jakes10mm - I'll tellya the same thing I was told when asked if the newer reproductions of the 1873s (assuming that's what we're talking about) would handle hunting loads that were a bit stiffer than the originals - just almost exactly the same thing you are asking. I was thinking of a 4 and 5/8 Cimarron Arms in 45 LC for just that.
What I was told was that the newer revolvers are just newer and that the strength of their design is no stronger now than it was back then. It isn't the newer materials and metals used in the reproductions, it is the desgn of the pistol that is really not intended to withstand higher pressures.
In addition, the sights aren't all that great.
That being said however, you can throw a 255 gn Keith style semi-wadcutter from a 7.5" bbl at around 850-900'/sec, which is getting up there for that revolver design, and plunk it right on through a whitetail at out to 50 yds if you are good enough. You really don't need to magnumize a slug like that to make it work, it does it all by itself.
If you want to bust those loads out there and try and reach out for 100 yds, you're going to need something like a Ruger.
Don't get me wrong, I think a 45 caliber cartridge throwing a 255 gn swc at about 850'/sec makes for a dang decent load. I would gladly duplicate that from a 45 auto and pack it for a woods gun, but not a primary hunting firearm. IMHO. Mikey.
