Why 44 Mag over 45 Colt?

[35 Whelen]

35 Whelen,

I agree with everything you said, and I wasn't trying to introduce an idea that was unheard of or anything. What I was trying to do was point out that low pressure really isn't particularly desirable or useful to the shooter.



kludge,

Linebaugh has some data for the 260gr weight towards the bottom.
http://www.customsixguns.com/writings/dissolving_the_myth.htm

Eldon, I totally missed the link in your post. So far I've read down to the data and so far I really enjoy the article! I think it lays to rest much of the BS regarding the 45 Colt. I'm anxious to finish the article.

Let me just say I own a 45 Colt, a Colt clone, and while I enjoy shooting it once in a blue moon, I have no visions of ever using for anything other than plinking. My Flat Top .44 Special and my handloads give me all the power I could ever want.

35W

 

[USSR]

Have those loads been pressure tested, or are the CUP numbers a calculated guess?

The 16gr start 18gr max load for a 255gr is one that I've seen in various places, but that might be a 25kpsi load.

Yes, John pressure tested the loads he listed. I have personally used his 13.0gr HS-6 load with my cast 265gr SWC HP bullet as well as his 18.0gr load of 2400 (my deer load) with the same bullet in my S&W 25-5. I have spoken with him on several occasions, and his load data is solid.

Don

 

[YZ]

I've been reading a bit about big-bore revolvers, and a question has formed in my mind. Why would one choose a revolver in .44 magnum a similarly-modern one in .45 colt? It appears that modern .45's can safely tolerate loads that easily match or even exceed what .44's can do, all while affording the possibility of an even larger (weight AND diameter) projectile.

So far, I can only think of two reasons:

1. If you don't handload/reload, you're stuck with .45 Colt cartridges designed to be safe in SAA's and which are well back of the .44 magnum.
2. If you plan to use the gun for "social" purposes as well as woods/hunting use, .44 specials are probably easier to use with a speedloader due to their shorter length.

Any other reasons? What am I missing?

A less known reason is that you can shoot 44 Russian. It has the lowest recoil you can possibly get out of a 44 Magnum revolver. Another option during the ammo shortage also.

 

[CraigC]

Linebaugh's loads are well-tested and well-proven. Use them with confidence.