45 acp vs 44 special - New range pics added

[RidgwayCO]

If I didn't reload, then I'd chose the .45 Auto due to the variety of ammo available (and it's lower cost). .44 Special factory ammunition is generally pretty weak, and always expensive.

But since I do reload, the .44 Special is much more versatile, with a much higher potential top end. Also, my "woods bumming" gun is a S&W M396 Mountain Lite Ti, 5-shot .44 Special with a 3-3/8" barrel, which tips the scales at 18oz. I'm pretty certain there aren't any 18oz .45 Autos...

 

[chickasaw hunter]

I think this is why Baskin-Robbins has 31 flavors. I decided on the 44 and love to shoot it. Like has been said here in several post either will work. What or whoever is on the receiving probably won't be able to tell which of the two it was. CH

S&W 624 3" Lew Horton Special and a couple of my handmade holsters.

 

[major kong]

You can't really go wrong with either. If I didn't reload I would go with the .45. Factory .44 Spl. is harder to come by and pricey.

 

[44wheelman]

Moonclips are fun. But handloading a 250gr 44 spl to 11oo+ fps...now that's really fun.

All around plinking with factory rounds...45acp.
Hunting & defense applications with handloads... 44 special

I have both, recommend both. I like the mountain gun in 44 mag, just gives you more options, and without much compromise on size.

 

[Kris Whiteleather]

If noise is your concern...get a slingshot. I recently fired my .45 ACP without plugs or muffs. Shot was outdoors in the open (no shooting station hut with roof and walls). .45 ACP is no joke from a hearing damage standpoint. .44 special is also no joke. So if noise is your problem, then worry more about earplugs or muffs than caliber.

I prefer .44 special over .45ACP because I reload and can tone it down without worrying about swapping to lighter springs for semi-autos. I have a .45ACP revolver, but don't mess with the loadings because I make sure that I ONLY use revolver ammo that will also cycle my semi-auto (if you mix up platform-specific ammo you get headaches at the range).

I find the .44 in revolvers more versatile than .45ACP.

Kris in NY

 

[thomasinaz]

"Is Accuracy up to snuff with the new revolvers?

Most of my experience is with the older guns."

Accuracy is very good with the newer guns that I've experienced. Maybe better than the older ones, especially the 45s. I had two older 25-2s that grouped terribly. My more recent 625 and 22-4 both group much better. My other newer S&Ws also group very well.

 

[GFU]

I think caliber has been covered well. The .44 special having the advantage if you reload.

Getting started in reloading is cheap and easy. I got started a year ago for $50 and have produced exactly what I needed. It is fun as well.

I think the gun is more important than the caliber in this case as the rounds are close in capability.

I recommend trying the L frame .44 revolvers. The 696, 396, and 296. There may be others. The L frame is a 5 shot (in .44) and smaller than the N Frame in all dimensions.

.45's are only made on the larger N frame. So are .44 mags and the six shot .44 special the 624.

For me the advantage of the .44 Special is being able to use the smaller L Frame. I have large hands and can handle my 625 well but the L frame just points and handles better. Easier to carry and conceal as well. And the .44 special gives me easy plinking loads up to bear stoppers.

 

[NE450No2]

I see no reason to buy a S&W in 44 Special, when you can get a 44 Mag.

You do not always have to shoot Magnum ower level ammo.

So between the 44 Special and the 45 ACP/Auto Rim, I would pick the 45ACP/AR. I used a S&W Mod 25 for a duty gun for several years.

As for "Power" if you look in the Speer Number 8 loading manues they show the top velocity for a 250gr load cast bullet to be 1198 fps.

The top 240gr cast load for the 45 Auto Rim shows 1192fps.

Plus, as others have stated there are a lot more choices, and ammo is much easier to find for the 45 ACP.

 

[p_jackson]

I own both .45acp and .44mag. I have a lever gun in .44 mag. I reload so I like either one. Dad brought me up shooting revolvers so I am biased. Both carry well in the woods. When I road trip, I carry the .45. 45ACP ammo can be bought about anywhere. Both make about the same size hole.
Since this is the S/W forum, I'll tell you how great my 4506 is.
Oh yeah, both are really loud!

 

[Casehardn]

Model 29-10

OK, so I stopped back at the local gun shop and checked out a few guns. Looked at a 44 special Night guard, but it just didn't feel right; too light and the forcing cone looked as thin as the top part of a pencil if you pull the eraser out.

Then I checked the 625-8 they had used. It had a 5" barrel and looked ok on the outside, but the barrel was partially leaded and cylinder just didn't feel right. Somebody had shot this a lot (or maybe with heavy stuff).

Then I saw a 29-10 which was priced at $520.00
This gun checked out fine in lock up. and felt really good in the hand (although I might switch the diamond grips out for rubber ones). Bluing was really nice. In fact, it looked like it was brand new. I know it's got the lock, but that doesn't really bother me. With the case and all papers etc included I felt this was a good deal since this thing was $900 new. So on lay-away it went.
I'm hoping to pick it up next week.
I'll post range target photos/report to follow up.

