"bigboy" considerations

[dsmjon]

I've been thinking over the past few months about getting a 'bigboy' HG. Something with more zing than the .45ACP. I'm currently deciding between the .460 Rowland conversion (which won't burn up one of my permits), a .454 Casull, or just a 'run of the mill .44mag'.

Ease of ammunition purchase is not of concern, of course. I like the Rowlan idea since I would easily be able to 'undo' it and sell/use the ACP again (although I have multiple 1911's..)

For now, I don't hunt. I'm sure most will think it's a waste, and this is pointless. I like things that go bang, and am usually a glutton for punishment. I just like shooting big loads. I almost came home with a .45-70 derringer, but I'm not a huge fan of derringers... :-D

[Edubya]

A .44mag is capable of spanking your big boy adrenaline lust, and doing it with style! The .45 boys just wish that they could do 1400 fps with a 255gr. missile. The same gun can lob them at 700fps with the accuracy and speed to satisfy the likes of JM. I figure that we have a lot of calibers out there that are for nothing more than the advertisement boys to swoon over. The first one that comes to mind is the .40, the .357 has that covered. Versatility is what you will want when it comes to handguns. The .44mag is the most versatile handgun on the planet.
EW

[stubshaft]

If you want to step up to "High Horsepower" handguns then the .454 is the one to get. There's nothing like pushing a 300gr boolit at 1750 to get your adrenaline flowing.

[jack19512]

I'm fond of the .454 Casull myself, 44 mag would be second for me.

[dsmjon]

Stub, that's why I'm drooling over it. I'm one of those freaks that would rather have something not everyone and his grandma has, which is why I'm shying away from the 44mag somewhat. :)

[desteve811]

http://i685.photobucket.com/albums/vv219/desteve811/DSCN1355.jpg

460mag

[dk17hmr]

I have a Ruger 454, its great because you can shoot 45lc's in it for rabbits or plinkin or set up to hot loads with the 454. For my hot loads I throw 370gr Keith bullets out of mine at 1300fps or 325gr Hammer's at 1600......I really dont like small rifle primers in it though, I dont know why but I want to use large pistol primers.

That said I would get, if I had the money, a Freedom arms 454 with 45acp and 45LC cylinders.

[dubber123]

If you like big boomers, .454 or .475 Linebaugh. I have the Linebaugh, but I would imagine the .454 is ultimately more versatile. The .475 is very flexible and fantastically accurate, though. (Effective too). I find the S/A grip frame to be much more forgiving in the recoil dept. A nice .454 revolver can be had for $700 or less.

[targetshootr]

I'd go either 45 colt or 475. A five shot 45 colt can do most everything the 454 can without fooling around with small primers. Heck, a 6 shot 45 colt Ruger can ricochet off your forehead.

[O.S.O.K.]

I currently have 45 Colts (in Rugers which can be hot loaded) and 44 Mags - also Rugers.

If I personally were to get another caliber, it'd be 480 Ruger.

I wish Ruger would chamber the Black Hawk in this caliber...

The 460 Rowland is a fine caliber but not much different really than your 45 ACP in terms of shooting fun IMHO.

[odis]

I've been thinking over the past few months about getting a 'bigboy' HG. Something with more zing than the .45ACP. I'm currently deciding between the .460 Rowland conversion (which won't burn up one of my permits), a .454 Casull, or just a 'run of the mill .44mag'.

Ease of ammunition purchase is not of concern, of course. I like the Rowlan idea since I would easily be able to 'undo' it and sell/use the ACP again (although I have multiple 1911's..)

For now, I don't hunt. I'm sure most will think it's a waste, and this is pointless. I like things that go bang, and am usually a glutton for punishment. I just like shooting big loads. I almost came home with a .45-70 derringer, but I'm not a huge fan of derringers... :-DI think if uncle Elmer had Federal or starline brass and the kind of single action pistols we have today I sometimes wonder if the 44 mag or the 454 casull would have ever been developed. A Bfr in 475 linebaugh might be just what your looking for.

[bisleyfan41]

I think if uncle Elmer had Federal or starline brass and the kind of single action pistols we have today I sometimes wonder if the 44 mag or the 454 casull would have ever been developed. A Bfr in 475 linebaugh might be just what your looking for.


I've been thinking about this subject myself here recently. It seem to be the weak balloon head 45 cases were the reason he went to the 44 spl for his heavy loads to start with. He had always loved the 45 Colt round. My GUESS would be Elmer would be quite content with a 5.5" Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt today, loaded either light or heavy.

And indeed the 44 mag may have never been; who knows the 44 spl may have slipped off into neverland w/o Keith using it. Strong 45 Colt cases at that time may have changed firearms history as we know it and the choices of calibers we have today.

I think the 454 would still be here. Dick Casull was looking to hotrod the 45 and would probably have still done so. But, the 45 Colt in a Ruger can do alot of things well.