S & W 45 LC or 44 Mag?

HYDE · 01-03-2007, 11:59 AM

Hi I am going to purchase a S & W Mountain Gun (4 in. barrel), and was wondering what everyone thought about the 45 long colt -vs- the 44 mag. I am going cary it with me while archery hunting, and would like to use it to deer hunt/play around with. I have already made my mind up on this gun and want to know any pros/cons, personal preference/experience, and what caliber you would choose and why.

Thanks a ton guys/gals, I don't have much knowledge on handgun calibers.

Hyde

Roskoe · 01-03-2007, 12:11 PM

If you don't reload, the choice is easy: .44 Mag. In stronger revolver frames you can load the .45 Long Colt up to some pretty impressive speeds. And you have the additional thump of a .452 bullet as opposed to a .429.

DM · 01-03-2007, 02:27 PM

Quote:

And you have the additional thump of a .452 bullet as opposed to a .429.

Doesn't the LC use .454" bullets??????

I'd go for the 44 mag. too...

DM

stalkingbear · 01-04-2007, 03:11 PM

No,the .45lc uses .451-.452 diameter bullets. This is also the groove diameter.

James B · 01-04-2007, 05:55 PM

The 45 LC can't safly match the 44 Mag.

ranger56528 · 01-05-2007, 01:16 AM

all around,go for the 44mag.I enjoy my S&W 629.

HYDE · 01-05-2007, 03:37 PM

Thanks for the replies. It looks like everyone prefers the 44 mag to the 45 LC. Why? Also another question: is one more accurate than the other. It sounds like you prefer the 44 mag because it packs more of a punch. Is that correct. Bottom line, why do you prefer the 44 mag to the 45 LC? Pros and cons of both are very helpful in me making my decision. Any other info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to everyone.

Hyde

biscuit jake · 01-06-2007, 06:48 AM

I would prefer the .44mag for hunting where the critters are relatively large. It is a heavier load and has stronger brass. If you do not reload, factory ammo has many good varieties. Otherwise, I am very much a fan of the 45 Colt. Pleasant to shoot with awesome frontal area, it deserves respect. It would be my choice for places where big things don't eat your horses. See the Buffalo Bore load for an example of what can be done with normal pressures on this grand old cartridge.

Rebel Hog · 01-06-2007, 06:51 AM

.44 Mag

DM · 01-06-2007, 08:26 AM

The 44 mag. is just so much more versatile as an all around cartridge that it wins on that alone. Many more choises of guns chambered in 44 mag. too, includeing rifles....

Make mine an S&W 44 mag. please...

DM