44M/ 44SP v 45LC?

I have been given the opportunity to acquire a Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved 3rd Ed. and need some advice on caliber.

Based on photos, I'm leaning toward the 44M. Something about the dimensions appeals to me over the 45. But I'm not set on it.

Looking at the rounds themselves, it seems like the 44 would be a better factory round, opinions? Hell, I don't know how much I'd ever fire a limited edition rifle, but safe queens aren't really my thing either.

44M
Attachment 81375

45LC
Attachment 81376

Obviously, the 44 mag is going to be the most powerful between the ones mentioned. Ballistics wise, I think the 44 Special is probably closest to a 45 ACP when it comes to bullet weight and velocity. The 45 Colt is going to be hard to describe because most of the factory loads are powder puffs to avoid people blowing up vintage firearms that were designed around black powder loads. Not sure if those levers you showed are rated for more modern pressures but the 45 Colt does babe potential to approach on 44 mag territory (although some brass isn?t good for those types of loads).

Personally, I like the 357 in a lever action but since you didn?t provide that option I?d likely go for the 44 because you?ll have a larger variety of factory loads available.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ray1970

Obviously, the 44 mag is going to be the most powerful between the ones mentioned. Ballistics wise, I think the 44 Special is probably closest to a 45 ACP when it comes to bullet weight and velocity. The 45 Colt is going to be hard to describe because most of the factory loads are powder puffs to avoid people blowing up vintage firearms that were designed around black powder loads. Not sure if those levers you showed are rated for more modern pressures but the 45 Colt does babe potential to approach on 44 mag territory (although some brass isn?t good for those types of loads).

Personally, I like the 357 in a lever action but since you didn?t provide that option I?d likely go for the 44 because you?ll have a larger variety of factory loads available.

---

Thank you, I would have preferred the 357 as well, but it appears to be sold out already.

.45 Colt would be the most “authentic”, but unless you reload, the .44 will not only be the most powerful, but also the most readily available.

I have a press and lots of stuff... but don't reload.

In time I believe it will become a necessity.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

My vote would be for the 44M unless you plan on getting something else in 45LC in the future.

I would go with the 45 colt, only because that is what I grew up shooting. Dad is a huge 45 colt fan.

Thanks for the feedback, in the end Davidson's made the decision for me. I couldn't find a way to order two of the same rifle in the same caliber, and the generous person that was paying for the rifle wanted the 45 Colt version. So 44M it is! Which I'm okay with.