 Which wheel gun to buy?
#134
01/22/2004 7:11 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Joe in Fl
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I have sold my Contender and thinking of wheel gun for hunting. Most of my hunting will be at short to moderate distances 25-50yds in fairly thick woods/ swamp land.
Been looking at the Redhawk, Super Blackhawk and S&W M629.
I would like to keep barrel length to approx 6" and stay with 44 Mag or 45 Colt. I do not plan on scoping this handgun in the near future so ease of mounting scope is not a consideration. BTW: most hunting will be for feral hogs.
Thanks in advance, Joe
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 Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Joe in Fl]
#135
01/22/2004 11:03 AM
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Dan B.
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I've got three Blackhawks (4 5/8" .357 and .41 then a 5.5" .45LC) and one Super Blackhawk Hunter (.44 Mag). They are the only wheelguns I have experience with. I like them due to the way recoil is tamed by rolling up in my hand. The .45LC is by far the lightest with having the thinnest barrel...the .357 Mag is much easier to hold and shoot freehand with the little bit extra weight. Not saying yu should get a .357...it is too light in power for hogs. With 255gr loads and stuffed with H4227 the LC is very accurate after some refinements...action job, cylinder rethroated, and Belt Mountain base pin. It can also get a little whippy with the stiff loads and light barrel.
The .44 Mag Hunter is very easy to shoot with stiff loads...I use H110 and 320's in it. The 7.5" barrel and full length rib makes it VERY nice to shoot.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Joe in Fl]
#136
01/22/2004 1:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 279
Stush
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I have quite a few revolvers and tend to favor the Rugers for a number of reasons. They are about the strongest wheelgun you are going to find at the price. They generally shoot well and the possibilities for customization are endless.
For what you want, you may want to consider one of the limited run stainless steel Ruger Bisleys in 44 or 45. They come with a 5.5" barrel and are just about perfect in my opinion. I just picked up one in 41 mag that was from last years run. Very nice gun. Take a look here: http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?type=Revolver&special=D. Take note of items KRBN-445W and KRBN-455W.
As for caliber choice, that would be a personal preference decision. However, if you don't reload go with the 44 Magnum. One thing to keep in mind if you do go with the 45 in a Ruger is that their cylinder throats are almost always undersized. It may not give you too much trouble with jacketed bullets, but accuracy will likely suffer with cast bullets and shooting heavy cast bullets is what these big bore revolvers are all about for me. The throats can be easily reamed to the proper diameter, but it will probably cost you $50 to $75 to have it done by a 'smith.
Last edited by Stush; 01/22/2004 5:57 PM.
Stush
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 Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Joe in Fl]
#137
01/22/2004 5:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 216
ClayFHT
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Joe,
Either of the two rounds you mentioned will work great for wild hogs at the ranges you are planning to use them, however as mentioned in one of the previous posts, the 45 Colt will be a reloading only hunting round. Several guns come to mind but the two I would recomend are the Ruger Redhawk 5.5" or the Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter 7.5". Either of these guns will handle heavy loads and they offer a number of options for open sights. Personaly I like the "Gold Bead" front sight that Ruger offers for these guns with a "V" notch rear blade. Here in Texas where I do most of my hunting we have a large population of wild hogs, they are tough animals and a ball to hunt. In either the 44 or 45 I use the 300-grain Hornady XTP seated to the rear cannelure with 21.5 grains of WW 296. THe Speer 270-grain Gold Dot and the Nosler 250-grain Partition are also good bullets for hogs out of the 44 Magnum.
"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who did not."
Thomas Jefferson
The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.
General Dwight Eisenhower
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Joe in Fl]
#138
01/22/2004 7:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 95
patch
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I will have to vote for the Rugers.I have a 44 Blackhawk,44 Redhawk,44 Superredhawk,454 Superhawk and I enjoy them all.I also have a S&W 686 in 357 and its a good gun but I like the Rugers.I want a Ruger in 45 colt.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: patch]
#139
01/23/2004 2:11 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 848
magman
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Boy, I'm odd man out here. I have numerous Rugers and Smiths and my first choice is the Smith.The 629 Power Port is a good gun. Granted, you have to tailor your loads for Smiths but as far as accuracy I don't think they can be beat.Plus they are better looking. Ruger Super Blackhawk is good. Hunter okay. But the Smith is better
NRA LIFE MEMBER NAHC LIFE MEMBER
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: magman]
#140
01/23/2004 7:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 279
Stush
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Quote:
Plus they are better looking.
Now that's pretty subjective! LOL I personally prefer the look of a SA revolver. Sort of like some guys like blondes, some like brunettes. 
It all comes down to personal preference though, doesn't it? Probably the best thing a buyer could do is head to a range where you would be able to shoot each gun that was being considered. Shoot 15 or 20 rounds, at a minimum, from each one and buy the one that is most comfortable. I think it is safe to say that any of the guns being considered would be more than adequate for the task at hand.
