Recoil comparison 44mag,45LC, 41mag

Noreaster · November 18, 2012, 07:21 PM

I'm thinking of a 6.5 inch Blackhawk for short range deer hunting. I currently use a T/C 44 mag w/ Bushnell 2-7 scope. I've been hunting close in lately and decided to take the scope off and I didn't appreciate the recoil without the added weight of the scope (getting old I guess.) My question, does the 41 mag that much less recoil or is it about the same. How about 45 Colt loaded down to say 1100fps. I've set the 44 back up with the scope for longer shots and I like the idea of a BH for close in stuff. Any first hand experience with these calibers would be greatly appreciated. N/E

smee78 · November 18, 2012, 07:29 PM

I own both 44 & 45's and have always perfered a 45 due to the push back in the hand verses the snap of the 44. If you are loading your own ammo then you could just down load the 44 ammo to your needs if that is an option? Also ammo cost will be up there if you are not reloading for the 45 or 41mag.

jmortimer · November 18, 2012, 07:37 PM

The .45 Colt operates at lower pressure for any given load apples to apples. It has less "impulse" and is easier to shoot. In the end, heavy loads with .41, .44 or .45 means heavy recoil. I'll take the .45 Colt, lower pressure for same weight bullets at same velocity and a larger diameter as well.

Shotgun693 · November 18, 2012, 07:47 PM

I've used the .44 Mag and .45 Colt. If you're hunting WT Deer the .45 is plenty of gun and kicks a lot less.

Cheap 870 · November 18, 2012, 08:56 PM

If you load the 45colt to 44mag equivalence it kicks the same...

jmortimer · November 18, 2012, 09:00 PM

No, impulse is slower in .45 Colt, less felt recoil.

Cheap 870 · November 18, 2012, 09:12 PM

Ive got a Ruger 45colt 3 3/4"bbl. that says your wrong.
45colt vs. 44mag recoil loaded to the same equivalent you can't feel the difference.

Old Grump · November 19, 2012, 12:19 AM

Depends on the gun but 45 Colt will be easier on the hand and wrist, even loaded hot. My 44 mag has a 7 1/2" barrel and is stout but bearable, the 41 mag has a 4" barrel and until I put the Hogue grips on it it was an exercise in masochism. I have never used optics on a handgun so I get a pretty good beating everytime I shoot.

Noreaster · November 19, 2012, 07:03 AM

Thanks for the feed back. I'm going to keep my scoped setup and I'm looking for a handier revolver, (really like the 6 1/2 inch blackhawk,) for my stands in the thick stuff. Shots will be thirty to forty yards and I wandered about going down in caliber for easier shooting. I've heard the 41 mag is less recoil and the 45 Colt with slower hardcast loads is a joy to shoot and will still punch through a deer.

jglsprings · November 19, 2012, 07:22 AM

You need to shoot another gun... I'd wager you would like the Blackhawk.

My Contender in 44 mag nearly ruined me for pistol shooting. I currently own 3 other 44s and I know I'm not recoil adverse. (4" Model 629, 8" Model 29, Dan Wesson 4" and 6"). I'd shoot the revolvers all day compared to my Contender.

I don't know, grip design, shape - whatever - it is NOT pleasant to shoot IMHO.

FWIW - I do not have a scope on my Contender.

Capt Rick Hiott · November 19, 2012, 08:42 AM

Noreaster,,,have you looked into porting the barrel?
I can shoot my Taurus Raging Bull 454 with one hand. The recoil is not bad at all.
The ported barrel makes a big difference!

L_Killkenny · November 19, 2012, 11:36 AM

Don't let me talk you outta a new gun but it sounds like you more in need of a good starter reloading set up. YYMV.

jmortimer · November 19, 2012, 11:54 AM

I have had ported guns and did not like them - flash in no/low light no-go for me and if you want to shoot shot shells no can do. Also more muzzle blast. If I want crazy power, I will get a heavier gun.

Bob Wright · November 19, 2012, 12:24 PM

The amount of recoil is dependent on what you load into the chambers.

Some of my .45 Colt loads can knock you hat off if not careful. And some of my .44 Magnum loads leave you looking to make sure you actually fired.

Bob Wright

kcub · November 19, 2012, 01:20 PM

.41 Blackhawk is the cat's meow, all the power you need,recoil isn't bad.

