Help me choose a new revolver.

[JNG3]

I'm looking into purchasing a new revolver. While I'm not necessarily recoil shy, shooting a large magnum like a .454 or .500 does not strike me as fun. The most powerful or recoil heavy handgun I have shot is the 357 mag. I enjoy shooting mine. I shoot mine quite often and am reasonably accurate out to any ethical hunting distance. I do however sort of want a larger revolver that is not punishing to shoot. Looking at the 45 Colt, 41 Rem mag, or maybe the 44 mag. It's purpose would be informal target shooting, plinking, and close range deer hunting. Here in Illinois we have rules in place for handgun hunting deer. The only rule that would be in play here is 500 ft/lbs or more at the muzzle. Looking at my loading manuals, they seem to indicate the 45 Colt would need to be loaded on the heavier side to achieve the needed 500 ft/lbs with 250-300gr cast bullets. Instead I could easily download the 41 and 44 to a more manageable recoil level and still easily surpass the minimum ft/lb requirement. While I have no qualms about shooting a deer at 10 to 50 yards with a 250 gr swc bullet at 850 fps muzzle velocity, the state has other ideas. I like Ruger, so whatever caliber it is, it will be chambered in a Blackhawk, Redhawk, etc. Barrel length would likely be 6" plus or minus. Really could use some guidance on this. Thanks.

[Outpost75]

I think you could do lots worse than a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum. You don't need to run full-charge loads in it, it is fun to shoot with .44-40 level loads, and will do most hunting tasks fine with 7 grains of Bullseye and the Hornady 200- or 240-grain XTPs, or flatnosed cowboy bullets.

[RKJ]

I would look at a S&W 25 in 45 Colt. I've got a 4" 25-7 in 45LC and I absolutely love it. It shoots great, is easy to load for and can handle your Whitetail hunting easily. I've got a 44 mag as well as a couple of 357's but the 25 is the one I reach for when I carry one the revolvers. I don't have a lot of experience with SA revolvers so can't speak about them.

[JNG3]

The only other twist I can think of is I would likely also purchase a carbine/rifle in the same caliber.

[Kraschenbirn]

Personally...given your parameters...I'd be looking for a 6" Blackhawk in .41 Mag. Yeah, brass is a little harder to find...and a little more expensive...but, for the handloader/caster, the cartridge is every bit as flexible as the .44 Mag and I prefer the Blackhawk frame/size over the SBH. Believe me, the Illinois whitetail ain't been born that could tell the difference between a well-placed .41 and a similarly placed. 44 from 50 yards out.

Bill

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I would go with the SBH in 44 magnum you can always load it down I like my 41 magnum but like my 44 just a little more
what part of the state are you in

[Flailguy]

I recently purchased a redhawk in 44 mag 7.5" and I love it. Full magnums are more comfortable to shoot with some rubber grips

[JNG3]

Luckydawg13, I live in Fairmount. About 25 miles due east of Champaign Urbana.

[tigweldit]

My folks gave me a Ruger Blackhawk .41 magnum for Christmass in 1969. Best revolver ever (for me). For paper targets,steel,hunting,plinking or self defence, I know I could not have a better gun. With cast or jacket, from mild to wild, I have never had a more accurate, or reliable, revolver. I have owned about fifty handguns in the years since I got that Ruger. Some were great. Some not so good. Some were bad. In my opinion, you would be well server with a Ruger Blackhawk in .41 mag.

[str8wal]

45 Colt, just because

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Luckydawg13, I live in Fairmount. About 25 miles due east of Champaign Urbana.

I'm at the other end of the state I was going to say if you wanted to try the 41 and 44 magnums that let you try them side by side

[dubber123]

44 magnum is easy, cheap and flexible. The Ruger S/A revolvers are very durable, and range from very to extremely accurate in my experience. The triggers typically need work, but that is easy and free if you are remotely handy.

[Bigslug]

Sooooo. . .

What do they do, chronograph your ammo in the field and cite you if it isn't fast enough?

[Texantothecore]

45 colt, it does everything well.

[Texantothecore]

Hodgdon has 7 loads that will meet your needs for the 45 colt. They all start above 500 fps and go up from there.

[gunauthor]

I own both a Ruger Super Blackhawk (44 mag.) and a Colt single action army clone in 45 Colt. I think you would be happy with either caliber.

[9.3X62AL]

The 44 Magnum tilts my recommendation here, once you elect to add a rifle of the same caliber to the mix. There are a lot more 44 Magnum leverguns "out there" than there are 41 Mag or 45 Colt. 44 Magnum is generally more popular than the other options, as well--so ammo and platform choices are more extensive.

