Wanting a 45 colt

[rockquarry]

I have to agree with the last comment. I've been shooting the .45 Colt with cast bullets for forty years. Still have two 25-5s that I bought new in the early '80s.

However, that's a huge blackpowder case, the size of which is not really needed unless black powder is used. With regard to "efficiency", the .44s smaller case is more efficient and handles bullets in the same weight range as the .45 Colt at similar velocities. Some judicious heavier-than-normal loads for either cartridge are permissible for those so inclined.

I've had S&W .44 Specials (and Magnums) for about as long as I've used the .45 Colt. Ballistically, I suppose there is little that one cartridge offers over the other. Generally, I've found the .44 Special guns to be slightly more accurate than the .45 Colts, at least with cast bullets.

Both are fine cartridges, and, as usual with these topics, I guess it comes down to personal preferences rather than practical aspects.

 

[jaymoore]

My experience with cast bullets and .45 Colt versus .44 Special has been quite the opposite. Much prefer the .45 for accuracy. Seems just about any old thing works well in the Colt case. Took a long time to get non-jacketed loads that would perform in the .44 Spl./Mag as well as the bigger bored revolvers. Can't tell you why, both have their share of outsized throated examples, etc.

If you want to go to magnum power, then the .44s have the edge, but for deer hunting purposes or for targets out to 100 yards it's hard to beat the older round.

I got into the .44s mostly because of the various "cool" versions being made. The first .44 Mag I purchased was simply because of the adjustable front sight on the end of the 6" barrel.

 

[Phish]

Finally decided to go with a Ruger Blackhawk in 7.5" barrel but then I seen the Traditions Frontier model that really stand out to be a gorgeous color case hardening. The shop also had a S&W 686+ Deluxe and just couldn't say no. I will put Blackhawk on layaway in a month or so unless I decide to get a Tradition Frontier.

 

[boatswainsmate]

It would definitely be a toss up for me. I love both of these 45 Colt's. The 25-8 converted to 45 Colt is one of the most accurate Smith&Wesson's I own but this 45 Colt/45 ACP Bisley Blackhawk is great for shooting the heavy 45 Colt rounds I like to shoot.


Both like shooting this round. 270 SAA LHP

 

[Rubone]

I am also a fan of the Ruger 45/ACP convertible. I've had mine since '74. But then for something a bit different...
5 shot full titanium Taurus 450... The gun barely weighs more than the ammo.

 

[ACORN]

I too have been wanting a .45 Colt DA. Smiths are kind of scarce around here. I found a Ruger Redhawk convertible at a shop and traded in a Glock I had no use for. It's built like the proverbial bank vault and versatile as all get out.

 

[Xfuzz]

Someone say 45 Colt...?

 

[StakeOut]

I've bought a few Ruger BHs and RHs but could never adjust and warm up to liking their grip nearly as much as my 45cal N Frames.

I like how easily I can disassemble/assemble S&Ws.

My 4" 25-5 from 01/1986 is near mint and a great fun gun to shoot but it stays in the safe a lot after I got a 625

 

[RSanch111]

THE 625 WILL HANDLE ANY FACTORY AMMO, ON THE SHELVES---AND EQUIVALENT HANDHOLDS......

Is Buffalo Bore "factory" ammo? Says on the box not to fire it from Smiths. I only fire it from my Ruger Bisley.

 

[Phish]

I am also a fan of the Ruger 45/ACP convertible. I've had mine since '74. But then for something a bit different...
5 shot full titanium Taurus 450... The gun barely weighs more than the ammo.

I have my 450 UL since they first came out. I got rid of the ribbers and put hogue Rubber grips on since they wont make wood. Love it! I have killed a lot of critters especially landloaded shot loads.

 

[625-7]

Offshore loads vs Landloads

Shot a few offshore loads from my 625-7, mostly at swimming moose and such ...