Leverguns, 45Colt+P vs 44Mag???

[HatchieLuvr]

I've chased these fuzzy critters for nearly 4 decades now. Shot'em with just about every rifle caliber/cart you can name (and some you probably haven't even heard of). But one thing I've always had a hankering for but haven't done yet is get a levergun in a pistol cartridge. I realize the "limitations" and I have plenty of other bigger leverguns (30-30, 35Rem, 45-70) but I just keep thinking about a short (16"), quick levergun in either 45Colt or 44Mag. I have a Blackhawk Bisley (7.5") in 45C that I already shoot 300grn Leatherwood +P ammo in. I just really like the big 45C+P, especially 300grn variants as a result of my decades of muzzleloading that bullet at velocities of appx 1400-2000+fps. But the rifle options out there obviously favor the 44Mag as far are most mfgrs offerings.

I know inside of 150yds the deer wont feel any difference from either stoutly loaded and well placed. But how many of you have used both for deer and what are your opinions 1 vs the other? If Marlin offered a SS 1894 carbine in 45C then I'd already have one in the safe! I like the looks of the Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine but I'm not sure about the chamber length and rifling twist for some loads...

 

[EastTNHunter]

I've not killed deer with either caliber, but I have with 45/70 loaded from mild to wild. You just don't need much velocity to kill deer with a big diameter, wide meplat cast boolit. I think that either one would work, especially if you reload and already have stuff to load for one or the other.

 

[Deer Assassin]

44 mag

love it
I have killed with a lever action and single shot full speed and subsonic

 

[CHRIS WILSON]

If you're comparing the 45 colt +p loads and 44 mag loads, it's pretty much a 6 of one...half dozen of the other comparison. They're both plenty stout and will be very effective in a carbine length barrel. The Henry big boy should have no issues shooting hot loaded 45 colt +p ammo and will probably shoot it very well. Overall, the 44 mag version may give you a better selection of ammo to choose from. Especially considering it can shoot 44 special rounds if you just want to have a day plinking at the range.

 

[Lost Lake]

Wish I could help you out. I've killed bunches with the .44 mag in a levergun, as has a hunting buddy. I've killed lots with Trapdoor level 45/70 loads as well, and even though I haven't used it, I don't think a stout loaded .45 carbine would be much different than that.

I'd go with a .44 mag in a carbine. Good ammo is everywhere, and it's a much better killer than most people realize. JMO.

 

[jejeffrries71]

Never used any of those, but my first dozen deer were taken with a Marlin in .357 mag. Granted, they weren't huge deer, but I never had to go looking for any of them like I do now with faster modern calibers. Just had to stay inside 60 yards and I seemed to have plenty of gun. Usually knocked them off their feet where they were hit and they bled out trying to get up. Rarely an exit wound, but a large wound channel.

 

[Matador]

Both are fine choices and I've shot both, but I prefer the 44 mag to hunt with.

 

[WTM]

look at the rossi m92 or the new r92. chambered for 454 casull but of course you can shoot 45c in it as well as well. descent rifles once the action gets worn in.

 

[1 good shot]

look at the rossi m92 or the new r92. chambered for 454 casull but of course you can shoot 45c in it as well as well. descent rifles once the action gets worn in.

I have one of these and it is a great gun. But the recoil is greater than my 30-06