Quick Tip: .44 Magnum vs .45 Long Colt

They are two of the most popular revolver cartridges of all time, and today Brownells Gun Tech™ Steve Ostrem does a quick compare-and-contrast of the .44 Magnum and .45 Long Colt. The .45 LC debuted in the 1870s, when the steel used in revolvers was much weaker than modern steel, so it's a low-pressure cartridge. The .44 Magnum was developed in the 1950s specifically for hunting, and stronger modern gun steels meant revolvers could be built to handle its much greater pressures. Full-power commercial .44 Magnum ammunition tends to be easier to find. The .45 Colt you find at the gun store is loaded mildly so folks don't blow up their vintage Colt Single Action Army revolvers! If you're a handloader and have a strong modern revolver, like a Ruger Blackhawk or Redhawk, chambered in .45 Long Colt, you can load up "hot" ammo for it that generates pressures matching - or even exceeding - the .44 Magnum. BOTH cartridges are great for handloading because they have straight-wall cases and can handle a wide variety of powders and bullet weights. Dies, brass, and bullets are readily available for both. If you're not a handloader but want a hunting revolver, .44 Magnum is the better choice, as there's more FULL-power factory ammo available.