idleprocess
Active Member
Ruger make wonderful revolvers. I have 5 single actions. 357 NM Blackhawk 7.5", 45colt Vaquero 4 5/8" (fun little gun), Accusport Blawkhawk SS convertible 5.5" 45colt/45acp, Accusport Blackhawk SS 45colt, and my latest Blackhawk an old model 3 screw in, what else 45colt with the rare 4 5/8" barrel.
Yes, I am quite fond of the 45colt or long colt. It is THE single action caliber; old, versatile, powerful.
The 44mag is weak in comparison. Nothing hits like 350grains of lead, zipping along a supersonic speeds. Let's go shoot some.
Hmmm...
.45LC
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
255 gr Lead SWC 961 ft/s 523 ft·lbf
200 gr XTP 1,032 ft/s 473 ft·lbf
230 gr XTP 969 ft/s 480 ft·lbf
250 gr XTP 929 ft/s 479 ft·lbf
(7.5" test barrel)
Not bad. Edges out typical .45ACP if memory serves.
.44mag
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
180 gr JSP 1,610 ft/s (490 m/s) 1,036 ft·lbf
240 gr SP 1,180 ft/s (360 m/s) 741 ft·lbf
240 gr JHP 1,542 ft/s 1,267 ft·lbf
(4" test barrel)
A tad more energetic than .45LC.
Not saying that .45LC is weak or ineffective - it certainly served outlaw, lawman, and cattleman alike just fine in the late 19th century and someone carrying a .45LC revolver is not necessarily under-armed.
Speaking of, I will own a .45LC single-action revolver someday. If not a Ruger of some flavor, then some 1873 Army Single Action or a Colt Peacemaker replica.