I am thinking of buying either 44 Long Colt or 41 Mag or even a 44 Special. Which one is the most versatile when it comes to reloading. Anything from target practice, self defense loads, to field gun to ward off unwelcomed critters!!
41 MAG 45 LONG COLT
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sunday bill
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45 LC and 44 Spec are my two favorite handgun calibers. Either caliber is versatile and in the right handgun, either will do anything I require of a sidearm.
Mule88
Member
Either would be good, if your reloading the .41 may be more versatile, but I have a soft spot for the .44 Special.
Dan Cash
Member
I have all three calibers in S&W format. If you are handloading and casting, the .41 would get my nod. It does every thing the designers claimed; a very powerful magnum that is powerful and pleasant to shoot when downloaded. I use a LBT mould that gives a 250 + bullet for the .41.
The .45 Colt and .44 Special are also excellent cartridges but in a S&W, the .41 is a bit more flexible.
The .45 Colt and .44 Special are also excellent cartridges but in a S&W, the .41 is a bit more flexible.
surveyor47
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If you want Magnum Performance, buy a Magnum Gun. S&Ws are not Rugers. S&Ws work fine with any SAAMI compliant load, but if you are considering Magnum type loadings such as are freuently used in Rugers, think again. Your S&W is an older design and not built to the tank like standards of Rugers. For a S&W I would stick with ammo that is very close to factory ammo spec. For the 45 Colt and 44 Special, that means a velocity limit of about 950 fps. For a 41 Magnum, that means a velocity limit of about 1350 fps. Target loads in the 41 Magnum run about 800 to 950 fps. The 41 Magnum tends to be extremely accurate and guns have a long life.
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i reload for them all...for me it's the 41 mag.all the way...
The 41 and 45 are both very easy to load for. If you want magnum results, then I would suggest the 41. It can be loaded much hotter in a Smith than can the 45. However, if loading for a Ruger or Freedom Arms, the 45 will really outshine the 44 magnum.
Snapping Twig
Member
I made that choice over the years.
My armamentarium has several 44 mags and a 45 colt, but no 41's.
You can find 44 and 45 in a backwood ammo shop should you forget yours or run out on a hunt.
All this talk about Ruger/TC only loads is specious IMO. If you can't get the job done with 44 mag, you're in the wrong business. Overloaded Ruger/TC only loads can be a liability if they find their way into the wrong firearm.
The 45 colt has the power to kill a man hiding behind his horse at 100 yards, this being the U.S. Army specification for the round's adoption.
Unless you need a mag, the 45 colt has all the power needed for hunting and SD, plus it's a pleasure to plink and target shoot with.
My armamentarium has several 44 mags and a 45 colt, but no 41's.
You can find 44 and 45 in a backwood ammo shop should you forget yours or run out on a hunt.
All this talk about Ruger/TC only loads is specious IMO. If you can't get the job done with 44 mag, you're in the wrong business. Overloaded Ruger/TC only loads can be a liability if they find their way into the wrong firearm.
The 45 colt has the power to kill a man hiding behind his horse at 100 yards, this being the U.S. Army specification for the round's adoption.
Unless you need a mag, the 45 colt has all the power needed for hunting and SD, plus it's a pleasure to plink and target shoot with.
lafayne
Member
Anything from target practice, self defense loads, to field gun to ward off unwelcomed critters!! ???
I noticed you did not mention hunting or magnum loads. I load for all three and am a big fan of the .41 mag for hunting. For general field carry and just fun, the .44 Special is hard to beat. This may be blasphemy, but I particularly like my new Ruger Blackhawk flat top .44 special. A 4 inch model 625 in .45ACP is also good. I generally only load in .45AR cases for mine.
Ken
I noticed you did not mention hunting or magnum loads. I load for all three and am a big fan of the .41 mag for hunting. For general field carry and just fun, the .44 Special is hard to beat. This may be blasphemy, but I particularly like my new Ruger Blackhawk flat top .44 special. A 4 inch model 625 in .45ACP is also good. I generally only load in .45AR cases for mine.
Ken
Missionary
Member
Good evening
My personal FAVORITE is the 41 Mag. But I cast my own and of course reload so I am not limited to th factory stuff. I load from 160 grain to 265 gas check so I can tackle anything out there I want with a handgun.