Stush
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Stush]
#141
01/23/2004 9:58 PM
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magman
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Stush, Actually you're right. I wouldn't give up any of my revolvers, S&W or Ruger DA or SA. Each one has it's specific strength. Personally, I'd own them all if it were possible. Guess we should be glad that we can choose what we like.
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 Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Joe in Fl]
#142
01/24/2004 1:12 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Tigger
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Joe, I do like my Rugers quite a bit, but how about a Dan Wesson. Thier large frame revolver is chambered in 357, 41, 44 and 45 colt. You can change the barrel length from 2" to 10". The shroud can be had in many diferent configuration, with or without underlug, vented, compensated for less recoil, and drilled and taped for scope mount. I have two Dan Wessons' and like then a-lot. They are as strong as the Redhawk or the Smith. You can even change the sights. The thing I like about them the most is the mono grip. No lines between frame and grips to bite you under heavy recoil. That's what I like about the Super Redhawk also. The Dan Wesson might be a little more money but well worth the look. www.danwessonfirearms.com
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Tigger]
#143
01/24/2004 3:53 AM
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Posts: 58
coltfan
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My first choice would be a Colt Anaconda, second choice would be a Smith 629, third choice would be the Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter. All would be in .44 mag.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: coltfan]
#144
01/24/2004 5:45 AM
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Posts: 13
SureShot
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Colt Anaconda are real nice. I know a guy who has one. Talk about sweet. But talk about to much for me.
It seems like the Ruger Red Hawk is heaver then the Black Hawk?
I've been looking for a Ruger Super BlackHawk 44mag stainless steel with a 7 1/2 in barrel for deer hunting.
Keep It Simple
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Joe in Fl]
#145
01/26/2004 6:25 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 36
osok
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Look for the Ruger Accusport Limited Editions of the Stainless Bisley SA revolver. Unfluted cylinder 5.5" barrel. Then get some fancy custom grips off Ebay, knurled Belt Mountain base pin, do the "poormans trigger job", and install the express sights from Reeder Custom or others. 45 colt if you handcraft your own ammo. 44 mag if you don't. I get almost 1200 fps out of my 45 with 300 gr. hardcasts. It makes a single ragged hole at 25 yards if I do my part. This has become my favorite wheelgun. This gun rivals my Freedom Arms revolvers. (Well! Almost) For 1/3 the price. osok
Last edited by osok; 01/26/2004 6:34 AM.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: osok]
#146
01/29/2004 6:14 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 39
Joe in Fl
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Thanks for all the info.
Tigger, I have a Dan Wesson 357 VH with all 4 barrels nice.
Coltfan, I have shot the Anaconda and really like it just too big for my hand.
It's between the Super Blackhawk, Redhawk, and the S&W 629.
I just have to decide on 44 Mag or 45 Colt. I do handload so I can go with either. I really like the 45 Colt + I already have dies for both from a couple years ago.
Thanks to all who replied and offered advise, Joe
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Joe in Fl]
#105133
03/15/2012 1:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
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mike.44
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Then it sounds like the 45 Colt is where you are headed. I have both calibers you mentioned, and several ruger and S&W's. The S&W is nice because it FEELS lighter to me. The 3 smiths are all deadly accurate.....but so is my RSBH Bisley. Either caliber will be sufficient. Here in Florida we have plenty of hogs and the 357 does the job for many on our lease......I just like the bigger bores.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: mike.44]
#105141
03/15/2012 5:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 66
whywait
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Freedom Arms Model 97 45Colt
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: coltfan]
#105160
03/15/2012 11:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Whitworth
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My only beef with the Smith is that they are fragile compared to the Rugers (both SA and DA). I have both, but I don't have to worry about hurting my Ruger products. Accuracy? Well, I have had both that have been accurate out of the box and both that weren't.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: whywait]
#105163
03/16/2012 12:03 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
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dogsbreath
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Ford or Chevy? They both get the job done. Neither gun will underperform, so get what you like. One thing you did not mention was the .454 casull, my newest heart throb. Same dies as the .45 and the same basic relationship as the .38/357, .44 spl/mag. "Regular" .45 colts are in the 500 ft/lbs range, heavy ones are in the 1200 ft/lb range. Casulls run up to 1900 ft/lbs.
I'm in N. Ga with both a smith & a Ruger in .44 if you get up this way, but I can't see the gas being worth it. But you are welcome to try them if you want.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: dogsbreath]
#105165
03/16/2012 12:09 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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Yes, I agree that it is mostly down to preference, but one can be abused, the other cannot (to the same degree), and that was the point I was trying to make.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Whitworth]
#105167
03/16/2012 1:40 AM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 493
SBHunter81
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Have you handled the guns you're interested in? I shot a redhawk before I got a Super blackhawk hunter...i preferred the blackhawk and the way it rolled in my hand.
I personally am not a smith fan, but can't say I really have a reason..I suppose its my ford :-)
The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: SBHunter81]
#105185
03/16/2012 11:25 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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I absolutely agree that you should pick the firearm that feels the best and shoots the best for you. I am simply saying that the ability to withstand abuse plays heavily into my choices -- this also applies to trucks (for me!).
