writwing":2mfpwh9s said:
the fatman":2mfpwh9s said:
It's kind of a controversy round.
What controversy??
The loading up of 45 Colt rounds to higher power levels is problematic if there is any chance the cartridges might find their way into a New Vaquero, a replica arm, a Taurus Judge, an original revolver designed for the lower pressures (around 12,000 psi, where the heavy "Ruger Only" loads are MUCH higher).
From Cor-Bon's web page referring to their heavy loads, (clipped from
http://www.chuckhawks.com/high-pressure45.htm
chuckhawks.com/high-pressure45.htm)
"This is NOT plinking ammo, this load should only be used in those guns that have the steel to handle the power. Guns in .45 Colt that are built on heavy duty frames, such as the Ruger, Freedom Arms, Colt Anaconda, and Thompson-Center Contender will handle this load with authority. This load is NOT intended for handguns such as older Smith & Wesson, Colt Single Action Army, or the Colt clones imported single action revolvers. Common sense needs to prevail! THIS IS NOT COWBOY AMMO!"
Hawk further points out that pressures in these so-called 45 Colt +P or Magnum cartridges are 57% higher than SAAMI standards for normal guns chambered in 45 Colt. But, unlike 44 Special/44 Magnum rounds, the hot 45 Colt will fit right in the chamber of a gun incapable of surviving the pressure.
The controversy (to my mind) is whether it is wise to make ammunition capable of blowing up guns in a cartridge indistiguishable from cartridges made for those guns. It seems to invite an accident. But then the 38 Special +p+ has much the same situation. Only the tiny "+p" on the headstamp alerts a shooter to the danger in the 38s and no such warning is on the 45s. (Note, the 45 ACP Super has a similar situation.)
The brass itself is not as durable as 44 Magnum brass, either. Chuck Hawk testifies that 45 Colt cases do not last through as many +p reloads as full power reloads of 44 Magnum cases.
On the other hand, the 45 Colt throws a bigger bullet.
compared to a 357, the 41 mag is 31% larger in frontal area and has the potential for 51% greater mass.
compared to a 41, the 44 mag is 9.5% larger in frontal area and has the potential for 14.5% greater mass.
compared to a 44, the 45 Colt is 10.5% larger in frontal area and has the potential for 16% greater mass.
compared to a 45, the 500 S&W is 23% larger in frontal area and has the potential for 36% greater mass.
When Dick Casull was developing his epynonymous cartridge he started out with 45 Colt cases, but wisely went to a longer cartridge so he would not blow up somebody's gun and then also wisely switched to rifle primers to contain the pressures.