I also cast/shoot the 45 Colt and IF I could only have one caliber I would go with the 45Colt. It will handle ANY critter out there. In a modern Revolver it can easily thump out a 300+ grain cast load and flatten any target.
My personal FAVORITE is the 41 Mag. But I cast my own and of course reload so I am not limited to th factory stuff. I load from 160 grain to 265 gas check so I can tackle anything out there I want with a handgun.
I also cast/shoot the 45 Colt and IF I could only have one caliber I would go with the 45Colt. It will handle ANY critter out there. In a modern Revolver it can easily thump out a 300+ grain cast load and flatten any target.
smiffundvessen
Member
Since you did not specifically mention (purposeful) big game hunting, I'd avoid magnums and stick with the standard thumpers: .44 special or .45 colt and similar cartridges.
I'd find the gun I liked first. If the gun was of a suitable cartridge, that's the one.
Heck, a 4" L frame .357 will handle 99% of what you mention.
I'd find the gun I liked first. If the gun was of a suitable cartridge, that's the one.
Heck, a 4" L frame .357 will handle 99% of what you mention.
As far as hunting goes I don't have plans using a revolver, as for some of the suggestions here I do own two 357 magnums (4" 586 no dash I bought way back in 1984 new / 4" 681 I bought several months ago) and I have a 45 acp revolver (625 5").
If I weere being practical I would not need to buy another revolver but I want something different in 41 mag, 44 spl, or 45 colt. In a perfect world I would wait until I could shoot each caliber to see which one I liked the best but I can't remember the last time I ran into anyone who shoots those calibers at the range I go to!
I really appreciate everyone's input, I learn something everytime I log on this site.
I have thought about a Ruger but I enjoy my Smith's so much I am going to stay with S&W when I finally buy another one!
Right now I leaning to the 41 mag, but after I log off I'll probavbly change my mind again!!
Thanks again for the great advice.
If I weere being practical I would not need to buy another revolver but I want something different in 41 mag, 44 spl, or 45 colt. In a perfect world I would wait until I could shoot each caliber to see which one I liked the best but I can't remember the last time I ran into anyone who shoots those calibers at the range I go to!
I really appreciate everyone's input, I learn something everytime I log on this site.
I have thought about a Ruger but I enjoy my Smith's so much I am going to stay with S&W when I finally buy another one!
Right now I leaning to the 41 mag, but after I log off I'll probavbly change my mind again!!
Thanks again for the great advice.
Paul5388
US Veteran
I have a M57 and really think it is an answer to a question no one asks. So, I much prefer a M629 or M625 (in .45 ACP) to any .41 Mag. I normally shoot a 200 gr wadcutter out of .44 Special brass in the M629 for normal critter control.
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
I just started fooling around seriously with the 45 Colt. I am shooting those "Ruger Only" loads and can't find a real reason to have a 44Mag now!
I am shooting them out of a Ruger and Puma rifle though.
As fas as I'm concerned though, for social work as well as small game hunting, a 45ACP is going to do anything you want to do. Bullets are available to do anything you want, from mild to wild and in a M625, you can get near 45Colt "Ruger Only" type performance out of it.
I mean, a 45 caliber, 240gr LSWC going 1100fps is nothing to sneeze at, friend. Brass is all over the place and they take a standard primer. Almost any powder that will fit in the case will work, too. There are even some 45AR loads out there that use AA#9! What more could anyone need or ask for!
I am shooting them out of a Ruger and Puma rifle though.
As fas as I'm concerned though, for social work as well as small game hunting, a 45ACP is going to do anything you want to do. Bullets are available to do anything you want, from mild to wild and in a M625, you can get near 45Colt "Ruger Only" type performance out of it.
I mean, a 45 caliber, 240gr LSWC going 1100fps is nothing to sneeze at, friend. Brass is all over the place and they take a standard primer. Almost any powder that will fit in the case will work, too. There are even some 45AR loads out there that use AA#9! What more could anyone need or ask for!
hastings
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I agree with Smith Crazy. In a S&W revolver, 45acp is as good, if not better than 45colt. It pains me to say that because I really love 45colt, but within the pressure ranges that S&W revolvers are suitable for, the 45acp or 45ar cartridge holds it's own against the larger powder capacity 45colt. This afternoon I reloaded some 45colt and 45acp rounds using the same 255gr lswc bullet. With 8.8 grains of Unique I was getting around 908 fps out of the 45colt. With 6.8 grains of Unique I was getting 956 fps out of the 45acp. I chrono'ed the loads at 15 ft from the muzzle. Both revolvers have 4" barrels. Both loads were equally accurate at 25 yards, and recoil was very similar, with the 45acp being slightly snappier but both pushing about the same.
