Quick Tip: .44 Magnum vs .45 Long Colt

Published on February 23, 2022
Duration: 4:30

This guide, drawing on expert insights from Brownells, compares the .44 Magnum and .45 Long Colt cartridges. It covers their historical development, pressure differences, handloading considerations, and factory ammunition availability. For big game hunting using factory loads, the .44 Magnum is generally recommended due to superior off-the-shelf availability of full-power ammunition.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis from Brownells compares .44 Magnum and .45 Long Colt cartridges, highlighting .44 Magnum's advantage in factory hunting load availability. Modern strong-action firearms allow .45 Long Colt handloads to potentially exceed .44 Magnum energy levels. Both are straight-walled and amenable to handloading with slow powders like W296 or H110.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .44 Mag vs .45 Colt
  2. 00:13Historical Context of Cartridges
  3. 00:49Pressure and Firearm Design Considerations
  4. 01:55Handloading and Powder Choices
  5. 02:27Ammunition Availability and Hunting Use
  6. 03:15Final Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between .44 Magnum and .45 Long Colt cartridges?

.44 Magnum operates at higher pressures, requiring stronger guns. .45 Long Colt, while older, can be loaded in modern strong actions to exceed .44 Magnum energy. Both are straight-walled and easy to handload, but .44 Magnum factory hunting loads are more common.

Which cartridge is better for hunting, .44 Magnum or .45 Long Colt?

For hunters relying on factory ammunition, the .44 Magnum is generally recommended due to the wider availability of full-power loads suitable for big game. Handloaders can achieve high performance with both, but .45 Long Colt may require more specific handloading efforts for equivalent hunting power.

Can .45 Long Colt cartridges be as powerful as .44 Magnum?

Yes, in modern firearms with strong actions (like Ruger Blackhawks), .45 Long Colt can be handloaded with heavier bullets to achieve energy levels that surpass standard .44 Magnum loads. However, standard factory .45 Colt loads are typically much lower powered.

What are the handloading considerations for .44 Magnum and .45 Long Colt?

Both cartridges are straight-walled and easy to handload. For high-performance loads, slow-burning powders like Winchester 296 or H110 are recommended. Reloaders have significant flexibility with bullet types and powder charges for both calibers.

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