Originally Posted by
contender1
" I doubt any big game animal could tell the difference between getting shot with a 44 mag or a "Ruger Only" loaded 45 Colt, but the 44 would be a lot easier to feed, and can also come in a smaller package, easier to tote."
NOT to start any further arguments,, this comment made me chuckle. I know black mamba was considering most North America big game. But just last night, I was discussing a big game hunt a member here, (sixshot) just took to Africa. He took his game with (2) different handguns. One was in .45 Colt. (The other being a .41 Mag.) And the load & level of quick killing power impressed all the PH's he had with him. And one of his "big game" was a large Cape Buffalo. He hit it once, it went down, immediately, and managed to get back up, turned quartering away, and he hit it again and it went down DRT. His PH was VERY impressed,,, but made the comment; "Many a person has been killed by a "dead" cape. Put a finishing shot in the spine. he did,,, but it wasn't necessary. That PH was also the owner of the Safari outfit. He requested a cast bullet (LBT) as a souvenir. BTW; That safari group had never had dedicated handgun hunters there before. All the PH's were a bit apprehensive at first. AND,,, other hunters in camp were using various rifles,, and having to shoot many of their game 3,4,5 & sometimes more to make a kill,,, AFTER following wounded game.
Point being,, the .45 Colt is a VERY effective caliber on all big game, and that was the subject of the OP to begin with. And the OP already wants to use .45 Colt because he already has a rifle chambered in it. The .44 Mag,, while quite capable,, MAY not be quite as good when loaded with comparable ammo. And yes,,I do know that many truly big game & dangerous game has been taken with the .44 Mag. But the OP wants a .45 Colt.
We shouldn't try & change his mind.