my opinion is that Mr. LaPell has added a little twist to the traditional .44 vs. 45 Colt question. Oddly enough, I have a similar question rolling in my head.
If I may, I'd like to add a little to David's Post.
Let's say we have a .44 special and a .45 colt. both shooting 255 grain LSWC. Both bullets moving ~950 fps. Same length barrels. these aren't super heavy loads. very reasonable. This isn't a "can the 45Colt meet/exceed 44 mag velocities" question.
I completely agree that given a heart shot, proper placement, the animal will be dead regardless which caliber is used.
But using these reasonable recipes, which would you prefer and why? If you want to look at it, "if the shot placement was less than perfect", then go aghead.
My thought is that the edge (if any) would go to the 45Colt just for the fact it is slightly larger diameter, and i'd think would cause a larger wound channel.
David, if i'm hi-jacking your thread, please say so and I'll delete this.
Thank you,
c.r.