Simple question: what can one do that the other can't? I'm trying to figure out what direction to go on my next revolver purchase, and other than shooting for fun, the gun would be primarily for wilderness carry. Thanks for the input.
.45 Colt vs. .44 Magum
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shootinstudent
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You need to handload for this to be a comparison.
If you handload and have a ruger blackhawk (that's what I do), the .45 has loads for any purpose and is a lot of fun, and will take some very, very heavy bullets. It's quite comparable to the .44.
If you want to walk into a store and buy hotrod ammo anywhere, and don't handload, then get the .44.
If you handload and have a ruger blackhawk (that's what I do), the .45 has loads for any purpose and is a lot of fun, and will take some very, very heavy bullets. It's quite comparable to the .44.
If you want to walk into a store and buy hotrod ammo anywhere, and don't handload, then get the .44.
I am not sure about this
but I think the 44 Mag also shoots the 44 Special so maybe you should know that. I am not a hunter or outdoorsman or a cowboy action shooter. (I go to the outdoor range here target shoot/plink.) However, I have a Ruger New Vaquero in 45 Colt and really like shooting that. I use remanufactured ammo and can get it for about $340 per 1000 or if I send in 1000 empties I can get it for a lot less. This is one of the factors to consider also with such high ammo costs these days. Of course, if you reload, which I do not, there is that to consider.
but I think the 44 Mag also shoots the 44 Special so maybe you should know that. I am not a hunter or outdoorsman or a cowboy action shooter. (I go to the outdoor range here target shoot/plink.) However, I have a Ruger New Vaquero in 45 Colt and really like shooting that. I use remanufactured ammo and can get it for about $340 per 1000 or if I send in 1000 empties I can get it for a lot less. This is one of the factors to consider also with such high ammo costs these days. Of course, if you reload, which I do not, there is that to consider.
Hunter0924
Member
You can shoot .44 specials out of a .44 magnum.
You should not shoot hot handloads out of the New Vaquero.
Here is a good read on the .45 Colt.
http://customsixguns.com/writings/dissolving_the_myth.htm
You should not shoot hot handloads out of the New Vaquero.
Here is a good read on the .45 Colt.
http://customsixguns.com/writings/dissolving_the_myth.htm
To get the most out of the .45 you need to carry a Ruger. The S&W Mountain Guns can't really take the hot .45 loads for Buffalo Bore and Double Tap. Those two companies do make great .45 ammo, including heavy hardcast loads that easily exceed anything in .44, but the ammo is pretty expensive (especially Buffalo Bore), and you have to get it at Cabelas or online. The .44 ammo is MUCH more widely available.
However, I have a .45 Blackhawk that is a hell of a shooter, very powerful for its weight. It is accurate and very handy. With my .45 Winchester Trapper, they make a nice pair. I have been lusting after Ruger's new 4" .45 Redhawk to round out the collection. The .45 is a great load, and becoming more popular, so I would expect to see more hot factory ammo out there. Plus, you can use cheap cowboy ammo for plinking.
As for comparisons, I doubt the animal you shoot would notice the difference.
However, I have a .45 Blackhawk that is a hell of a shooter, very powerful for its weight. It is accurate and very handy. With my .45 Winchester Trapper, they make a nice pair. I have been lusting after Ruger's new 4" .45 Redhawk to round out the collection. The .45 is a great load, and becoming more popular, so I would expect to see more hot factory ammo out there. Plus, you can use cheap cowboy ammo for plinking.
As for comparisons, I doubt the animal you shoot would notice the difference.
First, I own one gun each in .44 magnum and .45 long Colt. I have no agenda to push one over the other. I did a ton of research on this issue last year - what to carry as a "wilderness gun" or bear gun. I went with the .44 magnum. Here's what my thinking was and maybe it will help you.
Basically, it came down to the fact that the .44magnum delivered bear-dropping power within it's standard pressure range. It being a modern (early 1950s) cartridge designed to work in modern tempered steel guns.
The .45 Long Colt is a bit schizophrenic - designed as a black powder round in 19th century guns - big bullet, moving slow, from weak powder, in (realtively) weak guns at moderate pressure. In modern applications, you can certainly stuff extra powder in the big case and push a big bullet to almost .44 magnum levels, but you have then left the safety margins of the round in most all guns. You limit yourself to choosing a select few, overbuilt, generally heavy, and generally unwieldy .45 Long Colt guns and buying exotic ammo. Many of these are also gate-loading single actions, like the freedom arms and old model Vaquero and Blackhawk, which I do not find a reasonable choice in a self-defense gun. I was really down to one or two models of DA revolvers that can honestly deliver near - .44 magnum performance. And I like choice.
I preferred to choose from the wide selection of existing .44 magnums and stay in the "mainstream" of ammo selection and loading.
That all said, unless your "Wilderness Carry" involves aggressive bears over 400 pounds or more, a standard pressure 45 Long Colt is going to do anything you need it to.