Obviously the 45colt has a lot more case capacity, so in a Ruger, BFR, or Contender, the potential of the 45colt is greater than the smaller 45acp. That being said, I don't think you need to push a 250 or 270 grain 45 caliber bullet beyond 900 or 1000 fps in order to put down most game, or threats in the lower 48. Granted, your range may be limited to under 100 yards, but recoil is tame and follow-up shots are faster.
I loaded up some heavier 45colt stuff for the Ruger, today, as well. 200gr lswc's at 1175fps, and 250gr jhp's at 1150fps. Not max loads by any means, but heavier than I would ever try in my S&W's. I'll take the 45acp 255grainer's at 950 over any of the loads. These were shot out of a 22-4 with the 4" tapered barrel. I would think that in a 625 with a full-underlug 5" barrel they would be even more tame.
By the way, out of all the loads mentioned, the 200 grainers at 1175fps had the lightest recoil and grouped the tightest. Seems odd since they were shot out of the Ruger Vaquero with pretty crude fixed sights.
Obviously the 45colt has a lot more case capacity, so in a Ruger, BFR, or Contender, the potential of the 45colt is greater than the smaller 45acp. That being said, I don't think you need to push a 250 or 270 grain 45 caliber bullet beyond 900 or 1000 fps in order to put down most game, or threats in the lower 48. Granted, your range may be limited to under 100 yards, but recoil is tame and follow-up shots are faster.
I loaded up some heavier 45colt stuff for the Ruger, today, as well. 200gr lswc's at 1175fps, and 250gr jhp's at 1150fps. Not max loads by any means, but heavier than I would ever try in my S&W's. I'll take the 45acp 255grainer's at 950 over any of the loads. These were shot out of a 22-4 with the 4" tapered barrel. I would think that in a 625 with a full-underlug 5" barrel they would be even more tame.
By the way, out of all the loads mentioned, the 200 grainers at 1175fps had the lightest recoil and grouped the tightest. Seems odd since they were shot out of the Ruger Vaquero with pretty crude fixed sights.
Dale53
Member
When you ask which caliber, .44 Special,.45Colt, or .41 Magnum you might as well ask which is best blonde, brunette, or redhead.
Any of the three in the right platform will do the job in spades.
I don't have a .41 magnum but do have some experience with the .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt. I have several fine examples in each and have shot them extensively. Any one of the three will handily and humanely take a large whitetail deer, black bear, and hog. The game will NOT know the difference. This all presupposes the correct load. I cast my own bullets and reload and can and do tailor each load to the task at hand.
The S&W Model 624 is an extremely handy revolver in a great caliber (.44 Special).
The S&W Model 629 has set the standard for .44 magnums for years.
The S&W Mountain gun or the heavier Model 25 and 625 that has been chambered in .45 Colt are excellent revolvers in their own right.
One other consideration is the 625-6 Model of 1989 or a 625-8 JM Special (both in .45 ACP) are another perfectly practical consideration. This revolver can handle soft target loads (200 gr SWC at 750 fps) to heavy field loads (250 gr Keith at 900 fps) with excellent results. A 250 Keith at 900 fps is a much more effective load than the original .45 Colt (due simply to it's better bullet design). Of course, in the right platform, the .45 Colt can eclipse the heavy loaded .45 ACP but the question is, how much do you need? I have shot clear through a deer end for end at 75 yards (large whitetail buck) with a .44 Special load.
Get whichever spins your propeller. Any should satisfy most anyone who doesn't let personal bias interfere with his judgment.
Dale53
Any of the three in the right platform will do the job in spades.
I don't have a .41 magnum but do have some experience with the .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt. I have several fine examples in each and have shot them extensively. Any one of the three will handily and humanely take a large whitetail deer, black bear, and hog. The game will NOT know the difference. This all presupposes the correct load. I cast my own bullets and reload and can and do tailor each load to the task at hand.
