That is some real cosmic fate for sure.Alaska444
do you realize that was you 444th post!?!? and mine after yours was my
444th!!?!? its fate, we now have to go hunting together!
That is some real cosmic fate for sure.Alaska444
do you realize that was you 444th post!?!? and mine after yours was my
444th!!?!? its fate, we now have to go hunting together!
You gotta love that .444 Marlin. It has a life of its own. Talk about a cosmic fate.Alaska444
do you realize that was you 444th post!?!? and mine after yours was my
444th!!?!? its fate, we now have to go hunting together!
That's a myth. Comparable loads will have comparable recoil. A 250gr bullet at 1200fps is going to feel the same, whether it comes from a .44Mag or a .45Colt. The only difference is perception.......and Linebaugh's famous sales pitch.I'm a big fan of the .45 Colt and feel it can do most of what a .44 Magnum can do but with less recoil.
That's a little contradictory. You can handload either cartridge to comparable levels..45 Colt because I reload and because I didn't enjoy shooting .44 Magnums.
The 25-5 is NOT suitable for hot loads!
In reality the Model 25-5 is about 80% as strong as the Model 29 in the cylinder area. The frames are the same and are designed for a 40,000 psi load level even though we know this is a bit more than they are happy with. It's too bad S&W built a 40,000 psi cylinder and installed it in a 30,000 psi frame, so to speak. (note: since this writing S&W has worked on the problem of the cylinder unlatching and rolling back under recoil after it gets a bit worn) [Edit: He's referring to the endurance package that S&W completed by 1990.] The 25-5 in .45 Colt is safe to 80% of the 40,000 psi of the .44 Magnum Model 29. This allows a load of 32,000 psi in this frame. I have shot hundreds of the 32,000 psi class loads listed at the beginning of this article in several Model 25-5's. Recoil is heavy due to the S&W "hump" on the grip, but I do not see these loads as being dangerous in this fine gun. I do consider 32,000 to be ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM for this gun and prefer to hold my personal loads to 5% under those listed loads for approximately 25,000 psi. I carry a S&W 4" in .45 Colt daily and shoot a 260 gr. Keith at 900 fps for general duty. When I saddle up and go into the hills I pack the same gun with a 310 gr. NEI Keith over 23 gr. H-110. This gives me about 1080 fps and all the punch I need for anything on our mountain. As with any gun and load data, work up carefully. I assume responsibility only for the ammo I myself assemble
David E,
Google John Linebaugh and S&W 25-5. There is quite a bit of space between .45LC cowboy loads and Ruger only loads.
Don
Get you a 45 colt and then you would have both
Are you suggesting that he shoot 44 magnum rounds from a 45 Colt?
That would NOT be very smart.
The pressure generated from a 44 mag round can be as high as 36,000 PSI
45 Colt rounds go up to 14,000 (per SAAMI specs)
Even the "Ruger Only" Loads go to 25,000 CUP
.45 Colt because I reload and because I didn't enjoy shooting .44 Magnums.
That's a little contradictory. You can handload either cartridge to comparable levels.
+1, agree completely.This topic surfaces quite often. The most convincing argument IMO: If you reload= either, if you don't= 44.
You don't HAVE to load the .44Mag to .44Mag levels. Unique goes into a .44Mag case just as easily as it does a .45Colt case. Only you'll need less of it to reach the same velocities.I don't load to .44 Magnum levels.
Sounds like a big bear.Very informative posts.
What I'm taking away from this is that blackies don't require APFSDS(antitank) rounds. Moderate loads in either 44 mag or 45 colt will get it done. After all, once a bullet exits the critter any additional energy is wasted. This brings the choice more down to the gun. My 629 is a 6". Seems to me a 4" is a better choice in this situation, Faster draw and easier handling, particularly on the ground pinned under a bear.
On the other hand, it's not inconceivable that I could find myself in the Montana woods where Griz can happen. Blackhawks can handle either round loaded heavy but are S/A and I think that the extra step of cocking the hammer for each shot could be a be problem. However, what about the Redhawk 4" in 45 Colt? Anybody have experience with them?
As to pepper spray, remember, this bear stalked me. There was no huffing or jaw slapping. He was just suddenly there. At that range pepper spray would have impacted me as well. Even if he was driven off, is it ethical to let him escape to probably do that again?
To answer the question about the bear's size/weight, I was on my knees inside my van, looking out the side door window and his back came close to the window bottom. I didn't havr to look down much.
I don't disagree with your concern and hope I don't get that kind of encounter myself, but just playing the devils advocate that you know the police and F&G will spin that type of encounter.ALASKA444
Given that he was standing right where I was less than a second before I think the provocation aspect would have been covered.
I don't disagree with your concern and hope I don't get that kind of encounter myself, but just playing the devils advocate that you know the police and F&G will spin that type of encounter.
I think it is hard to tell whether it is just a habituated bear with no fear or whether you aborted an attack. In such a case, you would have to prove it was an actual attack especially if you discharged a weapon inside of city limits which is illegal just about anywhere you go. Just saying, not really disagreeing or taking any issue of your rightful concern.
God bless,
Alaska444
It is silly to be in bear country without lethal deterrence of some sort. I believe the video you are talking about took over 30 minutes for the predatory stalking black bear to give up only after the man swam to another person in a canoe. He was fortunate to make it out alive. I bet he trades the cell phone for a hand gun next time.Also have to add that the previous post applies to that particular situation: pitch black night, unfamiliar ground, my wife in the van behind me with no other exit. Otherwise, retreat and yell could also be a good option. Thing is, I saw a vid of an encounter with a blackie a man alone took with his cell. He retreated and yelled and the bear just followed him for a good ways before finally giving up. What if he had come to an obstacle? Better to have a gun and not need it....