.44 mag vs. the .45 colt

[Scibaer]

in the real world , how close are these two calibers in performance, on game, felt recoil etc ?

[Blackhawk44]

Relying solely in generally available factory ammunition, the .44 wins.

If you are an experienced handloader (who would likely already know the answer) AND had the proper heavy framed gun, the .45 can be made to equal the .44.

Using the proper (expensive) custom five shot revolvers, very experienced handloaders can exceed the .44's power with the .45.

[1sourdough]

 I have had a Ruger SRH 7.5" 44 for years & recently bought a 4 5/8" SS Blackhawk in 45 Colt. I really like it & have been handloading different rounds for it. I think my next will be some shotshells with the Speer capsuls. The Ruger 45s & a few others can be handloaded to higher pressures than some of the other factory offerings. I've just been at the normal levels since I also have the 44 mag. If you hand load the 45 colt is fine. Ammo for the 45 Colt seems expensive as anything. Once it warms up I also plan to fire up my bullet casting.

[Robert357]

in the real world , how close are these two calibers in performance, on game, felt recoil etc ?

I have one of each.  They are incredibly different, until you get into handloading, if the 45 LColt is a Ruger Blackhawk.  If it is a Ruger, then you can handload the 45 LColt to be very close to 44 Rem Mag performance.  There are several reloading books with spearate chapters on reloading for the TC Contender and the Ruger Blackhawk. 

Of course if you are into reloading, you can pump up the performance of the .44 Rem  Magnum to exceed that of the 45 LColt. 

The 45 LColt is a "gentleman" of large bore handguns.  A working buddy of mine's daughter is really found of shooting my Ruger 45 LColt, but won't touch my .44 Rem Mag.  The recoil of a stock 45 lColt is distinct, but not overwhelming.

[Mikey]

The truth is:  the 44 is a high pressure magnum cartridge, the 45 Colt ain't.  You can handload the 45 to perform in the same range as the 44 Magnum, as long as you have a strong enough handgun, lever rifle or single shot firearm to shoot it from but other wise not. 

The 44 Magnum with a 240 gn bullet is a 38,000 cup pressure range cartridge; the 45 Colt with a 255 gn bullet is a 13,000 cup pressure range cartridge.  Anyone notice the difference yet? 

If you want magnum level performance you should buy a magnum revolver that shoots a magnum cartridge.  Hot loading a non-magnum cartridge to perform in a magnum category might be tolerable if you have only one firearm strong enough to handle that pressure range but if you have two or more different firearms of different strengths you could be in for a bit of hospitalization under obamacare.  I will give you two examples:  a 45 Colt loaded to magnum performance levels that might be safely fired from a Ruger SBH will turn a 1873 Colt or clone into shrapnel and you into bits and pieces; a 45-70 load for a Marlin lever rifle or a Ruger bolt action will turn your 1874 Rolling Block into the kind of stuff they won't even bother removing from your skull before they bury you. 

Just be careful with what you do and practice caution.  jmtcw.

[Scibaer]

ok, i got that message, loud and clear. i am looking to replace a DA with a SA for hunting and thought "thought" that a .45 colt might be something i'd want, but i'm glad i asked before i purchased and not after.
i'm more then happy with the .44 mag, just am starting to see weaknesses in the hand guns i have chambered in 44. it seems to me, that that makers like uberti and ruger , thier new offerings are in .45  primarily ... but its starting to sound like the 45 isnt for me

i just have this "problem" in that i want something different then the other guy. i guess im going to have to get over it , lol
and upgrade my .44's to stronger handguns
 thanks for all the input and help

[Gene R]

All said is true.

But to answer your question directly, the 45 colt does much less damage to your ears (you should wear ear protection anyway)

The 45 colt also has less felt recoil..

As far as performance, the 45 colt can be hand loaded to match or beat the 44, however I find no need to load either to those levels for anything in the lower 48. 240-300 gr cast at 1000-1100fps is more than plenty for any deer/elk ect. within decent range.

If your looking to make such shots on game at extended distances (over 100 yards) with a handgun there are much better rounds for that like the S&W 460.

Personally the 44 and 45 covers everything within MY capabilities with a hand gun.

[SHOOTALL]

I have both and use the 45 Colt now all the time . I can hand load either to go thru. any white tail deer from stem to stern so that's not the deal really . The 45 Colt is larger in dia. bigger hole to let the life run out of a critter . You can get heavier bullets for the 45 Colt . If yo load shot shells the 45 has the advantage also in more shot but also in being able to use cut down 410 shells .
That said if you don't hand load or travel to hunt where you can't carry ammo and must buy local then the 44 mag. would be the best choice .

[coyotejoe]

I thought Elmer Keith resolved this question back in the 1930's.

[SHOOTALL]

Elmer used 45 Colt first but went to 44 to gain strength with thicker cyl. walls on guns in existance .