The S&W Model 624 is an extremely handy revolver in a great caliber (.44 Special).
The S&W Model 629 has set the standard for .44 magnums for years.
The S&W Mountain gun or the heavier Model 25 and 625 that has been chambered in .45 Colt are excellent revolvers in their own right.
One other consideration is the 625-6 Model of 1989 or a 625-8 JM Special (both in .45 ACP) are another perfectly practical consideration. This revolver can handle soft target loads (200 gr SWC at 750 fps) to heavy field loads (250 gr Keith at 900 fps) with excellent results. A 250 Keith at 900 fps is a much more effective load than the original .45 Colt (due simply to it's better bullet design). Of course, in the right platform, the .45 Colt can eclipse the heavy loaded .45 ACP but the question is, how much do you need? I have shot clear through a deer end for end at 75 yards (large whitetail buck) with a .44 Special load.
Get whichever spins your propeller. Any should satisfy most anyone who doesn't let personal bias interfere with his judgment.
Dale53
Model 15-4ever
Member
I have both calibres, plus .44 special and magnums. As has been stated, pick a gun you like, at the right price. If it is in one of those calibres, you're fine.
m657
Member
It's amazing how close the Power Factor on any hunk of lead in the 230-250 grain range moving downrange around 900-1000 fps is, independent of the caliber involved. It's one of the blond/brunette/redhead choices IMHO.
After being a revolver guy for over 30 years, I finally stumbled across my first 41 mag about 3 years ago.
Don't know how/why I had missed out on it.
41 Mag is a real treat in any load I've shot.
They all are a pleasure and have great benefits especially if you load your own.
The 41 mag is far more pleasant to me to use than 357 mag.
"so many guns.....so little time"............
After being a revolver guy for over 30 years, I finally stumbled across my first 41 mag about 3 years ago.
Don't know how/why I had missed out on it.
41 Mag is a real treat in any load I've shot.
They all are a pleasure and have great benefits especially if you load your own.
The 41 mag is far more pleasant to me to use than 357 mag.
"so many guns.....so little time"............
Beaver
Member
I have faced this dilema several times in my adult (?) life, and I've always come to the decision that you have to buy one of each. Works everytime. I have a nice custom 45 LC on a 29 frame, two 624's, and am always looking for a 41 Mag. Just missed one last year at my favorite gunshop, only problem was no money. I think any good reloader can do justice with all of these cal's. Buy one of each.
Calaveras Slim
US Veteran
To me, a 44 long Colt would be a 44 special, which is my favorite calibre. However, I do reload for the 44 Colt as well as the others you mention.
For ease, the 44 special and 45 Colt are the easiest. Nominal straight wall cases and the lead bullets are easy to find.
The 44 Colt takes the same bullet as the 44 special and the 44 mag. 41 Mags stuff is getting a little easier to find.
Now if you want a great round for plinking and defense, the try to find some 41 special cases. John Taffin did some testing for loads and these are just as nice to shoot as the 44 special.
All in all, any you mention, while following load books, are easy to load.
For ease, the 44 special and 45 Colt are the easiest. Nominal straight wall cases and the lead bullets are easy to find.
The 44 Colt takes the same bullet as the 44 special and the 44 mag. 41 Mags stuff is getting a little easier to find.
Now if you want a great round for plinking and defense, the try to find some 41 special cases. John Taffin did some testing for loads and these are just as nice to shoot as the 44 special.
All in all, any you mention, while following load books, are easy to load.
robocop10mm
Absent Comrade
I prefer the .41 Mag. I have three. Can be downloaded with a cast bullet for general plinking or made to SCREAM with h-110 or W-296. # 2 choice would be the .45 Colt. more versitile than the .44 Spl. IMHO
If you're a handloader (and caster) the 41 would be (and is) my personal choice with the 44 Special in an N frame gun as second choice. I however have lots of guns to choose from.
Your post asks about versatility of the 45 Colt, 44 Special, and 41 Magnum. Why not consider a 44 Magnum?
It has all the versatility of the the other two, and the power of the 41 when necessary. Factory 44 Mag. ammo is much cheaper than 41 Mag., and reloading components are a lot easier to find.
