Author Topic: 44mag vs 45lc (Read 6345 times)

Illhunter · « **on:** October 23, 2008, 06:50:59 PM »

Hi all i am considering a revolver for deer hunting. will hopefully be able to get it before next yr hunting season. what are the advantages and disadvantages of each caliber. I will be hunting deer in IL. how is the recoil on each. in this choice as well either single or double action be better. I don't plan to put scope on it will use open sites and practice alot and don't reload yet but am going to in the future so an with that in mind which would be better for ammo choices and cost of ammo as well. will both calibers do thie job or is one better than the other. cost for the revolver is a consideration as well will likely spend no more than $500.

I got to thinking i wanted a revolver for hunting tonite while i was out wandering around and held several revolver in 357, 44 mag, and 45lc.

thanks in advance for the help, Terry

Doe · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2008, 07:50:00 PM »

well since your going to reload, I myself would pick the 45 colt, it will take down any animal, but with alittle bit more pizazzzzz

. I have both and recoil is about the same...good luck! I'll be hunting with a ruger gp100 4 " barrel, know your limits and you'll do good.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2008, 10:18:29 PM »

Based on what you have stated, I would buy a 7 1/" Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 Magnum.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2008, 12:47:39 AM »

For a reloader they are basically peas in a pod. Both are the same length and straight walled. Bullet diameters are .429" and .452" generally for the .45 Colt. That gives a slight advantage to the old Colt round but not by much really and game will never know the difference. Since the .44 Magnum is a bit skinnier that means bullets of same weight from it have better BC tho bullets from neither do well in that department.

For your use of deer hunting bullets of 240-250 grains from either round are all that are needed. Velocity of around 1000 fps is plenty to get the job done but both can be pushed considerably faster if velocity is all that important to you. It's not gonna flatten trajectory enough to really matter however at normal handgun ranges and doesn't considerably increase killing ability of either gun.

Factory ammo selections for the .44 magnum are far better than for the .45 Colt for hunting tho plenty of selections for it are out there from smaller specialty shops. For deer hunting I personally prefer JHPs but fully admit cast bullets are NEVER a bad choice and once you get to bigger, badder or tougher critters I consider cast the only way to go.

Which to chose? Beats me I didn't I got both but do have more guns chambered to .44 magnum than .45 Colt. If ya like single actions and wanna buy on the cheap the Ruger is available in both and if you want the best there is so is the Freedom Arms revolvers. I have an FA in both. I have no Rugers in either. If you prefer a DA as I really do then S&W is also available in both but the choices are more limited in .45 Colt than in .44 magnum from them.

TCs come in both as well if you want to look into a single shot rather than a revolver. It's really a six of one and half dozen of another situation with them what one will do the other will do equally as well. For deer only I'd go with the .44 magnum personally and load Hornady 240 XTPs over 24.0 grains of W296/H110 or use Nosler 240 JHPs over same powder charge. In fact I've done just that now for many years.

onesonek · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2008, 01:42:26 AM »

For the choice would be how soon you plan on getting into reloading. The .44 has the a substantial edge in factory loads. But handloaded, the Colt can be close to it's equal. Although within it's capabilities, the Colt will get the job done. Handloaded the Colt would be my choice, just cuz well 2 reasons. One being nostalgia, the other and it's silly, I have a peeve for calling something it ain't. It's been that way forever it seems, but why call it a .44 when it's a .429.

Revovlers are great and both Smith's a Rugers are well made. But Bill touched on the TC's, and they are my favorite. I don't consider ultra fast follow-up shots that critical. Part of what I like, is the lack of cylinder gap adding to the noise level. Then too, you sounding budget minded like most, while the TC might cost more in the long run pending on how you get it bought, you can spread the cost out. But the frame and grip first, then shop around for a barrel. Good used ones are often available.
Persoanlly I would have to have some custom work done. Cuz the sweetest close range rig I envision would either the Contender/G2 or Encore with the .45 colt chambered in 9" bull barrel. Although, beings my eye's don't like open sights so well anymore, I would put a holo on it.
But at least doing it this way you can spread the cost out. It's not as hard on a tight budget, which I'm on most of the time.