Basically, it came down to the fact that the .44magnum delivered bear-dropping power within it's standard pressure range. It being a modern (early 1950s) cartridge designed to work in modern tempered steel guns.
The .45 Long Colt is a bit schizophrenic - designed as a black powder round in 19th century guns - big bullet, moving slow, from weak powder, in (realtively) weak guns at moderate pressure. In modern applications, you can certainly stuff extra powder in the big case and push a big bullet to almost .44 magnum levels, but you have then left the safety margins of the round in most all guns. You limit yourself to choosing a select few, overbuilt, generally heavy, and generally unwieldy .45 Long Colt guns and buying exotic ammo. Many of these are also gate-loading single actions, like the freedom arms and old model Vaquero and Blackhawk, which I do not find a reasonable choice in a self-defense gun. I was really down to one or two models of DA revolvers that can honestly deliver near - .44 magnum performance. And I like choice.
I preferred to choose from the wide selection of existing .44 magnums and stay in the "mainstream" of ammo selection and loading.
That all said, unless your "Wilderness Carry" involves aggressive bears over 400 pounds or more, a standard pressure 45 Long Colt is going to do anything you need it to.
I prefer .45 Colt. Will do anything a .44 mag will do, but at much less pressure. Yes, you'll have to select a gun that can take the pressures of the hot loads. In particular, check out the 4'' Redhawk in .45 Colt, and the 4 5/8'' Blackhawk. 46 and 42 oz., will take the hot loads for a lifetime and more, and the Blackhawk in particular is very well priced.
Cowboy target loads are plentiful, and the souped up loads can be ordered if you're not near somewhere like a Cabelas that carries the +p stuff. If I didn't handload, in your area I'd shoot cowboy loads for fun, and order something along the lines of the following for field carry. DoubleTap is most for the money here.
http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_38&products_id=131
http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_38&products_id=133
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=590827&t=11082005
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=417675&t=11082005
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=119291&t=11082005
Cowboy target loads are plentiful, and the souped up loads can be ordered if you're not near somewhere like a Cabelas that carries the +p stuff. If I didn't handload, in your area I'd shoot cowboy loads for fun, and order something along the lines of the following for field carry. DoubleTap is most for the money here.
http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_38&products_id=131
http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_38&products_id=133
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=590827&t=11082005
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=417675&t=11082005
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=119291&t=11082005
Virginian
Member
Simple.
If you reload, and don't already have dies, and everything else, and several guns, in one of these calibers, either one will do whatever you want it to do, in the right gun(s). 45 Long Colt has the potential to be an even bigger and badder hot rod than the 44 Mag.
If you don't reload, or take frequent very extended trips, far, far away from home, get a 44 Mag.
I reload, and I have five 44s and no 45s at present, but, I started out with SAA 44 Specials many long years ago, so the 44 Mag was a logical step. If I was starting from scratch today, gun wise, I would go with the 45.
If you reload, and don't already have dies, and everything else, and several guns, in one of these calibers, either one will do whatever you want it to do, in the right gun(s). 45 Long Colt has the potential to be an even bigger and badder hot rod than the 44 Mag.
If you don't reload, or take frequent very extended trips, far, far away from home, get a 44 Mag.
I reload, and I have five 44s and no 45s at present, but, I started out with SAA 44 Specials many long years ago, so the 44 Mag was a logical step. If I was starting from scratch today, gun wise, I would go with the 45.
Thanks, so far, this is helpful. I don't reload at the moment -- not enough time -- but I hope to later in life. I do live within 15 minutes of Cabelas, so I have that as an option. But I do spend portions of the summers in the Montana Rockies, so ammo availability there could be an issue.
zxcvbob
Member
If you intend to shoot *any* big bore revolver much, you will soon start reloading. (Have you priced .44 Mag lately?)
My current favorite .45 Colt load is a 230 grain bullet at just under 1100 fps. I can load them for about a nickel each. Factory-loaded (if you can even buy a load like that) would cost almost $1 each.
My current favorite .45 Colt load is a 230 grain bullet at just under 1100 fps. I can load them for about a nickel each. Factory-loaded (if you can even buy a load like that) would cost almost $1 each.
Since you don't reload, I would go with the .44 Mag.
You can almost always find .44 Mag ammo, the same can't be said about .45 Colt.
zxcvbob is right, which ever one you get, if you shoot it a lot, you WILL start loading.
May as well just get the press now and save time later
You can almost always find .44 Mag ammo, the same can't be said about .45 Colt.
zxcvbob is right, which ever one you get, if you shoot it a lot, you WILL start loading.
May as well just get the press now and save time later
B.D. Turner
Member
I like them both but for me (not reloading at the present) would go with the .44 magnum for the ease of buying ammo in more places. I like the Fusion at 1290 fps and 885fp. I am shooting these through a Ruger Redhawk 7.5
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
Yep. I started loading my own over 30 years ago. I thought I was going to save some money. I'm sure I have; the main event, however, is accuracy.
If you're going to take center fire pistol shooting seriously, there's really no other choice. Fortunately, loading your own ammunition is fun.
