dont let anyone ever tell you you cant hunt with a 45 colt.....if you handload you're in business....if not then you'd be better off with high priced factory loads like buffalo bore etc. The 45 colt will do everything a 44 mag will do without as much pressure....I know, I've shot lengthwise through several hogs with mine....and never found the bullet....thats over three foot of penetration.....so there you have it, a 45 colt will do for hunting. If you want to hunt with it, get the 7.5 bbl ruger bisley hunter (if you like single actions)....If you just want to carry it in the woods....go with a shorter barrel....you'll be thankful.

Incidentally that load i mentioned was a hard cast lead 270 grainer at 1000 fps.....you can certainely load the rugers up much hotter than that.