New Revolver?

[CraigC]

To the OP, I would highly suggest putting alot of miles on a .44Mag or two before venturing into anything bigger. I'm a big bore nut and have been shooting the cartridge for 20yrs and have yet to "master" it. Properly loaded, there is very little that it cannot accomplish.

One, .45 Colt brass can't handle Casull pressure levels or even hot .44 mag pressures.

There is nothing weak about the .45 case. Dick Casull developed the .454 in .45 cases. Think 260's@2000fps in a custom fivegun. He was also an accomplished gunsmith and went from highly modified Colt SAA's with five-shot cylinders and special heat treating to building complete guns from scratch. Today, custom five-shot Rugers are routinely run at 50-55,000psi without incident. There is no issue with .45 cases, it's a myth that won't die.

That said, in a six-shot Ruger, the .45 does NOT shade the .44Mag. The two are very similar, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

1000 fps and 265 gr. doesn't sound like an original load to me. It sounds AWFULLY hot for a 120 year old Colt Single Action Army revolver!

Original blackpowder ballistics were a 255gr swaged bullet at no less than 950fps. Modern SAA's are capable of 1050-1100fps with a 250-270gr cast bullet.

 

[USSR]

Originally Posted by USSR
+1. With 265gr cast HP .454" diameter bullets at 800 - 1000fps, what more is really needed?

Quote:1000 fps and 265 gr. doesn't sound like an original load to me. It sounds AWFULLY hot for a 120 year old Colt Single Action Army revolver!

Well, that's why I gave you a range of "800 - 1000fps". I've got a S&W 25-5, and have no concern with running them up to the pressure rating for the .45 ACP +P ammo (23k) that the S&W 25-2 is rated for.

Don

 

[Jonah71]

Single action though for a defense gun? I'm not so sure that is a good idea. Double actions are much quicker.

I saw the "person enjoyment and shooting" part of the post more than personal protection. I wouldn't carry a single action revolver in the city myself, but would be quite comfortable with one if I still hiked and spent time in the woods. The main reason I sold mine was that I don't reload and I can't really afford the 45acp/45LC rounds on my 2-3+ times a week to the range.

 

[jgiehl]

I'm with CraigC.
Especially if it's your first big bore, go with the 44.
But regardless of what is purchased, hiking requires a good holster to take the weight off. And as I've said numerous times here in this forum, the holster I have is made by Diamond D holsters here in Alaska. Don't get me wrong they're not cheap. But after five minutes of wearing a 5" 629 (not the heaviest) I don't even know it's there.
Well made holster, tough, durable, and very nice looking.

http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Chest_Holsters.php

 

[Stainz]

I'll suggest a different 'big-bore'... .45 ACP! I started my revolver life with a Ruger convertible Blackhawk in .45 ACP & Colt - mainly because I had a bunch of .45 ACP ball ammo to shoot up - but I had to 'try' .45 Colt - oops! Still not a bad choice, but I am going to go a different route - .45 ACP DA capable - like a S&W 25 or 625; the currently available 4" 625JM being an excellent choice.

Why? It is a big bore - and it does offer some recoil - more than a similar weight/barrel length semi-auto, as there is no mechanism to absorb any recoil. It is also frugal to plink with - WallyWorld, et al, still carry UMC 250 packs of 230gr FMJ - for $85-$90. The .45 ACP's load in moonclips - which are reasonable. You want some .45 Colt-ish loads? Find some .45 Auto Rims - no 'clips needed. Just a thought.

I have two 629's - a 4" & 6" - and two 4" 625MG's in .45 Colt - as well as an early 4" 625JM. The latter will be here when the others are gone. Just a thought.

Stainz

 

[CarolinaJack88]

I have considered a revolver in .45acp. I shoot a pistol in that regularly and have often considered picking one up so I can double utilize ammo. Thanks for the suggestion

 

[StrawHat]

A 45 ACP revolver is a good choice. I have a 4" N frame and have come to prefer the skinny barrel over the heavier ones. For me a better balanced revolver and it handles nicely. And if you handload, you expand your ammo choices.

 

[murf]

i don't think a 45acp is enough for black bear. if you prefer da, then get a 6" m29 or 629. they are lighter than the redhawks and handle any kind of 44 special or 44magnum load that is legal to shoot. imop

murf

 

[Walking Dead]

Been looking at the same options. I am looking at the Taurus revolvers because of the past experience I have had with them and a great value. The bitter root valley ammo at cheaper than dirt is very affordable too. 50 rounds of .44 mag for $26 and .454 for $40 for 50.

 

[OldCavSoldier]

Only because I am trying to colsolidate my calibers, I went with a Ruger in .45 LC. I love shooting mine. I can reload with the same slugs I use for my .45ACP for range work, and then, for field work, I can load up my cast and hardened (with gas check) 255grain SWC (out the muzzle at 1050 fps). I think THAT would take care of most angry critters that I would come up against.

If you do not reload, I think the guys who recommend a 4-inch .44Mag DA revolver are probably spot-on.

 

[StrawHat]

Anytime you push a 240+ grain cast bullet at t 900 fps you have a load that qualifies as a big bore. Lots of cartridges make the cut.