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HiBC · November 24, 2022, 01:11 PM

In a handgun I'd say its more about preference. Heavy bullets are less of a consideration.

If it was a rifle...I'd pay attention to the twist rate of the barrel. At least the early 444's had trouble stabilizing bullets over 300 gr.
Actually original 1886 Winchesters chambered in 45-90 were twisted to be a (relatively) Hi-Vel ,light bullet "Express Rifle"

While the 45-70 was happy with 405 gr bullets, the 45-90,not so much. It was happier with 300 gr.

I don't know what your target will be. I'm guessing ,due to recoil, either cartridge would likely be shooting 300 gr bullets. Not likely you'll be shooting African Big 5 or Big Bears, or Long Range Competition..so 400 + gr bullets are not a great advantage.

Early days of loading 444 met with the challenge of most bullets available were constructed for 44 Magnum . The 444 over drove them, which could actually reduce penetration.

I still have a box of .035 copper jacket 265 gr bullets from Barnes made for the 444.

Whether true or false,folks had concerns about cast bullets and Micro-Groove. I don't know the answer.

I'm of the school I'd shoot cast bullets in either cartridge and which cartridge does not matter much. For no reason I can make an arguement,I'd probably go 45-70.
But you do you!

November 24, 2022, 01:11 PM	#14
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,295	In a handgun I'd say its more about preference. Heavy bullets are less of a consideration. If it was a rifle...I'd pay attention to the twist rate of the barrel. At least the early 444's had trouble stabilizing bullets over 300 gr. Actually original 1886 Winchesters chambered in 45-90 were twisted to be a (relatively) Hi-Vel ,light bullet "Express Rifle" While the 45-70 was happy with 405 gr bullets, the 45-90,not so much. It was happier with 300 gr. I don't know what your target will be. I'm guessing ,due to recoil, either cartridge would likely be shooting 300 gr bullets. Not likely you'll be shooting African Big 5 or Big Bears, or Long Range Competition..so 400 + gr bullets are not a great advantage. Early days of loading 444 met with the challenge of most bullets available were constructed for 44 Magnum . The 444 over drove them, which could actually reduce penetration. I still have a box of .035 copper jacket 265 gr bullets from Barnes made for the 444. Whether true or false,folks had concerns about cast bullets and Micro-Groove. I don't know the answer. I'm of the school I'd shoot cast bullets in either cartridge and which cartridge does not matter much. For no reason I can make an arguement,I'd probably go 45-70. But you do you!