If I have to choose, I'll go with 44 Special. Here is why. Let start with serious stuff; handgun hunting. Please read what Terry Murbach said:
"...I DO KNOW I CAN RUN 300gr BULLETS AT 1100FPS FROM ALL MY 45COLT SIXGUNS INCLUDING THE COLT AND S&W M25-5 GUNS OF VARIOUS BARREL LENGTHS WITH LOADS THAT ARE STRAIGHT OUT OF THE LAST FEW SPEER MANUALS.
A 45 CALIBER 300gr LFN BULLET AT 1100 WILL COMPLETELY PENETRATE ANY ANIMAL IN NORTH AMERICA AND YOU NEED NOTHING ELSE. MORE SPEED MAY FLATTEN THE TRAJECTORY A BIT-- darned LITTLE TOO AS A MATTER OF FACT-- BUT ALL YOU ARE DOING AT 1100 OR 1300 IS POKING A 45 CALIBER HOLE IN AND A 45 CALIBER HOLE OUT.
THE MOST INTERESTING PART OF THIS TO ME IS THE FACT THAT A 454424 KEITH BULLET AT THE SAME SPEEDS--1050 TO 1100-- DOES THE SAME WORK AND DOES IT AT EVEN LOWER PRESSURES. THIRTY SIX YEARS AGO I PUT FIVE TONS OF MEAT ON THE GROUND WITH THE KEITH LOAD FROM A RUGER 45COLT 4 5/8" SIXGUN [ 1075FPS FROM THIS GUN ] AND NEVER RECOVERED A SINGLE BULLET. THEY WENT COMPLETELY THROUGH FROM EVERY CONCEIVABLE ANGLE INCLUDING FROM STRAIGHT ABOVE.
THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANY HEAVIER BULLETS OF ANY KIND IN THE 45COLT CARTRIDGE"
https://www.levergunscommunity.org/viewtopic.php?t=19554 , posted Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:31 pm.
Now, let see what James Gates wrote:
When we get to this point, it is the Meplat Area that counts.
https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?48098-Gates-Extreme-Meplat-Bullets
Here is 454424:
So, if we have 44 bullet, about same weight and same meplat dia as 454424, lunched at same 1100 fps, we will have the same effect on deer or hog.
Here is 43-255M from Acurate Molds:
www.accuratemolds.com
Now, everybody knows about famous E. Keith load with 429421, lunched at 1200 fps, using 2400 powder, that paved the way for 44 Magnum. In that respect, wouldn't be any problem to get 1100 fps with bullet above. If we are talking about accuracy, this 44 Special load should have the edge, since powder space is more filled than in 45 Colt case. When we are talking about target loads, 44 Special should be also better choice for the same reason.
As for 45 Colt, these days is quite easier to find revolver in this caliber than in 44 Special. Also, everybody makes mold for 454424.
Despite, I will still go with 44 Special, if for nothing else, because of very fine Ruger Flattop and S&W 24/624 revolvers.
However, as others pointed, 45 Colt. is also very fine choice.