I prefer the long 6.5" old model.

Jayhawkhuntclub · November 19, 2012, 02:29 PM

Quote:

The amount of recoil is dependent on what you load into the chambers.

Some of my .45 Colt loads can knock you hat off if not careful. And some of my .44 Magnum loads leave you looking to make sure you actually fired.

Bob Wright

THIS is the correct answer. Asking how a 45 Colt recoils is like asking "how long is a string?" It just depends. Some of my 45C Ruger only deer loads will wake you up.

feets · November 19, 2012, 03:40 PM

The TC is feisty due to the mild weight and lack of a cylinder gap. I have lots of trigger time behind my TC and my revolvers. The recoil doesn't really compare.
That 44 only has one hole to vent pressure. A revolver will vent through the cylinder gap. That gap greatly reduces recoil.
If you are a hand loader try stepping the loads down a wee bit. The same weight bullets at the same velocity will recoil about the same.
Personally, I'm a fan of fat 45s moving around 1100 fps. Recoil reduction is noticeable when you back off from 1400 fps.

GeauxTide · November 19, 2012, 09:20 PM

I've got all three in Ruger Bisley and SBH. The 45 Bisley recoils the least with the least report from 10gr of Unique under a 275 LFN. The 41 would be next, followed by the 44 SBH. You might consider a Lipseys Ruger Bisley in 44 Special in 5.5". It is just outstanding. With 240s from 1000-1200, it'll cover what you need. With 8gr of Unique under a 240, I can hold six on an 8" pie pan at 100........

Rebel9793 · November 19, 2012, 09:39 PM

The .41 mag is much more pleasurable to shoot opposed to the .44mag. I own both, but I prefer my .44 Super redhawk.

bowfishn · November 19, 2012, 10:30 PM

Back in the early 80's a friend of mine purchased a TC Contender 10" octagon barrel that had a screw on choke for shooting shot shell loads. It was a very light weight gun with poor grip design, with really hot 44 mag loads it was worse than shooting a 454 Casull. Same loads out of our SBH's were mild in comparison.
A 300 grain or lighter bullet shot at 1200 fps should be fairly mild out of either the 44 mag or the 45 lc.
Even the 300 grain Bullets out of my 44 mag SRH 10" Barrel at better than 1500 fps are not bad, but perceived recoil is different with each person, of coarse the 10" SRH is a heavy handgun.Try them and see which you prefer.

Buzzcook · November 20, 2012, 12:41 AM

.45 Colt out of a long barrel Blackhawk is going to be much easier than the .44 if you stay wth bullets .300gr and lower and in the 1100fps range.i

Noreaster · November 20, 2012, 05:43 AM

I appreciate all the info. I'm keeping my T/C set up the way it is and I'm going for a Blackhawk in 45 or 41. Nothing wrong with buying another gun. Just found a used blackhawk in 45 colt with a 7.5 inch barrel. I was looking for a 6.5 but I'm gonna go check this one out. Which ever caliber I get I'm not going to load heavy for deer under 50 yds. I had a 6.5 inch blackhawk in 357 mag years ago that I enjoyed carrying in the woods.

kcub · November 20, 2012, 06:46 AM

I once killed a big axis buck which is substantially larger than Texas whitetails with the .41 Blackhawk. It was a commercial 210 grain jsp, Winchester I believe. Broke through the thickest, boniest part of the shoulder and onward through the heart/lung area.

Mystro · November 20, 2012, 09:25 AM

A 45LC is a great deer killer with out the snappy recoil but it won't have the power as a 44mag. That said, a 44mag is probably the ultimate hunting handgun for deer.

mete · November 22, 2012, 08:38 AM

I've tested the factory loads of premium bullets in my 44mag. Comparing them to my old less than max handloads.
Corbon DPX [Barnes bullet] and the Swift A-frame equaled the recoil of my loads. The Speer 'Deep Curl' however had considerably higher recoil and I think my shooting technique would have to change.
I tested the A-frame and DPX on 250 lbs red deer in a culling operation. Both performed very well !! So no need to use a hot load especially since my M29 is an older one .
For you handloaders don't get into the "how hot can I load it" syndrome. It's not necessary. Use premium bullets andpick a comfortable load.