[yooper77]

I handload for my Ruger New Model Blackhawk with H110 and 310 grain hard cast LBT bullets at around 1200 FPS, which handles everything I hunt.

yooper77

[Scibaer]

yes, i hand load.
thats interesting, that the .45 has less felt recoil.
and i read that velocities of 1000+ fps can be achieved from the .45, now my interest is piqued once again
but, no my shots would not be past 100 yards, with any handgun ( for me anyhow )
damn, lol now i know i asked for opinions  and i know what they are worth, but i'm now thinking i need to go pick up a .45 and see how i like it.
before i just dismiss the idea, i guess.
i know it reads like i'm flip flopping, but , thats the reason for this forum isnt it ? lol

[Blackhawker]

A friend has a 44 mag Blackhawk and I have a 45 Blackhawk.  I reload and DO load some fairly stout loads. (255 gr SWC/RNFP @ appx 1100 to 1150 fps)  My friend shoots reoaded 44 mags at near max loads and always uses the 240gr JHP.  We have shot at little targets (prairie dogs) at distances of 100 to 150 yards and compared each of our pistols to each other and have passed them back and forth over and over again.  His 44 shoots a little flatter than my 45 reloads but to me, I don't notice a difference in the way they feel as far as recoil goes.  By the way, both pistols have 7 1/2" barrels.  My friend, on the other hand, says he can't take the beating that my Blackhawk gives him.    

To me, they're pretty close but I know and we both agree that his 44 shoots a little flatter, probably because his 240 grain bullets are going about 200 fps faster than my 255's.  Yes, I can safely load hotter loads to make up the difference but I prefer to keep my Blackhawk working for a long time and not risk wearing it out all the sooner.

Both of these pistols will probably annihilate just about anything under large deer size game at a given distance so I guess it all depends upon what your purpose is; hunting, plinking, getting off on a heavy recoiling gun.    If you want any of the above but you're not a reloader, the choice is simple:  44 mag.  If you reload, there is a lot more versatility to the 45 Colt.

That's my two cents worth....

[jimster]

I have used both 44 mag and 45 Colt in the Blackhawks, I enjoyed shooting them both and handloading for both shooting targets, but in the field I enjoyed the 45 colt more, it was easier on the ears when not having ear protection. Since you handload you could load either caliber how you want, over the years I have settled on the 45 Colt for my favorite at just medium velocities and found the heavy cast bullets go through a lot of things without the high pressures. (a 44 mag will too!) I guess I'm thinking if I want to raise the pressure on the 45. Colt to 44 mag pressures, I might as well be using the 44 mag. I stopped experimenting with the high velocities in 45 Colt some years back, where I live 900 fps max with a 250/255 grain is all I need and it's quite nice to shoot.  I shook a 45 Blackhawk loose years ago with experimenting a whole lot, took about 10 years, Ruger rebuilt it, (for FREE!) after that I decided to cool it. They do make revolvers out there that are made for the high pressures in 45 Colt, but I'm just commenting on the Blackhawks.
Since you handload, it doesn't much matter, just what caliber appeals to you, .429/430 bullets, or 452.     

[Bullseye]

My experience seems to be different from others.  I have went the hot loaded 45 route and never got the accuracy I got from the 44 and I always had terrible case life with some splitting after two loadings.  I always thought the recoil was about the same between the two if the 45's were loaded hot.  As far as noise, I load IMR4227 in my 44's and give up some velocity but they seem a lot milder in the report department to me.

I do still shoot a 45, but just load it to standard levels.

[MikeP]

I handload both, but I don't use maximum loads. I like heavy 300-grain bullets for hunting with both the .44 and .45, and keep my reloads below 1000 fps in these pistols. So, the difference between my .44 magnum and .45 Colt loads is literally about 0.02 of an inch. Otherwise, they both are equally effective on deer, which means, they are very effective on deer.

[Sweetwater]

My wife likes her Bisley Blackhawk 45Colt with a 250gr RNFP at 980fps. and she is deadly with it. She want's nothing to do with my 41mag Bisley Blackhawk, even if I load it under 1000fps - that part is mental, it's a magnum!

You've been around a bit, so this is not all startling new to you. A lot of the guys are going to the rash of new 44spl Blackhawks - can't be for the "extra power". Probably something to do with being "enough" as the 45Colt is already. We get this notion that we need xxxgr bullets at 1800fps or we can't kill a squirell. None of them shoot "flat" in the real sense, and we tend to stretch the distances that we shoot (maybe we don't know that we can get face to face) which supports our belief of the necessary power requirement. In 1935, a 160gr 35cal bullet at around 1500fps would kill anything according to S&W advertising. About 10 years ago, I took my wife antelope hunting with me. She carried a camera and I carried a 1927 Win M94 in  32WSpl and cast bullets (she called them flying wheelweights). She went with me often, but because of the choice of weapon, it should be different.  It was. I got her within 10 yards of antelope time after time. She got lots of film shots. I finally filled my last tag just before dark.

