another big comparison

[.44splx2]

I know that a .45 Long Colt can be loaded/found more powerful than a .44 mag. How about the comparison between the .45 Long Colt and a .44 spl as a self defense round? I know the .44 spl is inherently accurate.
Would  sectional density/accuracy be a significant difference at SD ranges?
Thanks.

[Dana C]

I don't know where you heard or read that a 45 Colt can be loaded beyond the power that a Rem. 44Mag has out of the box.  The 45 Colt has a thinner case and a bullet that prevents the amount of powder that you can put in it to produce the power that you are talking about.  You can come close but you won't exceed the .44 Mag.

As a defense round, both the .44 special and the 45Colt are inherently accurate rounds.  Both can carry the same bullet weights and both are stoppers.  It comes down to the gun you want to use and are comfortable with and can shoot.  A guy with a .22 is more effective if he can shoot and hit you first.  

All that being said, I would go for the .44 Mag because you can shoot .44 special rounds in it or load down the Mag. rounds.  However both the 44 and 45 will do the trick.

[ButlerFord45]

I think you'll find the case capacity of the 45 Colt more than addaquate to do what you are looking for, most guns just can't stand the pressure and the guns that can just aren't designed as a defensive weapon.
In comparing to a 44 special, well, a 250 grain bullet at 850-900fps should speak for it's self.  Black powder 45/250's run between 750-800fps, if memory serves me correctly.

[Redhawk1]

I don't know where you heard or read that a 45 Colt can be loaded beyond the power that a Rem. 44Mag has out of the box.  The 45 Colt has a thinner case and a bullet that prevents the amount of powder that you can put in it to produce the power that you are talking about.  You can come close but you won't exceed the .44 Mag.

As a defense round, both the .44 special and the 45Colt are inherently accurate rounds.  Both can carry the same bullet weights and both are stoppers.  It comes down to the gun you want to use and are comfortable with and can shoot.  A guy with a .22 is more effective if he can shoot and hit you first.  

All that being said, I would go for the .44 Mag because you can shoot .44 special rounds in it or load down the Mag. rounds.  However both the 44 and 45 will do the trick.

I second that. Also ButlerFord45 make's a great point.

[jro45]

I have a 5.5" barrel on my Redhawk 44. Max Volocity 1430 fps. My New Model Blackhawk Colt 45 with a 7.5" barrel Max volocity 1450 fps. Both of these are shooting a 240 gr bullet.