November 18, 2012, 07:21 PM	#1
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 971	Recoil comparison 44mag,45LC, 41mag I'm thinking of a 6.5 inch Blackhawk for short range deer hunting. I currently use a T/C 44 mag w/ Bushnell 2-7 scope. I've been hunting close in lately and decided to take the scope off and I didn't appreciate the recoil without the added weight of the scope (getting old I guess.) My question, does the 41 mag that much less recoil or is it about the same. How about 45 Colt loaded down to say 1100fps. I've set the 44 back up with the scope for longer shots and I like the idea of a BH for close in stuff. Any first hand experience with these calibers would be greatly appreciated. N/E

November 18, 2012, 07:29 PM	#2
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 643	I own both 44 & 45's and have always perfered a 45 due to the push back in the hand verses the snap of the 44. If you are loading your own ammo then you could just down load the 44 ammo to your needs if that is an option? Also ammo cost will be up there if you are not reloading for the 45 or 41mag. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

November 19, 2012, 12:19 AM	#8
Old Grump Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in a little hut in the woods Posts: 3,124	Depends on the gun but 45 Colt will be easier on the hand and wrist, even loaded hot. My 44 mag has a 7 1/2" barrel and is stout but bearable, the 41 mag has a 4" barrel and until I put the Hogue grips on it it was an exercise in masochism. I have never used optics on a handgun so I get a pretty good beating everytime I shoot. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

November 19, 2012, 07:22 AM	#10
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,254	You need to shoot another gun... I'd wager you would like the Blackhawk. My Contender in 44 mag nearly ruined me for pistol shooting. I currently own 3 other 44s and I know I'm not recoil adverse. (4" Model 629, 8" Model 29, Dan Wesson 4" and 6"). I'd shoot the revolvers all day compared to my Contender. I don't know, grip design, shape - whatever - it is NOT pleasant to shoot IMHO. FWIW - I do not have a scope on my Contender. __________________ An Internet forum is like having a friendly conversation over a drink at a local tavern. Some guy at the end of the bar always has to stand up and shout something that makes no sense at all.

November 19, 2012, 08:42 AM	#11
Capt Rick Hiott Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2010 Posts: 109	Noreaster,,,have you looked into porting the barrel? I can shoot my Taurus Raging Bull 454 with one hand. The recoil is not bad at all. The ported barrel makes a big difference! __________________ Capt Rick Hiott Charleston,SC

November 18, 2012, 07:37 PM	#3
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,765	The .45 Colt operates at lower pressure for any given load apples to apples. It has less "impulse" and is easier to shoot. In the end, heavy loads with .41, .44 or .45 means heavy recoil. I'll take the .45 Colt, lower pressure for same weight bullets at same velocity and a larger diameter as well.

November 18, 2012, 07:47 PM	#4
Shotgun693 Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2011 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 959	I've used the .44 Mag and .45 Colt. If you're hunting WT Deer the .45 is plenty of gun and kicks a lot less.

November 18, 2012, 08:56 PM	#5
Cheap 870 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 159	If you load the 45colt to 44mag equivalence it kicks the same...

November 18, 2012, 09:00 PM	#6
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,765	No, impulse is slower in .45 Colt, less felt recoil.

November 18, 2012, 09:12 PM	#7
Cheap 870 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 159	Ive got a Ruger 45colt 3 3/4"bbl. that says your wrong. 45colt vs. 44mag recoil loaded to the same equivalent you can't feel the difference.

November 19, 2012, 07:03 AM	#9
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 971	Thanks for the feed back. I'm going to keep my scoped setup and I'm looking for a handier revolver, (really like the 6 1/2 inch blackhawk,) for my stands in the thick stuff. Shots will be thirty to forty yards and I wandered about going down in caliber for easier shooting. I've heard the 41 mag is less recoil and the 45 Colt with slower hardcast loads is a joy to shoot and will still punch through a deer.

November 19, 2012, 11:36 AM	#12
L_Killkenny Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,549	Don't let me talk you outta a new gun but it sounds like you more in need of a good starter reloading set up. YYMV.

November 19, 2012, 11:54 AM	#13
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,765	I have had ported guns and did not like them - flash in no/low light no-go for me and if you want to shoot shot shells no can do. Also more muzzle blast. If I want crazy power, I will get a heavier gun.