If you can try out a Bisley Model Ruger Blackhawk, a lot of folks find that grip shape more amenable to recoil management than the plow-handle Blackhawk stocks. As far as recoil management goes......Elmer Keith said volumes when he stated that "1200 FPS is all you need" using his Keith SWC (Lyman #429421) from a revolver for big game. 240 grainers sent at 1100-1200 FPS from my S&W Mountain Gun are brisk, but not punishing. Those loads from my Redhawk border on being docile--that hefty Ruger boat anchor soaks up recoil very well. I have a Bisley Blackhawk in 45 Colt, also--250 grain bullets (Lyman #454490) run at 1100-1200 FPS don't beat ya real hard, so similar loadings from a 44 Bishawk should do the trick for you. HTH.

[oldhenry]

Another vote for the .45 Colt.

[Bigslug]

230 grains at 1000 fps gets you there for energy, and I can tell you that speed out of a 45C/ACP 4.25" Redhawk ain't bad. I wouldn't really consider that "loading up" - certainly not in Redhawk terms.

I've got a fair amount of time on the Ruger SA and DA lineup. Probably the most comfortable shooters would be similar loads in the .44 Redhawks or the Blackhawk Hunter with their heavy top ribs. The 5.5" Redhawk is an OK compromise to the 7.5" for a walking around gun. The 4.25" RH with it's round butt is a DANDY carry piece - and a fun jug buster to 100Y thus far.

[500Linebaughbuck]

the ruger sbh with a 5.5" barrel in 44 mag. i use a 44spl with 250gr keith and 7.5gr of unique and a 280gr gc wfn and 10gr of unique in 44 mag. i can load 2400 in my 44 mag but the deer don't care!!!

[trapper9260]

I say get the 44mag and a rifle to go with it and then later get the 45colt/45ACP BH and then a rifle to go with the 45 colt. I am working on the 45colt/45ACP BH and then later a 45 colt rifle. I have already the 44mag Redhawk 7 1/2" and also the Marlin 44mag that was made in 1980 that I bought used. That take care all my heavy loads I can not handle with the Redhawk.Like the 310gr Lee cast.

[cajun shooter]

I've owned and shot the 41 mag, 44 mag and 45 Colt. They will all get the job done. I shot all three with a load of 8 gr. of Unique for my play load and all three shot it very accurate. I loved my Ruger 41 that I purchased when the caliber made it's debut. The 44 does have the advantage when it comes to calibers able to shoot. 44 special, 44 Russian are two of the calibers I used for reduced loads and BP shooting.
Without knowing you and how your hand size fits different guns also matters although most may be corrected with aftermarket grips.

[dverna]

All the calibers mention will get the job done but it will not be easy finding a rifle in .41 Mag.

The .44 Mag makes the most sense to me. Factory ammunition may be a bit stiff recoil wise but reloads solve that.

[missionary5155]

Good afternoon
When we are up north we live in Danville. I drive about Fairmont pretty regular. Just north of Oakwood is the Danville Rifle & Pistol club range... They have a fine facility and we have been members there since 1982.
Have all three calibers and all three with a 240 or heavier cast FN will do in those big East ILLinois bean fed corn crunchers. If I could only have one it would be the 45 Colt. Simply because we can hand load RB up to 320 grainers and tackle any critter running about. But bigger holes are always better.

41 magnum... Starline has all the brass you could possibly need. Henry makes a fine lever rifle in 41 Mag and the other two calibers. Rossi also makes the 44 and 45 Colt. All sorts of single shot rifles out there.
Mike in Peru

[Tom W.]

If you're not afraid of ugly a Super RedHawk in .44 Mag would be a wonderful hunting revolver. To me the recoil from one is easier than the recoil from the BlackHawk or Super BlackHawk. Even the recoil from SRH in .480 Ruger isn't very bad.

[murf205]

213895
If you're not afraid of ugly a Super RedHawk in .44 Mag would be a wonderful hunting revolver. To me the recoil from one is easier than the recoil from the BlackHawk or Super BlackHawk. Even the recoil from SRH in .480 Ruger isn't very bad.

Ditto what Tom said. I vote for a 44 Ruger Super Redhawk. If you are going to scope it at some point in time, the Super comes with rings-ready to go. Here is mine w/o the scope. Mine is a 9 1/2" gun and it is strictly a "huntin" gun but it is so accurate it is boring with 250 gr Lyman 429421 boolits. I coated my gun with Duracote flat black and it wont will any beauty contest but it is a pussycat to shoot with the loads you are talking about. It is as tough as woodpecker lips with a pretty decent trigger right out of the box. I know the members here are getting tired of looking at this beast, but it will give you an idea what one looks like without the shiny stainless finish.

