Author Topic: splitting hairs (Read 714 times)

.44splx2 · « **on:** November 22, 2005, 10:53:09 AM »

Yes, I searched. I know that the .45 Long Colt can be found/loaded beyond the .44 mag. My question is......how does the .45 Colt compare to the .44 spl regarding accuracy and performance at the lower end of the scale? I know the .44 spl is inherently accurate. How about the comparison regarding a self defense round?
Thanks, be safe!

jro45 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 23, 2005, 02:22:26 AM »

That is wrong. The 45 LC can not be loaded beyond the 44 Mag. If both have a 7.5" barrel. The 44 can get MAX 1530 fps. The 45 can get MAX 1450 fps. Now if you have longer barrels that may change the fps.

MS Hitman · « **Reply #2 on:** November 23, 2005, 02:57:39 AM »

Actually, in "identical" revolvers; the .45 Colt can be loaded heavier than a .44 Magnum. I have some pressure data from John Linebaugh and Hogdon that indicates a .45 Colt can move a similar weight bullet to a .44 Magnum at slightly lower pressures with about half the barrel length. The .44 Magnum generally has to work 4,000-5,000 psi harder to acheive similar velocities.

Now, theory and reality being what they are, you did not state what you intend to do. If you are hunting deer or bear and nothing larger, either will do just fine without loading heavy. Each firearm is a law unto itself and some shoot accurately across the entire power spectrum. Others may shoot more accurately on one end or the other. There are several variables that influence accuracy; not the least of which do not pertain to loads but shooter technique.

If your game is shooting big heavy slugs, I'd say go up in caliber and not powder charge.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 23, 2005, 11:25:07 AM »

Quote from: .44splx2

Yes, I searched. I know that the .45 Long Colt can be found/loaded beyond the .44 mag. My question is......how does the .45 Colt compare to the .44 spl regarding accuracy and performance at the lower end of the scale? I know the .44 spl is inherently accurate. How about the comparison regarding a self defense round?
Thanks, be safe!

The 45 Long Colt can be loaded to around 44 Mag levels, but not loaded beyond. Also any of the rounds you mentioned would work as a self defence round. Also what are you planning on using it as a defence round for, man or animal??

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 23, 2005, 02:12:56 PM »

I'm not sure where you guys are getting that the 45 CAN'T be loaded beyond 44 levels. It's simple arithmetic, a matter of case capacity and bullet weight, and you can set a 44 case inside a 45 and ring it like a bell and use about equal bullet weights. Not many companys making pistols in 45 that will take the pressures perhaps and I have no arguement with that, but load them both to equal pressures and equal bullet weights and there is going to be a significant difference in the velocities. MS Hitman is correct with the information given.

myronman3 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 24, 2005, 03:07:10 AM »

Quote

Not many companys making pistols in 45 that will take the pressures perhaps and I have no arguement with that

i do. ruger super redhawk, ruger blackhawk, superblackhawk hunter,
freedom arms, thompson center contender and encore, taurus raging bull.

the 45 colt will not only match 44 magnum velocities in the appropriate pistol, it will do so at lower pressure levels.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 24, 2005, 04:10:33 AM »

Quote from: myronman3

Quote
Not many companys making pistols in 45 that will take the pressures perhaps and I have no arguement with that

i do. ruger super redhawk, ruger blackhawk, superblackhawk hunter,
freedom arms, thompson center contender and encore, taurus raging bull.

the 45 colt will not only match 44 magnum velocities in the appropriate pistol, it will do so at lower pressure levels.

LOL, I'm just trying to be nice cause it's Thanksgiving and you aren't letting me!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 24, 2005, 05:33:01 AM »

Quote from: myronman3

Quote
Not many companys making pistols in 45 that will take the pressures perhaps and I have no arguement with that

i do. ruger super redhawk, ruger blackhawk, superblackhawk hunter,
freedom arms, thompson center contender and encore, taurus raging bull.

the 45 colt will not only match 44 magnum velocities in the appropriate pistol, it will do so at lower pressure levels.

I agree with you on all accounts. I just don't think the 45 L/C will surpass the 44MAG. Equal, yes..

myronman3 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 24, 2005, 05:43:29 AM »

the way i see it, i consider them equal. there are ways to beef both of them up to amazing power levels, so in essence, it is a draw in my book.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 24, 2005, 05:17:50 PM »

Quote from: myronman3

the way i see it, i consider them equal. there are ways to beef both of them up to amazing power levels, so in essence, it is a draw in my book.

It is scary, I am again agreeing with you here. :-D

jro45 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 25, 2005, 02:48:00 AM »

Quote from: Redhawk1

Quote from: myronman3
the way i see it, i consider them equal. there are ways to beef both of them up to amazing power levels, so in essence, it is a draw in my book.

It is scary, I am again agreeing with you here. :-D

I can see how two different calibers could be loaded to shoot a same bullet weight in two different guns when each gun is an indiviual to go as high as it can with braking up but I don't want to do that. There are certain people that do that stuff with test guns. Not me I shoot whats in the load books.

myronman3 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 25, 2005, 04:36:49 AM »

i agree with you, but we are talking about capability here. my 44 freedom arms is capable of a higher power level, but i dont need it, so i load to the level i need.

keep in mind, no one is talking about pushing the guns to the point they fail. the point is that the 44 and the 45 colt are pretty much neck in neck in regards to safe power levels.

MS Hitman · « **Reply #12 on:** November 25, 2005, 05:52:16 AM »

I am not advocating heavier than necessary loading, much less firewalling a firearm. I'm at the point that if I need more "horsepower", I just go to a larger caliber.

What I can't finish with either the 475 or 500 Linebaughs should probably never have been started.

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #13 on:** November 25, 2005, 09:33:35 AM »

Has been great reading guys.
Please add one more in favor of the larger caliber for more power.
As slight as it may be, I think it puts the .45 ahead of the .44

De41mag · « **Reply #14 on:** November 25, 2005, 03:20:32 PM »

44splx2;

I think the 44spl. has an edge as far as accuracy and since the case is shorter it will fit in a smaller gun. If you can remember the Charter Arms Bulldog that was chambered in the 44spl.
Also you can load a 44spl. with a 250-SWC-Keith bullet at about 900 to 1000fps. And you can get that round loaded commerically in a 44spl. Or the Cor-Bon load, a 165gr bullet in 44spl. moving at 1150fps.
So bullet size from .4295 or .430 to .452 is not much, especally on the reciving end, they will never know the difference.
Just my 2 cents.

Dennis