November 19, 2012, 12:24 PM	#14
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 1,244	The amount of recoil is dependent on what you load into the chambers. Some of my .45 Colt loads can knock you hat off if not careful. And some of my .44 Magnum loads leave you looking to make sure you actually fired. Bob Wright

November 19, 2012, 01:20 PM	#15
kcub Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2010 Posts: 879	.41 Blackhawk is the cat's meow, all the power you need,recoil isn't bad. I prefer the long 6.5" old model.

November 19, 2012, 03:40 PM	#17
feets Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2008 Posts: 193	The TC is feisty due to the mild weight and lack of a cylinder gap. I have lots of trigger time behind my TC and my revolvers. The recoil doesn't really compare. That 44 only has one hole to vent pressure. A revolver will vent through the cylinder gap. That gap greatly reduces recoil. If you are a hand loader try stepping the loads down a wee bit. The same weight bullets at the same velocity will recoil about the same. Personally, I'm a fan of fat 45s moving around 1100 fps. Recoil reduction is noticeable when you back off from 1400 fps.

November 19, 2012, 09:20 PM	#18
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 2,918	I've got all three in Ruger Bisley and SBH. The 45 Bisley recoils the least with the least report from 10gr of Unique under a 275 LFN. The 41 would be next, followed by the 44 SBH. You might consider a Lipseys Ruger Bisley in 44 Special in 5.5". It is just outstanding. With 240s from 1000-1200, it'll cover what you need. With 8gr of Unique under a 240, I can hold six on an 8" pie pan at 100........

November 19, 2012, 09:39 PM	#19
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 121	The .41 mag is much more pleasurable to shoot opposed to the .44mag. I own both, but I prefer my .44 Super redhawk.

November 19, 2012, 10:30 PM	#20
bowfishn Junior Member Join Date: January 6, 2012 Posts: 8	Back in the early 80's a friend of mine purchased a TC Contender 10" octagon barrel that had a screw on choke for shooting shot shell loads. It was a very light weight gun with poor grip design, with really hot 44 mag loads it was worse than shooting a 454 Casull. Same loads out of our SBH's were mild in comparison. A 300 grain or lighter bullet shot at 1200 fps should be fairly mild out of either the 44 mag or the 45 lc. Even the 300 grain Bullets out of my 44 mag SRH 10" Barrel at better than 1500 fps are not bad, but perceived recoil is different with each person, of coarse the 10" SRH is a heavy handgun.Try them and see which you prefer.

November 20, 2012, 12:41 AM	#21
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 5,191	.45 Colt out of a long barrel Blackhawk is going to be much easier than the .44 if you stay wth bullets .300gr and lower and in the 1100fps range.i

November 20, 2012, 05:43 AM	#22
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 971	I appreciate all the info. I'm keeping my T/C set up the way it is and I'm going for a Blackhawk in 45 or 41. Nothing wrong with buying another gun. Just found a used blackhawk in 45 colt with a 7.5 inch barrel. I was looking for a 6.5 but I'm gonna go check this one out. Which ever caliber I get I'm not going to load heavy for deer under 50 yds. I had a 6.5 inch blackhawk in 357 mag years ago that I enjoyed carrying in the woods.

November 20, 2012, 06:46 AM	#23
kcub Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2010 Posts: 879	I once killed a big axis buck which is substantially larger than Texas whitetails with the .41 Blackhawk. It was a commercial 210 grain jsp, Winchester I believe. Broke through the thickest, boniest part of the shoulder and onward through the heart/lung area.

November 20, 2012, 09:25 AM	#24
Mystro Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 459	A 45LC is a great deer killer with out the snappy recoil but it won't have the power as a 44mag. That said, a 44mag is probably the ultimate hunting handgun for deer. Last edited by Mystro; November 20, 2012 at 11:38 PM.

November 22, 2012, 08:38 AM	#25
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 4,936	I've tested the factory loads of premium bullets in my 44mag. Comparing them to my old less than max handloads. Corbon DPX [Barnes bullet] and the Swift A-frame equaled the recoil of my loads. The Speer 'Deep Curl' however had considerably higher recoil and I think my shooting technique would have to change. I tested the A-frame and DPX on 250 lbs red deer in a culling operation. Both performed very well !! So no need to use a hot load especially since my M29 is an older one . For you handloaders don't get into the "how hot can I load it" syndrome. It's not necessary. Use premium bullets andpick a comfortable load. __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !