So I have my encore now for 2 seasons-500sw, 308 win, 223, 45lc/410 barrels. I started handgunhunting deer with a 44mag taurus tracker so I have shot 44mag alot(I passed that along to my little brother) Now I need a carry gun to go with the encore. Now this prob wont happen until summer as I have to fight the lovely govt and NICS first (another long story). Anyways I know I want a superblackhawk-infact had my hands on a 44 mag-but another story. So now im looking for input as do I get a 44mag or 45LC...Pros?...Cons? thanks guys

I like the .44 but if you roll your own ammo, the .45LC is a great cartridege too! With that said I still prefer the .44 because there is alot of great factory ammo out there!Easy to find even during the recent ammo shortages we went through.

That is what has been leading me to stay with 44mag but I hear alot of 45LC talk too so....

Personally, I would go .45 -- they can push a heavier bullet with more ease, and there is no denying th larger diameter. JMHO. If you are not a handloader, the .44 may be a better choice because of the vast array of great factory ammo available. But, if you handload.......

Ballistically there isn't much difference from top hunting loads. However, 44 Mag ammo can be found almost anywhere whereas 45 Colt hunting loads are quite hard to find. If you roll your own, price out the bullets. I can get 1000 Remington JHP's for under $200. Try that with a 45 Colt projectile.

As far as goes much difference in the recoil? I have a 500sw barrel that i love to shoot so not bothered by recoil. My gramps reloads so maybe I'll see what he reloads easier

Don't think you'll notice the difference. I shoot both and don't.

If the NICS/gov is hanging you up and you have some time, save your pennies till it's straightened out. Gramps reloads so ammo is not a problem. BUY them both and then shoot the heck out of them and then keep/hunt with the one you like. Life is too short for just a few guns.

You guys always have the best answers to get a fella in trouble, I suppose good thought though-you never can have too many guns, and I do have some time.

I reached that crossroads a few years back & chose the 44 magnum. I honestly don't feel that most shooters will be able to tell the difference in performance on game or targets, and it's much easier to get good factory loads for the 44 mag. As mentioned a couple of times before, the 45 will have an edge if you handload, but not a whole lot.

There you go again with those jacketed bullets! LOL!

Yea I cast a 1000 bullets for about the cost of the lube $4.00 maybe?

I like the 45 colt and if you hunt big game such as elk it will handle 300gr plus bullets easier than a 44 mag will. There is nothing a 44 mag can do that the 45 colt can not do at lower pressure but if all you are is hunting whitetails then you will never e able to tell the difference on game.

As said it you are shooting anything other than cowboy action shooting ammo then 44 mag ammo will offer a far broader selection and at lower costs than the 45 colt simply due to supply and demand.

Also if you are buying a used Super Blackhawk they are typically always going to be 44 mag so the chance of getting a good deal on one are far greater than in 45 colt. Ether way there is no bad way to go here. Just keep the barrel shorter than 5 1/2" or it is a difficult gun to pack on your hip as a back up and would be far more likely to get left at home than in the field with you.

I have the 45 Colt in a 5.5 inch Bisley, love it. Handloading and casting my own bullets does make a difference though. I don't think the recoil is as sharp as a .44 IMHO

I have both and everyone is telling you right.Practically the 44mag is the best choice.Ammo for hunting can be picked up from just about anywhere.The reloader can make the 45 shine.I lean towards the 45 for nastalga purposes.There is a little difference in the recoil but with stiff loads very few people would ever be able to tell you the difference.One more pro for the 45 is .431 v/s .452.As far as reloading goes both are relatively easy.You can push a little heavier bullet accurately through the 45.IMO 320 is about max for the 44 and 340-350 for the 45.Just decide which you would enjoy more,but its like picking between chevy and ford,it's more or less just a personal choice.Good luck!And be careful,Tigger has gotten people in trouble before!!!HaHaHaHa

Lam,

1.) My vote is, of course, .44 Magnum. But I am completely biased.
2.) Tigg IS trying to get you into trouble. He knows that you'll get in "so" much trouble that you'll quickly be forced to sell HIM one of those wheelguns real cheap just to get out of the dog house. I can hear his "Renfield" laugh from here.

Renster (not to be confused with Renfield - err, I mean Tigger).

BOOWAAAHHHH!!!

buy it, buy it..........

I have used a 44 mag Super Blackhawk Hunter for 3 years now as a primary wild hog weapon on my ranch. I do not have direct experience with the 4 LC but I would not trade the set-up I have for any gun in any caliber. It just works perfectly for me.

I agree w/them all. I have owned & hunted w/both like a lot of the others here. The 45 is better because it's 45! You'll end up loading your own anyway w/these guys leading you on & no you can't tell the difference. You should buy 1 of each & find out for your self. We'll be happy to help you recover any losses if you don't like one. See what a giving bunch they are.

Not to hijack but what is you favorite Hog bullet?