[762 shooter]

45 Colt. Mild to wild. Big flat meplat is your friend.

762

[6bg6ga]

Ok,

I own a 686-6 357 mag, a 25-5 S&W 45LC, 2) 629 44 mags, and a Ruger Super Redhawk 44 mag anda desert eagle 44 magnum. I enjoy the 44 mags and the 45LC most of all. Maybe because of the larger frame. You don't have to load to the max when shooting the 45LC or 44 mag. I enjoy target loads and then I also have the 44 mag max loads for when I want to enjoy a little more recoil.

[winelover]

The 44 Magnum if your not always going to reload. The 45 Colt if your strictly going to reload. Reasons are obvious. My hundred pound wife hunts deer with a 7 1/2 BH chambered in 45 Colt and doesn't balk at Ruger only loads. You don't have to always load to the hilt. Want less recoil, use a lighter bullet. The 270 grain SAA bullet is the heaviest one needs for deer sized game.

Winelover

[daniel lawecki]

This might mean much but I shoot all three calibers. And I find myself shooting and playing more with the .45. Like winelover stated its a all around caliber with the right loads and powder.

[Texas by God]

.41 magnum. You are a reloader or you wouldn't be reading this.
I like the .44 mag and the .45 Colt but I love the .41 magnum.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[rfd]

the classic holy trinity of centerfires - .357mag, .45acp 1911, .45colt s/a. [smilie=p: :popcorn:

[Steppapajon]

I vote Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt. Like 762 Shooter says "mild to wild". Get yourself a lever gun to match and you have a lot of ground covered whether hunting or just punching paper at the range. Besides there is something magical about that old 45 colt.

[6bg6ga]

Versitility wise the 44 and 45LC can do so much. The 357 is rather limited unless you want to shoot full power loads the hand stingers.

[murf205]

Well, JNG3, are you thoroughly confused by now? :veryconfu Good luck with your purchase.

[JNG3]

Seems like there is no 'general consensus' on this. I probably can't go wrong with any of the 3 calibers. I guess it's shopping time and see what's actually available at the gunshops.

[44Blam]

I would say the Ruger Redhawk. I've got one with the 7.5" barrel and it is really accurate.

I load this thing from puff plinking rounds to booming full house rounds.

[Tom W.]

When I had my Blackhawk in .45 Colt, the best shooting bullet was the aforementioned RCBS-270 SAA. I wish I could find the same mold for my .44, but the Lee 310 is an awesome bullet and very accurate....

and as I've been trading and selling handguns, the SRH in .44 mag. is still in my possession...

[Tom W.]

213895

Ditto what Tom said. I vote for a 44 Ruger Super Redhawk. If you are going to scope it at some point in time, the Super comes with rings-ready to go. Here is mine w/o the scope. Mine is a 9 1/2" gun and it is strictly a "huntin" gun but it is so accurate it is boring with 250 gr Lyman 429421 boolits. I coated my gun with Duracote flat black and it wont will any beauty contest but it is a pussycat to shoot with the loads you are talking about. It is as tough as woodpecker lips with a pretty decent trigger right out of the box. I know the members here are getting tired of looking at this beast, but it will give you an idea what one looks like without the shiny stainless finish.

Hey Murph, did you blacken your revolver with that giant sized Sharpie in the picture? :bigsmyl2::kidding:

[murf205]

No.....but you just gave me an idea for touch up, thanks!

[Texas by God]

the classic holy trinity of centerfires - .357mag, .45acp 1911, .45colt s/a. [smilie=p: :popcorn:Nope. .38 Special, 44-40, 45acp!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[6bg6ga]

I've commented before and thought that before this turns into a "Buy a Ruger Red Hawk Thread" I would share my experiences. I own two S&W 629's a 629-3 and a 629-6 along with a Ruger Super Red Hawk and Desert Eagle in 44 mag. I also own a 25-5 S&W 45LC and a 686-6 S&W 357.

All of the 44's with the exception of the Desert Eagle seem to be almost equal with the same loads. The Desert Eagle with the scope is head and shoulders above everything but its a handful to hold.

The 45LC is extremely accurate with about any handload I run thru it and so is the 357. Accuracy wise in my hand they are all accurate and all capable of good results punching paper or putting down game. I hand load EVERYTHING and haven't bought a single box of ammo in 40+ years for any hand gun.

Buy on the basis of what feels right in your hands not by brand or model. If you want a Ruger and it feels better than another brand then buy it. I would suggest however that you go to a shop where you can rent a gun to try and make your decision based on that other than internet gab.

[Moleman-]

Hunted Illinois pistol season right up until the changed it to "late winter season" and allowed shotguns and muzzleloaders too. Kind of killed the peace and quiet of rarely hearing a shot to right back into shotgun seasons shootingfest. I find the grip on the super redhawk to be a little small but have decent weight to soak up recoil. My best friend has one and I have a 29 and 629 both with 8-3/8" barrels that don't seem to kick as much as a light 357 or 4" 44. As others have said pick out one that fits you and I'd stick with 41, 44 or 45.

