[AGE]

G.W.,

I do load my own (most everything I shoot). It is getting to take more time than I want to devote to reloading (when I could be shooting). That's why I like my recently acquired (2 years ago) Colt 1911 9 mm. Uses cheapo Wallymart 9 mm just like the Loogers.

I'm not a black powder shooter but I've read articles by such people. I think the .45 Colt can go up to maybe 40 grains, after all that's what the .44-40 used. I had a .44-40 Colt clone a few years back. It shot well (smokeless powder) and I didn't hesitate to attack it with a dremel tool to sight it in. I widened the frame groove on one side only, ground the side and top of the front sight. Touched it up with flat black paint. Shot right to point of aim after that. Don't want to do that with my expen$ive Colt.

Elmer Kieth preferred the .44 special to the .45 because the cylinder walls are a little thicker. I wonder how hot he loaded his .44s. I really don't care because I have a Ruger Blackhawk .44 magnum. I also have a .44 Colt but it currently is residing in a safe in WV at our summer home. I'll have to do some shooting of the .44 and .45s (I have another one also) side by side this summer.