The 41 is right near the top of my favorite handgun cartridges, but if I wasn't an avid caster and handloader, and was limiting myself to one N frame gun, I'd take a hard look at the 44 Magnum.
That said, my 41s see far more field use these days than my 44s or 45s. Aside from special cases when I go to a 454 Casull or 357 Maximum, a 4" 41 will handle any job I do with a handgun, and is just plain cool in an understated sort of way.
Your post asks about versatility of the 45 Colt, 44 Special, and 41 Magnum. Why not consider a 44 Magnum?
It has all the versatility of the the other two, and the power of the 41 when necessary. Factory 44 Mag. ammo is much cheaper than 41 Mag., and reloading components are a lot easier to find.
The 41 is right near the top of my favorite handgun cartridges, but if I wasn't an avid caster and handloader, and was limiting myself to one N frame gun, I'd take a hard look at the 44 Magnum.
That said, my 41s see far more field use these days than my 44s or 45s. Aside from special cases when I go to a 454 Casull or 357 Maximum, a 4" 41 will handle any job I do with a handgun, and is just plain cool in an understated sort of way.
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wxl
Member
As stated in other replies, if you intend to hunt also, the 41 mag would be my choice in a S&W. Second choice is the 45LC but in my Rugers at near mag level for hunting
YogiBear
Absent Comrade
Aloha,
I was lucky enoguh to find all 3 in Mountain guns.
Started out win M57/58 41s, then got a 696 and TR 44 spl finally a 45 Colt MG.
I find that shooting the same weight lead bullets, the 44 shoots a little softer than the 41 and the 45 Colt shoots the softest. Relatively speaking.
Love the big cases, so easy to grip for reloading.
If you have a 41, Reloading is a Must. I bought out a local gun shops entire supply of 41 jacketed bullets when they had a close out because it wasn't selling. Now I have a lifetime supply. Not to mention gas checks....
I was lucky enoguh to find all 3 in Mountain guns.
Started out win M57/58 41s, then got a 696 and TR 44 spl finally a 45 Colt MG.
I find that shooting the same weight lead bullets, the 44 shoots a little softer than the 41 and the 45 Colt shoots the softest. Relatively speaking.
Love the big cases, so easy to grip for reloading.
If you have a 41, Reloading is a Must. I bought out a local gun shops entire supply of 41 jacketed bullets when they had a close out because it wasn't selling. Now I have a lifetime supply. Not to mention gas checks....
sheriffoconee
Member
As a new owner of a Model 58, I can assure you that owning a 41 is a reloading proposition. I am fortunate enough to have access to a Dillon set up for 41 mag, and can keep a supply of ammo for mine. I no longer own a 44 special, but own a 45 Smith 25-5, and I have access to the same loading equipment for it as well.
With the popularity of the "Judge" revolvers, and the cowboy shooters, 45 Colt is likely the best proposition if you want to handload for any of these calibers, 45 Colt brass, bullets, dies, etc are readily available compared to the 41...at least that is MY experience...
With the popularity of the "Judge" revolvers, and the cowboy shooters, 45 Colt is likely the best proposition if you want to handload for any of these calibers, 45 Colt brass, bullets, dies, etc are readily available compared to the 41...at least that is MY experience...
Love to have one of each but I recently added a .41 Rem Mag first. I wanted a gun in the various Rem Mag calibers first...then start looking at other calibers.
.41 is a sweet shooter......but then again, my favorite round ever is the .44 Rem Mag.
45 LC is a nice round with some hot loads out there as well as some cowboy action loads that are easy to handle.
I don't see how you could go wrong in any scenerio....just buy a quality wheelgun and enjoy it.
.41 is a sweet shooter......but then again, my favorite round ever is the .44 Rem Mag.
45 LC is a nice round with some hot loads out there as well as some cowboy action loads that are easy to handle.
I don't see how you could go wrong in any scenerio....just buy a quality wheelgun and enjoy it.
sheriffoconee
Member
My 58 is my grail gun, I have wanted one for years. I love it. According to SCSW 3rd ed, mine was made toward the end of production, around 74-75....mine is an easy 98% gun....I am still trying different loads in it, and the full power hunting loads aren't much fun to shoot, but that isn't why I own it....I like self defense loads, right now I have handloads loaded by a friend who owns a gunshop, 210 grn Gold Dot at 950 FPS, shoots to point of aim ...
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