Dave

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2008, 02:06:50 AM »

At the dollar signs you listed sounds to me like you want a Ruger Black hawk 5 to 71/2" barrell .44 magnum, Its the abrams tank of its class it aint the best in all fields but boy it can sure get the job done.

I am shooting a Ruger super red hawk right now with a 9" barrell its a handful of a firearm but shoot very well, I want to go with a super blackhawk bisley with the 4 5/8 to 7 1/2" tube. more than likely the shorter Just for easy carry. I think they work equally well

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2008, 02:56:48 AM »

another vote for the 44 mag. I like them both and both like greybeard said are pretty close in power. I like the 44 because through the years ive just had better luck with accuracy in out of the box guns with the 44.

teddy12b · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2008, 03:08:58 AM »

+1 for the 44mag.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #8 on:** October 24, 2008, 03:10:21 AM »

i shoot both in 71/2 inch Ruger Redhawks , for the life of me can't tell you one is better than the other . the 44 may be a heavier gun . if bullet weight was the same maybe the 44 would penetrate deeper or the 45 make a larger wound channel but could it really be seen on deer . These two guns shoot the same but in past guns the 44 seemed to hold an edge on group size but they were different guns S&W , COLT and Ruger so not sure it was not manf. as much as cal.
get one then save up and get the other , that way you can say with comfidence you got the best !

Catfish · « **Reply #9 on:** October 24, 2008, 04:00:46 AM »

Quote from: Graybeard on October 24, 2008, 12:47:39 AM

For a reloader they are basically peas in a pod. Both are the same length and straight walled. Bullet diameters are .429" and .452" generally for the .45 Colt.

I my oppenion the Ruger Super Black Hawks are the best for the money on the market today. That said, if they don`t feel good to you they are to high priced. Were I you I would look for a good used gun that feels good to you and not worry wether it is a .44 or a .45. If your thinking of putting a scope on it at some time in the future consider the Super Black Hawk Hunter with the scope mounts already on the gun. With it you get another advantage of alittle more weight which will reduce felt recoil.

jk3006 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 24, 2008, 04:13:01 AM »

John Linebaugh has written a few articles about big bore revolvers, and he gives some facts regarding the .45 Colt vs .44 mag. Good stuff!

http://www.customsixguns.com/writings.htm

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #11 on:** October 24, 2008, 04:57:07 AM »

jk3006
that was good reading

Sverre A. · « **Reply #12 on:** October 24, 2008, 07:16:13 AM »

I`ve been hunting with revolvers in 357, 44, 45 LC and 454, and TC`s in 357, 30-30, 44 Mag. and 375 JDJ.

Should I choose - I would go for .454 in a revolver and 375 JDJ in a TC.

.44 Mag. or 45 LC for deer?

Will the result end up different?
I don`t think so.

My prefered loads is (all have got same results on animals up to 400 lbs):

44 300 gr. Mimek hard cast/1250 fps
45 LC 325 Lyman hard cast/1050 fps

What length of barrel?

If you will use optic - it doesn`t matter.

If you will use open sights - I will prefer not lesser than 7,5" (but it depends of your age/sight).

(but I have taken wrong a lot of times before

)

Illhunter · « **Reply #13 on:** October 24, 2008, 07:38:30 AM »

yes for deer.

not sure length of bbl yet probably 5" or 7.5"

probably open sights. i am 35 with pretty good sight may want to use optics in the future.

thanks for all the help guys i do appreciate it .

That was a very good read jk.

i think i have a place i can reload hust have to buy the supplies i want to use and think i can get some cast bullets from a friend for just the shipping which will help and some brass as well for either caliber.

I gues another question is would you feel undergunned with either of these calibers in the woods granted there are no bears or anything like that but yotes are very prevelant here.

I can use revolver or like the T?C but those are so expensive.

