44 Magnum or 45 Long Colt in Lever Gun?

[chauncey]

I am not really a Lever Gun or Revolver shooter.

I have a few 44 Magnum double-action revolvers.

I am getting ready to buy a Ruger 45acp/45LC convertible Blackhawk. Mainly for plinking, but maybe someday SASS.

I want to get a Lever Gun in 44 Magnum OR 45 Long Colt. Most likely a new-production Marlin.

I have started to reload in the last year, but only in 45acp and 10mm. That is part of the reason I am getting a convertible Blackhawk. It is my understanding that the Blackhawk I am buying is not suitable for "Ruger Only" loads, so this isn't a consideration, at least for the Blackhawk, but if the rifle is capable of "Ruger Only" loads, that might be a consideration.


Intended uses:

1. Plinking for me, and my pre-teen daughter. Her previous centerfire rifle experience is an AR

2. Deer Hunting

3. Possible future SASS use

Please limit your responses to discussion of Lever Guns in these 2 calibers.
Thank you in advance for your input!

[Gunsnwater]

Better selection of loads on 44. Lots of overpriced 45 lead cowboy action. 45 ones have leverevolution, or however it is spelled. 44 is better for deer in general.

[DonBiase]

Better selection of loads on 44. Lots of overpriced 45 lead cowboy action. 45 ones have leverevolution, or however it is spelled. 44 is better for deer in general.

+1

[bluetrane2028]

I've read a few times that .357/.38 is best for SASS, because it helps keep ammo cost down at matches.

Of the two you are deciding between, .44 gets my vote.

[gghbi]

If I recall correctly, the Ruger only appellation does not apply to rifles because of their stronger construction. It is intended to protect you from over pressurizing the cylinder in a revolver which is much thinner.

[Hokkmike]

Odd coincidence - but I just saw a lever action in LC today at one of my LGS!

[brian]

44mag is a decent carbine round...you can really turn them up.
i like the henrys, they're buttery smooth and just work.

[Pilot321]

If you reload, .45 Colt, if not .44 Mag. I like the .45 Colt for both the SAA and carbine.

[Delkal]

Why wouldn't your Blackhawk be suitable for Ruger only loads? The Blackhawk was the pistol stat started Ruger only loads. AFAIK the .45 and 45LC shoot the same diameter bullet. .452 and I don't think the frame is lighter. Imagine the liability for Ruger if this was true.

The bigger diameter bullet is why I would choose the 45 LC if you reload. Especially if you like hard cast heavy bullets (I do). A .44 mag does not mean its a .44 bullet. Its only .429.

For heavy duty pistol loads I like to poke the biggest hole I can with the heaviest cast bullet and a big striking surface. A .45 caliber hard cast bullet with the 300 grain Lee wide metplat at 1300 FPS (out of a 7 1/2 inch barrel) will do a lot of damage. It can exceed the energy of a .44. Add a few hundred FPS using a rifle and it will take the big stuff.

[chauncey]

Why wouldn't your Blackhawk be suitable for Ruger only loads? The Blackhawk was the pistol stat started Ruger only loads. AFAIK the .45 and 45LC shoot the same diameter bullet. .452 and I don't think the frame is lighter. Imagine the liability for Ruger if this was true.

The bigger diameter bullet is why I would choose the 45 LC if you reload. Especially if you like hard cast heavy bullets (I do). A .44 mag does not mean its a .44 bullet. Its only .429.

For heavy duty pistol loads I like to poke the biggest hole I can with the heaviest cast bullet and a big striking surface. A .45 caliber hard cast bullet with the 300 grain Lee wide metplat at 1300 FPS (out of a 7 1/2 inch barrel) will do a lot of damage. It can exceed the energy of a .44. Add a few hundred FPS using a rifle and it will take the big stuff.

I did some reading on this on the net and also on the Buffalo Bore website. Not all Blackhawks are same anymore.