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Old 08-05-2007, 12:09 PM
Contenderizer Contenderizer is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: central Florida, USA
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A general rule of thumb is that (for a given bullet weight) the higher the velocity the slower the twist rate should be for proper stabilization. Given that the 44 Mag has approx 50% greater velocity (for a given bullet weight) than the 45 Colt, it seems logical that the twist rate would be slower - 1 rotation in 38 inches vs. 1 rotation in 16 inches for the 45 Colt. The other way to look at this is: If the velocity is the same, a heavier bullet should benefit from a slower twist.

The 44 Mag is built to withstand 40,000 CUP pressure level, substantially more than the 45 Colt. While some reloaders have beefed-up the 45 Colt considerably and they may disagree, I don't recommend trying to match the 44 Mag in terms of velocity - even in a modern gun.

Either should serve you well in terms of deer hunting at 100 yards. I have heard that the 250 Gr XTP works well in the 45 Colt for such animals. In either case, at that distance, if you achieve groups smaller than 4" you are doing well. I like both rounds, but I never ask too much of a handgun load.
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