I was out looking around the other day and found some nice double action smiths and rugers. I also had a nice super blackhawk in hand that was 44mag wanted $390 for it and felt real comfortable in hand but place didn't have any 45lc revolvers.

the ammo selection was limited but the factory 45 colt was cheaper than 44mag not by alot but cheaper.

terry

Graybeard · « **Reply #14 on:** October 24, 2008, 10:26:34 AM »

Undergunned you ask? Both have been used to take such small mild mannered critters as cape buff and elephant in Africa not to mention little things like elk, moose, grizzly and brown bears here in North America. So nope I'd not feel under gunned. In fact I never do when I take them out.

teddy12b · « **Reply #15 on:** October 24, 2008, 10:32:53 AM »

I have to admit how jealous I am when I read these kinds of topics. I love the looks and reliability of single action revolvers in these calibers, but they never fit right in my hand. I used to have a ruger super blackhawk and it was great, but my pinky finger part of my hand wasn't ever on the grip of the gun. When I put on a bigger grip, it lost the cowboy look and appeal. Eventually I got frustrated with the whole thing and sold it.

In any event I'd hunt anything I could with a 44mag or 45lc.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #16 on:** October 24, 2008, 10:44:32 AM »

I hunt with .357s and have never felt undergunned and I've never failed to get my quarry, I am useing a barrowed .44 SRH and its a fine piece the only advantage I feel with it is the range extension. I do feel the .44 is probably the better all around choice.

If I could find a SBH like you were handling for $390.00 I'd already own it.

Illhunter · « **Reply #17 on:** October 24, 2008, 11:40:15 AM »

i would guess i wouldn't be undergunned with either then.

If i had the $390 I would probably have it already.

if i could win the lotto real quick i would have both a 44mag and a 45lc of course would also put a 41 mag on that list as well.

Terry

jk3006 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 24, 2008, 12:42:24 PM »

I don't think you could go much wrong with a set-up like this. .45 Blackhawk 4 5/8, buffalo horn grips by Eagle Grips.

335 gr. hardcast at 1200 f/s. Nope, don't feel undergunned in the least. I should back that off to 1100, though, and it wouldn't buck so hard.

S.B. · « **Reply #19 on:** October 24, 2008, 04:44:30 PM »

I'm actually pondering the same problem. I recently purchased a S&W 25-5 and currently own three .44 magnum pistols(2 S&Ws and 1 Ruger). And thinking ahead to next years Illinois deer gun season. I'll have to see how the load development for the .45LC goes, the .44 mag loads looking very good and I've already taken some deer with it.

Illhunter · « **Reply #20 on:** October 24, 2008, 04:55:40 PM »

let me know how the load development turns out i would be interested to know. are you going to use cast bullets or jacketed bullets.

S.B. · « **Reply #21 on:** October 24, 2008, 05:10:28 PM »

Yes but, I don't even have a mold, yet.
Steve

blhof · « **Reply #22 on:** October 24, 2008, 05:26:38 PM »

If you're going to cast spend the extra money and get Veral's slug kit and then get one of his molds. I've been casting for over 25 years and didn't know that a mold could make such a difference; the right size and shape equal far better accuracy and easier casting. I've owned both 44 and 45. like the 45 but unless you reload they can get costly; if you find them cheaper than 44's they are probably cowboy action bullets and are the 45 equal to 38's, larger slug but about the same velocity.

Illhunter · « **Reply #23 on:** October 24, 2008, 05:37:00 PM »

I do plan to reload have access to a place till i get my own set up even thought about a lee classic loader to get myself started or a hand press and some dies.

I have a frind that does alot of casting bvullets and has for many yrs so i would trust his ability till i can get going with that as well.

how is the accuracy of the 4 5/8" bbl jk the SBH i was looking at was 7.5" bbl.

what is the limit yardage wise you all will shoot with your 44mag and 45lc revolvers.

I will have to look into veral's slug kits and molds.

Thanks it is nice to have such knowledgable people to help with this.

Terry

jk3006 · « **Reply #24 on:** October 24, 2008, 07:01:40 PM »

As far a as my abilities shooting it offhand, I shoot pretty much the same with it as what I used to shoot my 7.5 inch Super Red Hawk (.44)

From the bench it'll put a cylinder full into about 2 inches at 25 yards, but I'm quite sure that I'm the limiting factor.

At 50 yards(offhand) I can keep them all inside a nine-inch paper plate, but some people on this forum can do much better.