[6bg6ga]

Good points

My Ruger Super Red Hawk as I believe a 9 1/4 or 1 1/2" barrel. Maximum loads aren't felt at all with it. Weight and length of the barrel effect recoil.

I had a Dan Wesson 357 years ago that you absolutely didn't want to shoot over about 5 times in a row and when you were done your hand stung.

[Forrest r]

I'd look no further then the 44mag. The 44cal is an excellent platform that is extremely versatile. Everyone has their favorite spotted puppy so you'd be better off looking at what people use & why along with what mfg's make and how they market them.

Which caliber has more molds/different bullet styles?
Which caliber has a wider range of bullet weights it can use/shoot accurately?
Which caliber is used more for silhouettes?
Which caliber is used more for bullseye?
Which caliber did ruger use for their "Alaskan" series of pistol?
Which caliber did s&w use for their backpacker series?
Which caliber is more popular in short bbl'd (3" or less) or snubnosed revolvers?
Which caliber is easier on brass?
Which caliber has tighter chambers in rifles?
Which caliber has more case volume?

I've always found 44cal molds easier to find and there's a lot larger selection of them. I've used 162gr wc's for bullseye in a 624 44spl on up to 320gr home swaged fn's for hunting in the 44mag. Wouldn't even think of using a 45lc for silhouettes but I did use 44cal's for silhouettes and bullseye. For some odd reason ruger & s&w forgot all about the 45lc when it came to their get-r-done series of short bbl'd revolvers. Don't see to many 45lc snubnosed revolvers being made but the 44cal's have been around for decades and mfg's are coming out with new short bbl'd models for the 44cal's. With the 45lc, not so much. The 45lc has a reputation of being hard on brass when either pushed hard of used in rifles. A lot of rifle mfg's made their firearms with loose chambers for more reliable feeding. A couple years back Brian Pearce did an article on the 45lc bulge from oversized chambers in rifles and which dies took that bulge out (handloader #276 page 26). It's nothing to shoot 44mag brass until the lip starts to split then trim them back to 44spl length and get 20/30/? more reloads out of them. The larger the case the easier it is to have loads that are position sensitive. The larger case makes for a smaller window of powders/loads that are accurate.

I'm not saying the 45lc isn't accurate. I am saying it's harder to find an accurate load in any caliber when you're dealing with low pressures and large case volumes.

Like I said everyone has their favorite spotted puppy. I'll stick with the 44cal's. Don't have as many as I used to own but I still own several different 44cal firearms & have my favorites like my 4" 29.
https://i.imgur.com/2G8nnTn.jpg

[Larry in MT]

My Nephew posed a similar question to me, recently. For HIS needs (close-up - Whitetail Does - need to stop them quickly) I recommended the 44 Mag loaded with 200 grain Hornady XTPs @ max. In my 5" 629-4 Classic, this load kicks very little and stops close range Deer with authority. If he had asked about Mule Deer Bucks, I might have recommended a different bullet but he needs something to stop Does short of his neighbor's property and he must use a straight walled handgun cartridge.

[Harter66]

I like the BlackHawk in 45 Colts . 7.5" , target sights , 45 ACP cylinder with the convertible package , get another cylinder for ACP and face for the rim and chamber it for 45 Schofield or leave it as is and chamber it wit an ACP reamer for a 1.285 rimless Colts .

I've run that one from 600 fps gallery RB up to 1200 fps with a 265 RNFP with 5-9.5 gr of old Unique and some real thumpers with 19.5 H110, which I need not ever do again .

45 ACP in it you hardly know you pulled the trigger . It makes nice practice with a 250 and 5.5 Unique .
I wish there was a 454 RH 6 shooter or that the Colts RH would use the 1917 /M25 moon clips . That would be the ultimate to me especially the 454 . The BlackHawk loaded to 25,000 psi is pretty potent .

If you decide on a companion rifle be sure it has a 16-20" twist not the Rossi's 32" .

[Inthealders]

Flat top 44 Special is a great gun.

[fabricator21]

Ruger just released an 8 shot 357. Looks fun

[ak_rob]

Way not a 454 nobody said you have to load it to max. It just seems to be the best of both worlds.
You can shoot 45 colt BP loads to 45 ruger loads to 454

[smkummer]

The best part of 44 magnum is 44 special. Usually easier to get top accuracy right out of the gate with a 44 than 45 colt. But I have them both in several guns. The bisley or double action grip frame absorbs recoil better than the plow handle single action. In a full size gun, 44 special does most everything 44 magnum does. But with that said, it appears 45 colt has taken a front seat in the rifles chambered in pistol calibers.