Thanks for all the feedback.
This may be the gun that gets me into reloading.

 

[DGNY]

45 acp vs 44 special

Great and flexible choice. Congratulations. Four inch barrel?

All kinds of grips out there to try. My favorites are the N-rd butt finger groove ones that came on early 29/629 DXs. But whatever fits your hand and usage will be the ticket for you.

Regards,

Dyson

 

[MajorDude]

OK, so I stopped back at the local gun shop and checked out a few guns. Looked at a 44 special Night guard, but it just didn't feel right; too light and the forcing cone looked as thin as the top part of a pencil if you pull the eraser out.

Then I checked the 625-8 they had used. It had a 5" barrel and looked ok on the outside, but the barrel was partially leaded and cylinder just didn't feel right. Somebody had shot this a lot (or maybe with heavy stuff).

Then I saw a 29-10 which was priced at $520.00
This gun checked out fine in lock up. and felt really good in the hand (although I might switch the diamond grips out for rubber ones). Bluing was really nice. In fact, it looked like it was brand new. I know it's got the lock, but that doesn't really bother me. With the case and all papers etc included I felt this was a good deal since this thing was $900 new. So on lay-away it went.
I'm hoping to pick it up next week.
I'll post range target photos/report to follow up.

Thanks for all the feedback.
This may be the gun that gets me into reloading.

I was getting ready to suggest a .44 mag when I read this post. I am a big fan of both .44 special and .45 acp, both are accurate and powerful. I wouldn't be shooting at all if I didn't handload. I use .45s for target shooting in revolvers and carry in a semi auto, .44 special for informal target shooting, plinking and carry. For woods defense, .44 mag just give you another option if you feel the need for more power.

As far as grips go, just got a set of N frame Herrett Ropers made to my hand tracing for a 624. Took three months and a tidy little pile of cash, but boy are those a nice feeling grip! Can't wait to get them to the range.

 

[Casehardn]

4 inch barrel

Great and flexible choice. Congratulations. Four inch barrel?

All kinds of grips out there to try. My favorites are the N-rd butt finger groove ones that came on early 29/629 DXs. But whatever fits your hand and usage will be the ticket for you.

Regards,

Dyson

Yes, 4 inch barrel, 4 screw gun with lock.

 

[Casehardn]

The model 29-10 performed really well at the range.
At 25 yds most of my single action groupings measures around 2-1/4 inches. These were shot with Winchester cowboy ammo - plain 240 gr round nose lead.
My best group of the day measured 1-5/8 inches using Hornady 180 grain jacketed hollowpoits. I am sure this thing is capable of better groups than I can shoot.

I have some Buffalo bore (44 special) on order and I am looking forward to another range session.

I did shorten the grips about 3/8 of an inch. They came stock at 3/4 of an inch below the frame, which was a little long for my taste. I also added a Bowen rough country rear site, which I like because the white outlne is really bold and the site is pretty much bomb-proof for woods carry.
Since I was shooting 44 spl, the recoil was very mild.

I am very happy with the purchase and would say if you see one of these at a good price, don't hesitate.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Congrats on the new S&W 29! Very nice revolver in a do all caliber and the perfect barrel length. A much better all around choice than the .44 special IMHO. Reloading is the only way to go as it saves you money for MORE ammo and you can tailor the loads for whatever you need it to do, from plinking to a good bear load. A good hard cast LSWC will shoot through about any 4 legged creature in North America. Have a few .41 mags and most of the rounds I shoot are my own handloads. Have a truckload of cases from a few folks who thought the .41 recoiled too much. Their loss, my gain. Can load it hot enough for anything out there with the right bullet then download it for plinking. It's my favorite caliber for a revolver.

That 29 will serve you well. Take it easy on the heavy recoiling magnums and your Grandchildren will be enjoying it years from now.

 

[MTKTM]

Congrats on the sweet 29. I'd leave the wood grips on it, rubber looks like s%&t in my humble opinion if the recoil isn't too disconcerting to you. I promptly remove and replace the rubber grips on any new handgun......with the sole exception of the 500s!

One comment I wanted to make, possibly irrelevant to this thread at this point, but something I see periodically which bothers me a little is the proposition that 45 Auto Rim can somehow be loaded to much higher power/velocity than standard 45ACP in 625s. My reading of the loading manuals leads me to a different conclusion. In fact, the industry standard pressures are lower for the AR than for the ACP. The only difference that I can see in the brass is the thicker rim of the AR, but to conclude that it creates a somehow "stronger" case capable of withstanding higher pressure is erroneous. I highly recommend against trying to magnumize a 45AR. Just because some people have gotten away with it doesn't mean it's a good idea. Just my opinion.....