RE: .44 v. .45
 

I chose the .45 LC. For "bear country", I just started experimenting with some 345 gr Beartooths and 10.5gr of Unique, and let's just say it is a bit hot. I am sure it would meet the 550 ft/lbs requirement. Back to James' point, I had a discussion with a CO DOW officer during an "inspection" while hunting last year. Federal's 180gr Castcore .357 lists 625 ft/lbs at the muzzle and 535 at 50 yards. The CO requirement is 550 ft/lbs at 50 yards. I asked, since my barrel was 2" longer than the 4" test barrel, I should easily pick up 15 ft/lbs, and would that make me "legal". The answer of course was "no", as the requirement is for a manufacturer rating, not "real" rating. Oh well.

Although Insp. Callahan may disagree, S&W discontinued the 29 because it could not safely handle higher pressure loads...

CE

RE: .44 v. .45
 

I can tell you're a good guy with a sense of humor, and I like that, so I'll go a little eaiser on you from now on. Besides a friend of mine says PETA stands for ( people eating tasty animals) sounds good to me.