When you take up "hunting" as opposed to "shooting game", it becomes a different ballgame. I would rather have another 45Colt in a Ruger Blackhawk as I believe it is enough and it is easier on me. BUT I LIKE getting in face to face.

[SHOOTALL]

I have never had a problem with brass from either while using hot loads , how hot the 44 mag load is the only one i ever checked . A friend clocked it at over 1700 from a 10.5 inch super Blackhawk . And yes it was over max. and no I won't state load but it was compressed . I shot that load in winter but in summer it was way to hot . And yep it was clocked in summer. And don't waste time saying it should never be tried .
 If no one ever passed the limits we would not have a 44 mag , a 38-44 or 357 mag . Each shooter reloader should stay in his or her comfort zone but don't discount the efforts of others .
 Since you reload the 45 is a great choice . If you seek flat shooting and can put up with weight the Super Redhawk in 454 shooting light bullets is really flat to over 100 yards . That said i find the Redhawk in 45 Colt with 7.5 bbl about the perfect hunting handgun for deer and such. It packs well , has a good sight picture and enough weight to be stable in field positions .

Now for advice - Get both ! why limit yourself ?

[Scibaer]

yeah i really want to try the .45 so i think you all have talked me right into it, lol
 i can keep my .44 mag and get a .45 colt thats a SA, then i got it covered and i can compare them for myself
it may be time for a trip to the gunshop and see whats on the shelf..

[Blackhawker]

yeah i really want to try the .45 so i think you all have talked me right into it, lol
 i can keep my .44 mag and get a .45 colt thats a SA, then i got it covered and i can compare them for myself
it may be time for a trip to the gunshop and see whats on the shelf..

If you already have a 44 mag in a Blackhawk and want to try something different with the 45 Colt, then look into a Bisely or maybe buy a cowboy style 45 Colt in a Ruger Vaquero.  However, if you buy a Vaquero, be wary that the new models are not recommended to fire anything more than factory loads in the 45 Colt.  If you want heavier loads in the cowboy style Ruger Vaquero, you'll have to buy a used Vaquero from at least five years ago, at least.  I don't recall the cut-off year from when they started to make them with the lighter frame so you'll have to do some research on that.  There is also the other option, and that would be a double action Ruger Redhawk but in my thoughts, the 45 Colt is a cowboy round and I cannot think of it fired from anything other than a single action revolver.

Good luck.  If you buy a 45 Colt I know you're gonna love it!

[SHOOTALL]

If you get a blackhawk make sure its not one with alum grip . SS is best . But i suggest a Redhawk as it is said to be stronger .

[Scibaer]

no, my .44 is a Taurus in DA.
 and thats part of this whole thing, is to get a SA ( preferably a Ruger )
i really like the cowboy looking handguns. i do have a ruger new model vaquero in .357mag and just love it
so i am looking for a big brother to that, and was tossing around the idea of getting rid of my taurus and getting another ruger in .45 colt

i argee that the .45colt is  a cowboy rounds and it needs to be run from a single action.
but its sounds like the SAAMI specs are good enough in taking a hog or whitetail if i do my part and i know the rugers will handle that just fine
i'll have to look into the aluminum frame though, i dont know about that

[Scibaer]

does the blued framed blackhawk or supers that are steel have the aluminum frames ?
i wont get a redhawk, nothing wrong with them , but i just want a single action.
well there is a difference between the vaqueros and the new model vaqueros,  the new models are slimmer in design
so maybe a vaquero, is heavier and could take more recoil but the sights are not adjustable
so a blackhawk would be the best choice for hunting i think

[Blackhawker]

no, my .44 is a Taurus in DA.
 and thats part of this whole thing, is to get a SA ( preferably a Ruger )
i really like the cowboy looking handguns. i do have a ruger new model vaquero in .357mag and just love it
so i am looking for a big brother to that, and was tossing around the idea of getting rid of my taurus and getting another ruger in .45 colt

i argee that the .45colt is  a cowboy rounds and it needs to be run from a single action.
but its sounds like the SAAMI specs are good enough in taking a hog or whitetail if i do my part and i know the rugers will handle that just fine
i'll have to look into the aluminum frame though, i dont know about that

Here is a bit of advice that I'd like to offer to you.  A while back I had a 1911 Colt and I got rid of it because I thought I'd replaced the need for it with a different gun.  Well, four or five years down the road I had realized that I still wanted the Colt and by the time I got around to replacing it, a Colt 1911 was WAY out of my price range.  Even though I've bought another 1911, I'm still kicking myself for getting rid of that old thing.  
OK, here is the advice:  DONT GET RID OF ANY GUN!  You're sure to regret it.  Unless you replace that DA Taurus with a S&W or Ruger DA .44, (or of the near alike) you'll regret getting rid of it.
Just hang onto it (if you financially are able to do so).  You can always sell it later when you are sure it's the right thing to do.  It's probably never a good idea to sell one in trade for another.  
Just something to think about.....

