.45 LC vs .44 mag

Woozze · May 15, 2012, 06:48 PM

Ok so I recently decided that I wanted to get the Henry big boy and the big question was, .44 mag or .45 LC.

This rifle will mainly be used for plinking but would consider it for going hunting one day and possibly HD if need be though it'll almost certainly won't be used for that. Also I do not getting jams at all if I have to at the range and I have heard about the .45 LC having problems due to its short rim but I have heard that modern rounds have taken that away and so have most modern claws. Also I would like to have a mid-sized recoil if possible (for my dad). So ya what do you recommend for a first lever action, please keep price into consideration also I might start reloading.

Hawg · May 15, 2012, 07:09 PM

Six of one, half dozen of the other.

Shotput79 · May 16, 2012, 08:30 AM

Woozze. I like the 44 mag in the lever guns and if your hand loading it has a lot going for it that 45 LC don't. 44 mag is right up there with the 30.30 for hunting. Recoil is not all that bad from a rifle even with havey loads.

Dell

Hawg · May 16, 2012, 09:57 AM

Actually .45 Colt can be loaded beyond .44mag. I dunno how long the cases will last loaded that hot but you can do it. You don't want to load a brass frame rifle that hot anyway so it's a moot point.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · May 16, 2012, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Also I would like to have a mid-sized recoil if possible (for my dad).

Both cartridges are quite versatile in there own ways. Either would be an excellent choice for your applications Woozze. But the 44 Mag is a bit more popular with the younger crowd. I myself would go with a 44-mag. Not because the 44 Mag is any better than the 45 Colt. Just a wee bit more modern is all. Reloading of either is quite simple and straight forward. But like Hawg Haggen has said: Six of one, half dozen of the other. Good luck with your choice Sir. It's a Win Win for you either way._

Edward429451 · May 17, 2012, 12:38 AM

I have only heard that the 44 mag version may be a tad more reliable than the 45 Colt LA rifle because it has a thicker rim which allows more positive function. Makes sense to me.

Noz · May 17, 2012, 08:22 AM

The stories you have heard about the jamming of the Imperato Big Boy come from the cowboy shooters. We run our guns much faster than was ever intended and it is the rare Big boy that can keep up.

Woozze · May 17, 2012, 06:00 PM

Thanks guys after hearing this I'm probably going to get the .44 since its more available and what I heard is that they're very similar in function and reloading. Also more brands and types of ammunition

Edward429451 · May 18, 2012, 04:48 AM

That will be a good choice. You will be able to get those 44 boolits sizzling out of that rifle. I bet 2400 powder will work real good in that long barrel.

rclark · May 18, 2012, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Also more brands and types of ammunition

Well, once you start reloading, you'll probably not buy factory again. I haven't bought a factory round since the early 80s and that was just to get at the cases

.

May 15, 2012, 06:48 PM	#1
Woozze Junior Member Join Date: May 3, 2012 Posts: 5	.45 LC vs .44 mag Ok so I recently decided that I wanted to get the Henry big boy and the big question was, .44 mag or .45 LC. This rifle will mainly be used for plinking but would consider it for going hunting one day and possibly HD if need be though it'll almost certainly won't be used for that. Also I do not getting jams at all if I have to at the range and I have heard about the .45 LC having problems due to its short rim but I have heard that modern rounds have taken that away and so have most modern claws. Also I would like to have a mid-sized recoil if possible (for my dad). So ya what do you recommend for a first lever action, please keep price into consideration also I might start reloading.

May 15, 2012, 07:09 PM	#2
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	Six of one, half dozen of the other.

May 16, 2012, 08:30 AM	#3
Shotput79 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: NC Posts: 186	Woozze. I like the 44 mag in the lever guns and if your hand loading it has a lot going for it that 45 LC don't. 44 mag is right up there with the 30.30 for hunting. Recoil is not all that bad from a rifle even with havey loads. Dell

May 16, 2012, 09:57 AM	#4
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	Actually .45 Colt can be loaded beyond .44mag. I dunno how long the cases will last loaded that hot but you can do it. You don't want to load a brass frame rifle that hot anyway so it's a moot point.

May 17, 2012, 12:38 AM	#6
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	I have only heard that the 44 mag version may be a tad more reliable than the 45 Colt LA rifle because it has a thicker rim which allows more positive function. Makes sense to me.

May 17, 2012, 08:22 AM	#7
Noz Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2009 Posts: 643	The stories you have heard about the jamming of the Imperato Big Boy come from the cowboy shooters. We run our guns much faster than was ever intended and it is the rare Big boy that can keep up.

May 17, 2012, 06:00 PM	#8
Woozze Junior Member Join Date: May 3, 2012 Posts: 5	Thanks guys after hearing this I'm probably going to get the .44 since its more available and what I heard is that they're very similar in function and reloading. Also more brands and types of ammunition

May 18, 2012, 04:48 AM	#9
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	That will be a good choice. You will be able to get those 44 boolits sizzling out of that rifle. I bet 2400 powder will work real good in that long barrel.