hammer
.30 Stingray
Posts: 233
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Post by hammer on May 11, 2011 10:12:38 GMT -5
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Not one gun or one handgun...
But if one were to reduce their handgun cartridges down to only one...
Wouldn't it have to be the 44 ?
Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton made their opinions well known.
As of now, the only caliber that John Taffin has dedicated a whole book to was the 44.
Are there any real arguments for any other calibers ?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2011 10:21:56 GMT -5
I'd pick 45, but 44 is another great choice.
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Post by AxeHandle on May 11, 2011 10:26:09 GMT -5
It's like me sending my good fitting spiderman boxers to 2 dawgs.. Good intentions might be nice but one size DOES NOT fit all.. Don't I remember Lee Jurras writing that he'd pick his 475L? Personally, today I don't have to choose, so I chose not to..
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Post by cubdriver451 on May 11, 2011 10:37:38 GMT -5
While I could never argue with the well deserved reputation of the 44 Magnum, I would opt for the 45 Colt instead. The 45 Colt, in a proper revolver, can do anything the 44 mag can do and do it with less pressure and barrel length than the .44 mag. This is according to John Linebaugh, after doing extensive pressure testing with both cartridges.
Heavy weight bullets in the 45 Colt can be driven to impressive velocities. My heavy load, shot in a 5.5" Bisley, drives a 340grn hard cast bullet to 1070fps. This is a substantial load by any measurement, even though it is somewhat less than what others have safely loaded this cartridge to. Bear in mind, that these type of loads require a gun capable of containing them safely. I think this is the only argument that can easily be made against the .45.
While being capable of of high performance, the .45 Colt can also be loaded with lighter weight bullets at more pedestrian velocities, for a general plinking or target load. It is the rare person that I have introduced to shooting, that has found standard pressure loads in a .45 Colt to be unpleasant.
As I stated earlier, the .44 Mag is a fine cartridge that has earned it's reputation. I have been a fan of the .44 for a long time, and likely always will be, however, I think the edge goes to the .45 for flexibility and high end power. Very glad that I do not have to choose only one cartridge!!
JW
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dmize
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 2,825
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Post by dmize on May 11, 2011 10:42:55 GMT -5
45 Colt. I have 44 specials and magnums and a 71/2 Redhawk was my self bought 21st birthday present, I ALWAYS will be a fan of it,I also have 357,45 ACP's,all of the WCF "-" cartridges,454 and 480s. Shooting the old Colt always makes me "happy". And I still firmly believe that if ol Elmer had been playing with Blackhawks instead of SAA's the 44 would not be what it is today.... AS a side note..PLEASE be kind Mr.Taffin,I have all of your books and have been a long time fan and admirer
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Post by mindustrial on May 11, 2011 10:45:39 GMT -5
Depends on the gun too. I think the 45 has more potential than the 44, but only in certain guns. But I would agree that there is not much the 44 won't do.
Variety is the spice of life... I'd need a .22 to go along with the 44.
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hammer
.30 Stingray
Posts: 233
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Post by hammer on May 11, 2011 10:49:28 GMT -5
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Well, let's say there was a good reason to reduce your revolver calibers to one.
Again, not one gun but one caliber.
Let's say, for example, handloading components were getting more difficult to come by and you wanted enough of one caliber to do some serious work on volume.
Or let's say that your kids were going to buy you a Dillon 1050 for Father's Day and you were too lazy to do caliber conversions on such a sophisticated machine. You have limited bench space and the 1050 will need to replace your more flexible machine. And the kids would not understand you using your old machine after they buy you a 1050.
Or that your wife, who does your bullet casting, is tired of sorting two different calibers from the two different molds where if the two cast bullet molds were both of the same caliber she wouldn't have to sort them.
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Post by Lee Martin on May 11, 2011 10:50:22 GMT -5
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Post by steveb on May 11, 2011 11:24:04 GMT -5
Though I've invested in the .44's, I'd say .45 just as good. Frogs to moose, its all good. steve b
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hammer
.30 Stingray
Posts: 233
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Post by hammer on May 11, 2011 12:17:46 GMT -5
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While I have 45 Colts in various persuasions including five-shot Linebaugh conversions as well as 475 and 500 Linebaugh caliber handguns...
Don't all the arguments for calibers other than the 44 depend either on handloaded ammo or custom ammo not readily available at the local store along the highway and, for the 45, that is kept segregated by which gun it is used in ?
Whereas the 44 caliber's range of uses could all be done with commonly available store bought ammo and is easily kept separated by headstamp.
And when we pass the Pearly Gates we won't have as much explaining to do with Elmer and Skeeter. We could still be using the proper loads of Unique and 2400 and bullets cast from a properly made 429421 mold. Ain't ya' gonna feel funny if St. Peter is wearing his copy of the Number Five in a George Lawrence holster and you have a...
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Post by Boge Quinn on May 11, 2011 12:22:55 GMT -5
If I HAD to....................22 Long Rifle.
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Post by AxeHandle on May 11, 2011 12:23:12 GMT -5
Make mine a 475L
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Post by bigbores on May 11, 2011 12:49:09 GMT -5
Make mine a 475L I will see your .476 and raise you .035"! If I'm forced down to 1 caliber its going to be as big as possible,make mine a 500L!
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Post by mnimrod45 on May 11, 2011 14:54:42 GMT -5
Tough question, glad I don't have to pick but if I did, I would have to say .45. It sure would suck not having at least one .22 though....
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Post by J Miller on May 11, 2011 15:02:43 GMT -5
Not gonna argue, my choice is the .45 Colt.
The .45 Colt: First, Foremost and forever.
Joe
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