I think part of John's reasoning in favor of the .45 over the .44 has to do with 'more for less' more diameter, more TKO (in theory) all for less pressure and recoil.

I own and shoot the .41mag, .44mag, and .45 Colt and feel that the Colt is the best of the group.

I also agree with the other guys.

First off 98% of my experience has been with cast bullets. My opinion might totally change if I would use jacketed bullets.

I used the 44 for 5 or 6 years then in about '91 switched to the 45. I feel (however slight it might be) I get more noticeable hits and quicker kills with the 45.

If we extend the cartridge case, the 445 out runs the 454 at 100 yards, in power and speed. So I like extended logic.

Bob R, why do you need a hunter model when you can buy blue or stailess blackhawks in 45 Colt all day long. I know they have the integral scope mounting system but with a standard blackhawk all you have to do is drill a couple holes and I personally like the scope positioning better plus you can use more than two rings if desired with a Weaver style mount such as a Weigand but to each his own.

It's the bullet! Alaska had it right.

I've killed deer too. I've had'em go down with the .30-30 and run with the .45-70! Still, I instinctively feel the .45-70 is a better cartridge for deer. Animal reaction is not and never will be a good indicator of bullet selection because there are simply too many variables to contend with. Placement is certainly key, but at ranges beyond bow range, one cannot always get the perfect presentation that will guarantee a significant number of kills where everything was precisely the same! So statistically, animal reaction is meaningless beyond personal satisfaction.

The only way one can determine which bullet/caliber is better, is through thorough autopsy and hopefully bullet recovery. Animals are not "slammed" to the ground. What is being described is a physiological reaction to the disruption of the CNS.

I own and hunt with both the .45 Colt and the .44 Magnum. With properly constructed bullets and proper loads, I simply do not spend one moment wondering if one is better than the other. Give me a flat meplat and stay out of the way.

Dan

If you run 250 gr slugs from both you won't see much difference, when you start going bigger than that the 45 gains a pretty good edge over the 44 (300 gr slugs & bigger)
Good luck in your choice.

Dick

i will keep my 44 for one reason. i can get ammo for it anywhere. i tend to notice things like this and when you get into some backwater gas station/bait/feed store, you can bet on finding 30-30, 30.06, 308, 22lr,38/357,and 44mag. you may or may not find some of the others. then i dont live all that far from that backwater and that my color my thinking. ether way get the one that you like and forget the rest of it. you will enjoy what you have more and have less hassle.

Good, solid reasoning.

for a primary gun I prefer the longer barrel. If you use the iron sights you'll have a longer sight radius increasing your accuracy and the longer barrel balances better with a scope. I do like short barreled guns for back up and occasionally primary weapons but the main thing I like about them is the ease of carrying especially with no optics.