Jim March
Member
Except for the New Vaquero.
Seafarer12
Member
I say go with a 44 mag. Easier to find ammo, can shoot 44 special. 45 colt is either low power cowboy action stuff or super hot unless you reload. If you reload either one will do.
CSA 357
Member
I Say Get The 44 Mnag, Why Try To Make A Magnum Out Of The 45 Lc? Yes Its A Fine Round, But For Me The 44 Mag Can Do It All, I Down Load It For Target Shooting, Or Shoot 44 Spec. Or For Deer I Can Load Them Hot, Buy The Way I Do Have 2 45 Long Colt Guns, Good Luck Csa
Lucky Strike
Member
I'm trying to make up my mind on this same choice when I buy a Ruger Redhawk later this year....at the present moment i'm siding with the .44mag but I'm sure I'll eventually own a gun in each caliber(a .45LC blackhawk to go with the Redhawk and the GP100 and Single Six that i already own would round out the collection nicely).
Stevie-Ray
Member
As was said, if you are not handloading, I'd opt for the .44 mag due to available ammunition. Just remember the .45 Colt can be quite a bit more powerful than the .44 mag with hot handloads as long as you are using a strong revolver like the Redhawk or SRH.
You've been told all the right answers so I can't add much except to say if you want a DA revolver, I believe the .44Mag would be the better choice.
If you want a SA you can go either way provided you stick with the old Vaquero or SBH if you intend to hotrod the .45.
In your state you have only black bears as is the case in my state. Over the years I've killed a great many black bears I am sorry to say. And I dispatched some of them with 9mm fmj.
Either .44mag or .45 L.C. caliber is more than adequate for a blacky if you do your part. On the other hand, unless it is a mother with cubs, black bears are not aggressive animals. Being attacked is an extremely remote probability. On the other hand, a black bear did bite my ex-wife on the buttocks. Not that I blamed him for that. She had it coming.
If you want a SA you can go either way provided you stick with the old Vaquero or SBH if you intend to hotrod the .45.
In your state you have only black bears as is the case in my state. Over the years I've killed a great many black bears I am sorry to say. And I dispatched some of them with 9mm fmj.
Either .44mag or .45 L.C. caliber is more than adequate for a blacky if you do your part. On the other hand, unless it is a mother with cubs, black bears are not aggressive animals. Being attacked is an extremely remote probability. On the other hand, a black bear did bite my ex-wife on the buttocks. Not that I blamed him for that. She had it coming.
I think everybody has covered the subject pretty well.
I own revolvers both calibers and if I had to choose between the two, I would take a .44 Magnum and a set of reloading dies over the .45 Colt every time.
The .45 Colt is a nostalgic throw back to an earlier time.
I own revolvers both calibers and if I had to choose between the two, I would take a .44 Magnum and a set of reloading dies over the .45 Colt every time.
The .45 Colt is a nostalgic throw back to an earlier time.
Thanks for all the feedback. I'm pretty sure I want DA at this point, which seems to mean .44 is a better option, although the Redhawk is available in both I believe.
As far as bears, yes in Minnesota we do only have black bears, but I do a significant amount of my summer outdoor activity in Montana. So, bigger bears can be an issue. In fact, I saw a pretty good sized grizzly north of Yellowstone last summer, and all I had with me was a 1911. I shoot a 1911 much better than a revolver, but I still think a round more powerful than .45 ACP would have been in order, if he'd chosen to approach. Fortunately, he didn't.
As far as bears, yes in Minnesota we do only have black bears, but I do a significant amount of my summer outdoor activity in Montana. So, bigger bears can be an issue. In fact, I saw a pretty good sized grizzly north of Yellowstone last summer, and all I had with me was a 1911. I shoot a 1911 much better than a revolver, but I still think a round more powerful than .45 ACP would have been in order, if he'd chosen to approach. Fortunately, he didn't.
Twitchy Tex
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Or if ya can find one, I got a Judge in 45 LC/.410 Shotgun. That's versatility very others can lay claim to.
VA27
Member
If you use 'store bought' ammo the 44 maggie is the way to go. Lots of different loads to choose from, and a little easier to find.
The 45 Colt has fewer loads and some of them won't be stocked by Mom & Pop type stores.
However, if you reload the 45 you can do some stuff that may not be possible with the 44 Mag.
Right now my plinking load for the 4" Redhawk is a 405gr 45/70 cast bullet, sized down to .451 and loaded over an (unspecified) charge of H110.
I'm looking for 950fps with this load, which should be what you'd get out of a 4" 45/70. Some fun!
The 45 Colt has fewer loads and some of them won't be stocked by Mom & Pop type stores.
However, if you reload the 45 you can do some stuff that may not be possible with the 44 Mag.
Right now my plinking load for the 4" Redhawk is a 405gr 45/70 cast bullet, sized down to .451 and loaded over an (unspecified) charge of H110.
I'm looking for 950fps with this load, which should be what you'd get out of a 4" 45/70. Some fun!
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