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Post by shoopindy on Mar 17, 2021 15:39:55 GMT -5
I’m looking for a deer rifle that I can use for IN public land hunting. I’d like something light and maneuverable so I was thinking of a lever-action carbine.
I’ve been keeping an eye out for one in .44 magnum but pickings are slim. However, I’ve found some nice options that are all chambered in .45 colt.
Am I better off waiting for a .44 mag (hopefully sometime before deer season) or just getting a .45LC now?
From what I gather, the .44mag packs a considerably bigger wallop than the .45LC with factory loads. But .45LC can be comparable with hand or speciality loads (ie Buffalo Bore). However, given short supply of ammo, let alone specialty ammo or re-loading supplies, I’m a little reluctant to rely on this.
Are .45 colt factory loads sufficient for IN public hunting?
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Post by greghopper on Mar 17, 2021 15:43:47 GMT -5
I will keep my eye out for yeah on some gun forums I am on!
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Post by bullseye69 on Mar 17, 2021 15:51:00 GMT -5
I got a lever gun in 454 casull and I can let the wife shoot 45LC thru it. Rossi R92 SS with a red dot. Great woods gun.
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Post by lawrencecountyhunter on Mar 17, 2021 16:25:08 GMT -5
I've killed one deer with my 45 Winchester and the Buffalo Bore "Deer Grenade". It performed how it sounds, deer didn't go anywhere.
I would prefer 44 Mag due to ammo selection though, but if it's an exceptionally good deal or an exceptionally nice rifle the 45 will certainly work.
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Post by stevein on Mar 18, 2021 3:12:27 GMT -5
I have a Marlin 94 in 44 mag. I feel if I had it to do over I would get the 45. For some reason I do not understand SAMMI calls for a .431 groove diameter in rifles and Marlin makes them that size. Causes trouble when trying to buy cast bullets. I use the cast for less recoil in practice.
The Hornady XTP Shoots fine in mine as does the Win White Box.
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Post by span870 on Mar 20, 2021 14:55:02 GMT -5
With the .350 and .450, there are better options. Savage axis 2 in .350 has a short barrel. Be just the ticket. I have a marlin, actual marlin, .44 that is fun to carry but not really my first choice to grab.
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Post by dbd870 on Mar 20, 2021 16:23:45 GMT -5
I would go with the 350 if I was starting out fresh today with a public land gun
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Post by whitetaildave24 on Mar 20, 2021 20:22:02 GMT -5
With the .350 and .450, there are better options. Savage axis 2 in .350 has a short barrel. Be just the ticket. I have a marlin, actual marlin, .44 that is fun to carry but not really my first choice to grab. I have that exact savage .350 and have no complaints so far. Good shooting little gun. Have to ask my son how it performs on deer though as I’ve yet to shoot one with it. It actually did pretty well with the short frontal shot he had on his buck. Have killed a decent buck with a .44 and it performed pretty good as well. |
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Post by mgderf on Apr 22, 2021 17:52:51 GMT -5
.45Colt was dropping buffalo before the .44mag was invented.
I like both, and have both, but I would not pick one over the other.
The .45Colt can be loaded hot, to almost the velocities of the .44mag and can hit just as hard.
It will also carry slightly more weight in the right projectile.
That said, 3 years ago I took the largest buck of my 45+ year deer hunting experience with a Marlin 1894 in .44mag.
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Post by shoopindy on Apr 22, 2021 20:27:45 GMT -5
I ended up getting a Henry lever in 44. I hadn't considered the 350 until it was recommended and the idea of a 350 scout rifle does sound very appealing (possibly a future purchase) but the little buckaroo in me just couldn't pass up the chance to sling a cowboy rifle.
So far, I'm impressed with its accuracy and with 44 special its a sedated petting zoo pony...but with 44 mag it turns into a bucking bronco. Still easily manageable though.
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