000 words, I will double it. Both are great cartridges and I tend to lean toward the 44 Special as I love Old Smiths. For defense/house gun it is hard to beat my M325. Regards, Richard

Custom 3rd Model Hand Ejector:

S&W Model 325:

 

[griz]

In factory loads the 45 has more and better choices. If you are a handloader the 44S can be safely loaded to exceed the 45. Both are good useful rounds.

 

[Magnumite]

Ditto on what the others said in respect to the 45 and the 44 Special.

I'd answer your question on what gun would serve you best in a given carry situation - the revolver or the auto? I wouldn't have a problem with either one, save for how easy it would be to pack and/or conceal either.

 

[Arcticfox]

I wouldn't say the .45 out performs the .44. But it certainly is a cheaper round!

The advantage of a typical .44 is you can switch to magnum rounds if you want/need to.


I feel the Smith 696 is a great choice as a .44 special!

Say, how does that thunder ranch shoot?