45LC vs 357mag

[papa_bear]

I can't figure out why the better revolver cartridges are harder to find and way more expensive. For hunting and self defense the 45 colt is superior. Not to mention the versatility of the round. It can match 44 special upto 44 mag ballistics with an extra .025 in diameter (depending on the gun). not to mention blast and recoil are significantly reduced. Try shooting a j frame 357 with no ear plugs. i promise you will never do that again. I tried that one time. I almost dropped the gun on the ground. I thought my ears were bleeding.

I also think the 41mag is superior to the 357. just to much money and ammo is scarce.

The only revolver cartridge i own is 357 and I feel it is plenty for SD. Just not the best.

 

[CraigC]

My point was that the .45Colt's resurgence came about LOOOOONG before the Taurus Judge was introduced. The round's place in history was cemented well before those saggy britches boys bought their ammo. In the end the silly little Judge will just be a footnote and those of us who were already shooting the .45Colt will continue on, unimpeded. Perhaps the difference here is one of perspective.

 

[CraigC]

can match 44 special upto 44 mag ballistics with an extra .3 in diameter.

Depends on the platform. In the imminently packable mid-frame guns like the Colt SAA and its replicas, mid-frame Blackhawks, etc. the .44Spl has a clear advantage over the terribly inefficient .45Colt. Not to mention the clear advantage the .44Mag has in N-frames.

I think you mean a .02" advantage. I have many other thoughts on the .44 vs. .45 debate but that's a discussion for another thread.

 

[fmcdave]

I have a .45LC Taurus snub nose 5 shot revolver that I carry in the car and a S&W Mountain Gun in .45LC. The Taurus is not terribly accurate, but I consider it a huge deterrent ... just looking at those .45 LC hollowpoints is pretty discouraging. It is accurate enough for a car gun.

The S&W mountain gun is the most accurate pistol I own (and I have a lot). I carry it when out hiking and such. There are bear loads which approach the effectiveness of a .44mag.

 

[papa_bear]

I think you mean a .02" advantage. I have many other thoughts on the .44 vs. .45 debate but that's a discussion for another thread.

I stand corrected
Typo. I left out the zero. The real difference is in the middle. .025 I was off by .005

 

[Gryffydd]

The Taurus is not terribly accurate, but I consider it a huge deterrent ... just looking at those .45 LC hollowpoints is pretty discouraging.

Can you even see those things hiding away back in that mile long cylinder?

And now that someone mentioned the .41 Mag--if versatility were the sole reason to pick a caliber the .41 would sure as heck be more popular.

 

[Oyeboten]

The difference in diameter of 44 Magnum, and, 45 Colt, can be as much as .028

.44 Magnum Cartridge Case Neck diameter OD is usually about .457, which is what my .45 Colts have for a major Barrel ID Diameter.


Never had a .44 Magnum to compare, but I am sure I would like them if I did.

.45 Colt is very likable anyway...and being usually a low pressure round, is overall very friendly and has a lot of power for anything which one wishes to address with it.

 

[snooperman]

" I can't figure out why the better cartriges are harder to find and more expensive"

It is easy to figure out. They are not used as much as the 357 magnum and are not as "VERSATILE " either. Read the latest issue of Guns and ammo, It states "No other revolver is more versatile than the 357 magnum". Millions own them and shoot them and carry them, that is why the ammo is cheaper. That is why I have to reload my 45 long colt. It just is not as popular with the general public and because we like it so does not make it so.

 

[Prosser]

Both.

 

[Mr. T]

The Ruger GP-100 in .357 Mag. It's a beautiful revolver. It's simplicity and ruggedness accompanied by it's accuracy to me, make this a very effective tool. My Ruger has the 6 inch barrel.

 

[CraigC]

The real difference is in the middle. .025 I was off by .005

In modern terms it is really .022 as 'most' modern guns are designed to handle .429" and .451" jacketed projectiles or add .001" for cast bullets. Not that the difference amounts to a hill of beans.

 

[papa_bear]

In modern terms it is really .022 as 'most' modern guns are designed to handle .429" and .451" jacketed projectiles or add .001" for cast bullets. Not that the difference amounts to a hill of beans.

I believe the 45 colt is .454

 

[Gryffydd]

I believe the 45 colt is .454

Modern guns are usually .452.

 

[CraigC]

Yep, Colt's might still have oversized chamber mouths and shoot best with .454's but the bore is sized for .451" jacketed or .452" cast bullets. It's immaterial anyway, because the guns strong enough to be relevant to the discussion are Rugers and they are certainly not sized for .454's. The bore will swage them down to .451" anyway. All tangent and moot any way you look at it.

 

[Grey Morel]

I think the 45 Colt is a far more versatile cartridge when used in modern revolves.