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Whitworth]
#105189
03/16/2012 12:42 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
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98Redline
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You guys do realize this thread was resurrected from 2004.
Take a look at the dates for the top 3 posts on page 2.
I would hope that the OP has bought many....many more guns by this point 
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: 98Redline]
#105200
03/16/2012 1:13 PM
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Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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You guys do realize this thread was resurrected from 2004.
Take a look at the dates for the top 3 posts on page 2.
I would hope that the OP has bought many....many more guns by this point Just noticed..... 
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Whitworth]
#105214
03/16/2012 2:43 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 226
dogsbreath
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Ha! Zombie posts, gotta love 'em. in '04 I had one (1) Marlin .22. I'm on my second gun safe now.
Dogs
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: dogsbreath]
#105215
03/16/2012 2:49 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 493
SBHunter81
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haha, seems there was a string of old threads resurrected. Zombies attack in hordes!
guess i have an excuse to get some hornady z max bullets now
The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Joe in Fl]
#106883
04/19/2012 4:33 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 69
Redhawk500
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I have all three in both calibers. I personally like 5.5 to 6.5 inch barreled revolvers to hunt with. Personal preference and past experience make the difference. I have had a reversable pawl put in my .44 Magnum Blackhawk. Removing and replacing one shell out of sequence becomes a problem in single actions if you've raised and lowered the hammer. If you handload or are willing to buy a small suppy of custom loads for hunting, you're in business with either caliber. Lots of .44 Magnum loads at 240 grains or less in JHPs are good white-tail loads. I like 175 grain Winchester Silvertips in .44 Magnum for deer, if I were to use only factory ammo. For more general hunting I'd pick a hard cast load 255 at 1000 fps in .45 Colt or 240 grain .44 Magnum at 1100 fps. Buffalo Bore, Double Tap, Core-Bon all make good custom loads that work well for hunting.
Just noticed the orignal date of this post too. Guess I'm writing to amuse myself. Sorry guys!
Last edited by Redhawk500; 04/19/2012 4:35 AM.
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Redhawk500]
#107830
05/03/2012 4:44 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 110
bearskinner
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If you have a couple friends with a few different choices, actually try point shooting with them. One design or style of gun will fall naturally into your hand, and just shoot where you "think" about shooting, before you have to think about aiming. some designs are just made for you. to me nothing points like a Ruger Bisley or Freedom Arms single action. just personal prefference.
You cant shoot a big one, if you shoot a little one first.......
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: coltfan]
#107838
05/03/2012 12:36 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 70
Wayland137
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I would go with the Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 mag. You will get the most bang for your buck and they have the great 5.5 barrel. They shoot great out of the box (at least the four I have did) and later if you want, there are many companies that can do anything you want to them (port, cylinder enlargement, calibre conversion, etc.) Not saying that there aren't those who will do that for the Smith or the Redhawk, just less. Like Stush said as well, 45 commercial loads are harder to come by. They are more a handload situation and 45 brass costs more as well. I have learned to do the Wally world test; If I have to have one calibre in one type of gun, I will go to Wal-mart and see if they have it in stock... then plan accordingly as a hunting situation could be affected by such things. Having said that, I have handloaded some amazing 45s that have surpassed the 44 in many ways. Also, just to throw one more tidbit, Buffalo Bore does load for the 45 and they make them from tame to stompers! I dropped a 215 lbs 8 pt. with one shot at 42 yards in 2003. The round broke its shoulder and it crumpled right there (Buffalo Bore Heavy 45+P - 325 LBT-LFN at about 1300fps - it was a handful out of the 5.5")
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Re: Which wheel gun to buy?
[Re: Wayland137]
#107842
05/03/2012 12:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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I would go with the Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 mag. You will get the most bang for your buck and they have the great 5.5 barrel. They shoot great out of the box (at least the four I have did) and later if you want, there are many companies that can do anything you want to them (port, cylinder enlargement, calibre conversion, etc.) Not saying that there aren't those who will do that for the Smith or the Redhawk, just less. Like Stush said as well, 45 commercial loads are harder to come by. They are more a handload situation and 45 brass costs more as well. I have learned to do the Wally world test; If I have to have one calibre in one type of gun, I will go to Wal-mart and see if they have it in stock... then plan accordingly as a hunting situation could be affected by such things. Having said that, I have handloaded some amazing 45s that have surpassed the 44 in many ways. Also, just to throw one more tidbit, Buffalo Bore does load for the 45 and they make them from tame to stompers! I dropped a 215 lbs 8 pt. with one shot at 42 yards in 2003. The round broke its shoulder and it crumpled right there (Buffalo Bore Heavy 45+P - 325 LBT-LFN at about 1300fps - it was a handful out of the 5.5") Pretty much nothing I shoot could be purchased at Wally World, so this isn't a viable test for me!
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