Almost all the .44 mag rifles I've seen will not stabalize bullets over 300 gr. Because they are 1:38 or 1:20 twist instead of 1:16 or better.
For thr best all around versitility, I'd go with the .45 LC especially if you reload. Otherwise, go with the .357/.38 Special. BTW, you might want to reconsider a SA instead of a DA revolver. I've got a Blackhawk .357/.38 Special/9mm convertable that I'd keep over all my other revolvers. Besides, you'd also have almost enough guns to do Cowboy Action.
Heavy .45 Colt +P
Item 3A: 325 gr. L.B.T.- L.F.N. (1325 fps / M.E. 1267 ft. lbs.)
(Big game up to 1000 lbs.) Per Box of 50
$72.75
Order Now! Per Box of 20
$33.95
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Item 3B: 300 gr. Speer J.F.N. (1325 fps / M.E. 1170 ft. lbs.)
(Big game up to 1000 lbs.) Per Box of 50
$72.75
Order Now! Per Box of 20
$33.95
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Item 3C: 260 gr. J.H.P. (1450 fps / M.E. 1214 ft. lbs.)
(Big game up to 350 lbs.) Per Box of 50
$72.75
Order Now! Per Box of 20
$33.95
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Item 3D: 300 gr. Speer J.F.N. (1200 fps / M.E. 959 ft. lbs.)
(Loaded to shorter length 1.585 inch specifically for Freedom
Arms Model 97 .45 Colt - Big game up to 800 lbs.) Per Box of 50
$72.75
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These Heavy .45 Colt +P loads are safe in all LARGE FRAME Ruger revolvers.
(includes Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, all pre-2005 Vaquero, Bisley, Redhawk)
These Heavy .45 Colt +P loads are NOT intended for the New Model Vaquero (small frame).
These loads are also safe in all modern Model 1892 leverguns
as well as all Winchester & Marlin 1894's
Heavy .44 Magnum
Item 4A: 305 gr. L.B.T.- L.F.N. (1325 fps / M.E. 1189 ft. lbs.)
(Big game up to 1000 lbs.) Per Box of 50
$72.75
Order Now! Per Box of 20
$33.95
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Item 4B: 300 gr. Speer J.F.N. (1300 fps / M.E. 1126 ft. lbs.)
(Big game up to 1000 lbs.) Per Box of 50
$72.75
Order Now! Per Box of 20
$33.95
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Item 4C: 270 gr. Speer Uni Core. (1450 fps / M.E. 1260 ft. lbs.)
(Big game up to 800 lbs.) Per Box of 50
$72.75
Order Now! Per Box of 20
$33.95
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Exterior Ballistics
Item 4A 100yds (0) 150yds (-9) 200yds (-27) 250yds (-53)
Item 4B 100yds (0) 150yds (-10) 200yds (-27) 250yds (-54)
Item 4C 100yds (0) 150yds (-8) 200yds (-22) 250yds (-45)
.44 Magnum +P+
Item 4D: 340 gr. LBT-LFN GC . (1478 fps / M.E. 1649 ft. lbs.)
Per Box of 20
$35.16
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NEW HEAVY 44 MAGNUM +P+
This new load is designed for only certain revolvers that have the cylinder length to handle it. They are as follows. Ruger Red Hawk, Ruger Super Red Hawk, Ruger Super Blackhawk or Vaquero, Freedom Arms Model 83, Taurus Raging Bull and Dan Wesson Revolvers. Suitable rifles include T/C Encore, "modified" Marlin 1894, Winchester 1894, any rifle with a falling block action and the Handi Rifle.
What do we mean above by “modified” Marlin? Marlin (for an unknown, not well thought out reason) is using a very slow rate of twist (1/38 inches) on their 1894 chambered in 44 mag. Because of this slow rate of twist, the heaviest bullet that the factory Marlin will stabilize is about 270grs. Other firearm makers that chamber for the 44 mag all use a much faster rate of twist so that their guns will stabilize and therefore accurately shoot bullets over 300grs. Many folks today want their 44 magnums to be able to utilize the heavy 300gr. and heavier bullets—Marlin has not figured this out. If you want decent accuracy out of our new +p+ load in a Marlin, it will need to be rebarreled with a twist rate of roughly 1/20 inch. I have Dave Clay rebarrel all my Marlin 1894’s with a faster twist barrel. A 44 magnum that wont accurately shoot 300gr. or heavier bullets is useless to me. Call him at 817-783-6099 for pricing.
This load brings a level of power to the 44 mag. that has never before been known.
The below velocities tell the story.
5.5 inch factory stock Red Hawk--1401 fps
7.5 inch factory stock Red Hawk--1478 fps
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#45colt