Quote from: Illhunter on October 24, 2008, 05:37:00 PM

how is the accuracy of the 4 5/8" bbl jk the SBH i was looking at was 7.5" bbl.

what is the limit yardage wise you all will shoot with your 44mag and 45lc revolvers.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #25 on:** October 25, 2008, 01:22:51 AM »

not many experienced handgunners can actually do better then that under field conditions and with the pressure of shooting at live game. I think a beginning handgunner should stick to 25 yards for the first couple years he hunts. theres just to many things that can go wrong under the pressure of a hunt with a handgun. 50 is a realistic max distance for an experienced handgunner with open sights. A 100 yards is about it for a good shooter with a scope and maybe an excellent shooter with open sights. Just keep in mind that the average joe in the woods would be having a lucky day to keep all of his shots on a paper plate at a 100 yards offhand with a scoped bolt action rifle. I gave that test to 6 guys at my hunting camp once and not one could do it.

Quote from: jk3006 on October 24, 2008, 07:01:40 PM

As far a as my abilities shooting it offhand, I shoot pretty much the same with it as what I used to shoot my 7.5 inch Super Red Hawk (.44)

From the bench it'll put a cylinder full into about 2 inches at 25 yards, but I'm quite sure that I'm the limiting factor.

At 50 yards(offhand) I can keep them all inside a nine-inch paper plate, but some people on this forum can do much better.

Quote from: Illhunter on October 24, 2008, 05:37:00 PM

how is the accuracy of the 4 5/8" bbl jk the SBH i was looking at was 7.5" bbl.

what is the limit yardage wise you all will shoot with your 44mag and 45lc revolvers.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #26 on:** October 25, 2008, 02:44:57 AM »

I don't think there is any accuracy diff between a 4 5/8 or a 7 1/2 if scoped the longer tube gives a better sight plane to Iron shooters thou which should equate to better shooting. The longer tube may also help some in muzzle climb which can help getting back on target for a follow up if necessary.

nilescoyote · « **Reply #27 on:** October 25, 2008, 04:31:44 AM »

in factory loads the 44 mag will be more powerful. Recoil is not bad in either but would be more in the 44 mag. Now when your decide to load the 45 will bring on a life of its own and as long as you go with a ruger black hawk or bisley can be loaded to a point where there would be little if any difference between the two power wise.

Either way you go, its a win. neither are bad. you may want to look around at current ammo prices/availability and let that make the decision for you.

jk3006 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 25, 2008, 05:42:03 AM »

I should add that I am for the most part limited to around 25 yards when shooting at live game. There's just too much excitement and shaking for me to do any better, plus the animal is usually moving and not stopping for very long to allow for the shooter to align the sights. It's only when I have the time to calm myself down and get regain a steady hand that I feel somewhat comfortable shooting out to 40-50 yards at live game. That rarely happens.

Quote from: Lloyd Smale on October 25, 2008, 01:22:51 AM

not many experienced handgunners can actually do better then that under field conditions and with the pressure of shooting at live game. I think a beginning handgunner should stick to 25 yards for the first couple years he hunts. theres just to many things that can go wrong under the pressure of a hunt with a handgun. 50 is a realistic max distance for an experienced handgunner with open sights.

kiddekop · « **Reply #29 on:** October 25, 2008, 09:08:08 AM »

I've fired the 44 mag several times but when I decided on a handgun I chose the Ruger Blackhawk convertible 45acp/ 45lc(2 calibers in one) with a 4 5/8" barrel(for ease of carry) & added Hogue rubber grips to absorb recoil & they fit my large hands better than the skinny ruger grips. I read Paco Kellys excellent article on the 45 colt.A friend of mine told his brother to buy a Ruger BH 4 5/8" in 45 colt and get Hogue rubber grips ,he bought some www.buffalobore.com +p 45 colt Speer 300gr jfn ammo @ 1325fps,me 1170 ft lbs which he used to stop a running wounded cow elk with a head shot at 65 yards,she dropped!Another reason I bought the Ruger BH 45acp/45c is I have a TC Encore 15" pistol barrel chambered in 454casull & a TC Encore Rifle with a Bullberry 20" rifle barrel chambered in SW460mag.