[Blackhawker]

does the blued framed blackhawk or supers that are steel have the aluminum frames ?
i wont get a redhawk, nothing wrong with them , but i just want a single action.
well there is a difference between the vaqueros and the new model vaqueros,  the new models are slimmer in design
so maybe a vaquero, is heavier and could take more recoil but the sights are not adjustable
so a blackhawk would be the best choice for hunting i think

If you're hunting I'd recommend the Blackhawk.  I have a stainless Vaquero.  It's a beautiful gun and quite accurate but the sights reflect off of the sun and I can't hit a barn door in direct sunlight with it.  (well, I can....just making a point here)
I believe the Super Blackhawks all have steel frames.  I believe that the new(est) model Blackhawks have aluminum frames, but I may be wrong on that.  I think that if you buy yourself a new stainless steel Blackhawk, the frame should be steel.  (I'm not an expert on this though so you might want to do some checking on that)
As for the Vaquero, I'd recommend looking for an older model for the 45 Colt, in the case that you want to fire some higher pressure loads.  DON'T fire high pressure loads through a newer Vaquero!
Again, I am not sure of the exact year when they made the change to the lighter frame in the Vaquero.

It's not that helpful but I hope I helped you a little....at least got your steered in the right direction of where to look.  Hopefully anyway   

[SHOOTALL]

The older Blackhawks in blue had alum grip frames , Super Blackhawks had steel and SS guns had SS .

[blue roan]

I have Original Size VAQUEROS/BISLEY VAQUEROS and their adjustable sight cousins.  I like the weight and size of the VAQUEROs in 357 and 44.

BUT you might consider a 50th Anniversary 44 FLAT TOP...there some available at CDN and clean used ones have gone about $350 on gunbroker.  It carries a bit easier than a SUPER BLACK HAWK but is still all steel.  I'd buy one...if the price was right...and then install a HUNTER or DRAGOON grip frame when Jim Stroh (ALPHA PRECISION) was doing a trigger job.  The SUPER in 5.5 inch barrel and stainless is also a favorite...with either a DRAGOON/HUNTER grip frame or a BISLEY.

[Lloyd Smale]

First as to safety. Ive been loading heavy 45s for rugers for probably 20 years and theres many many others who also have done this. It is completely safe as long as you have any semblance of common sense. If your dumb enough that you wont mark ammo that is gun specific then you dont belong handloading period. I used to run 45s to levels i wont even say here. Well above what even is recomended for large framed rugers and never had a problem. Anymore i dont load even 44s up to the hilt. Mostly my heavy loads in 45s and 44 are something like a 300 at 1100fps. Its not that i dont think the guns are capable its just i never seen where loads heavier then that killed any bettter. Personaly i prefer a 44 and the only reason is ive had better luck in accuracy with all the 44 guns ive owned compared to the 45colt guns. If i had to go down to one revolver it would no doubt be some kind of a 44 mag.

[Gene R]

In reality, you can compare handgun hunting to archery....

Really experienced archers can kill deer out to 70 yards, but most are killed under 40 (actually more like 15 yards)

And we are talking SA unscoped handguns, most of us (me) have accuracy limits that keeps me shooting under 50 yards with iron sighted handguns. With that being said, the reality of it all is that either the 45 or 44 will kill anything from grizzley to chipmunks (supposing that you are stand hunting and not trying to stap a charge) with out pushing any limits of any sort as long as you choose the proper bullet.

My first deer with a handgun was a doe about 40 or 45 yards with a 45lc using cheap 200gr hp's, she didnt make it 10 steps. Couple months later, I took 2 hogs, 140lb at about 25 yards and 200lb at about 40 yards if memory serves me correct, I was using 250gr speer hp's at 950fps. Neither hog made it more than 20 yards.

I do recommend cast bullets from 250 to 300gr at 1000-1100 but the fact is 900-950fps with these bullest of this caliber will kill anything that needs to be dead at reasonable ranges.

When I feel that I will be shooting farther than that I will use a rifle, If I am close quarters and fear that I will have to stop a charge to save my self I'll use a shotgun...

[Scibaer]

i starting to get the picture.
 and really what i am learning , is that i can slow down my .44mag and use a lighter powder charge and still hunt and be effective
ie, if the .45 colt will take any game that i hunt , at ranges i hunt at, then i can load the .44 to those same weights and speeds, or at least comparable weights and speeds and be just as effective.
right around a 240 grain bullet that runs about 950 fps seems to be the ticket here, wether its a .44 or .45