Caliber choice for an uberti single action - mountain carry

[gmajor]

I'm going to pick up an Uberti single action revolver. These are based on the original colt specs.

Carrying it occasionally in the backcountry. I rarely carry anything when it's not rifle season, but it would be nice to have the option for the grizzly areas. Just something respectable, nothing crazy.

Anyway, I'm trying to decide between the .45 colt and .357. These revolvers aren't overbuilt like the ruger blackhawk etc, so they are not built to handle the souped up .45 colt ammo (such as the stuff offered by buffalo bore). If you had to decide between the two calibers in standard ammunition offerings, which would be your preference? Big and slow (45 colt) or small and fast (357)? I'm assuming ammo will be much easier and cheaper for the latter...

Thanks - greg

 

[GKPrice]

with all the options in loads and bullets it's a lot more difficult to make that decision - IF self defense is in the mix I would opt for the 45 Colt though

 

[PNWGATOR]

.45 LC all the way.

 

[gmajor]

Even with (1) ammo prices/availability, and (2) the fact that the frame can't handle high pressure loads? Those are my main concerns (and I think they're pretty big, especially the latter), otherwise it'd be 45 Colt no questions asked...

 

[Muttly]

More torque, less stress, 45 all the way. If you hand load, 270-300 grain hard cast, mid range loads with HS-6,.Unique, whatnot should do 90% of what needs doin. With lower pressure, longer brass life, lot easier on the ears if you fire without ear protection vs higher pressure rounds like 357, or 454 Casull. Less muzzle jump, easier on the hands and wrist.
Course, you can also run .38 Special through the .357 all day long, which would have a lot the same positive attributes as the .45.
But .45s are like big puppy dog rounds, irresistible, so if you do go the .357 route, might as well resign yourself to the fact that sooner or later, you're gonna hafta get a 45..

 

[gmajor]

Alright, you guys have me pretty convinced.

 

[GKPrice]

not to wander from your original question but if you are worried most about black bears they your carry method is just as important, maybe more, than cartridge choice - most of the time a black bear will come at you from the side or behind and you may not see it coming - keep your "side" arm where you can get at it if you are on the ground in a ball trying to protect yourself from an onslaught (like NOT on your belt) - Also, in this case (or most any other "close quarters" fight a .357 will do you just as well and as earlier stated, you can practice with .38 special - I have grown up on the NW coast and personally know a couple of guys who have dealt with exactly what I described, there are also Alaskan stories of blacks pulling the same stuff - Frankly, if it were a Brown bear I was worrying about the close quarters carry coupled with the HOPE that you survived the initial attack would be first in my thoughts as well AND I'd be carrying a 12 gauge or good rifle - Bears are amazing creatures

 

[gmajor]

Man I'm having a tough time with this decision. If 45 colt were cheaper/more available I think my decision would be in the bag...

 

[flyinsquirel]

45LC all the way.

 

[texag10]

not to wander from your original question but if you are worried most about black bears they your carry method is just as important, maybe more, than cartridge choice - most of the time a black bear will come at you from the side or behind and you may not see it coming - keep your "side" arm where you can get at it if you are on the ground in a ball trying to protect yourself from an onslaught (like NOT on your belt) - Also, in this case (or most any other "close quarters" fight a .357 will do you just as well and as earlier stated, you can practice with .38 special - I have grown up on the NW coast and personally know a couple of guys who have dealt with exactly what I described, there are also Alaskan stories of blacks pulling the same stuff - Frankly, if it were a Brown bear I was worrying about the close quarters carry coupled with the HOPE that you survived the initial attack would be first in my thoughts as well AND I'd be carrying a 12 gauge or good rifle - Bears are amazing creatures

Good info. I don't live in bear country, but if I was getting a handgun to deal with this type of scenario it certainly would not be a single action revolver.

 

[gmajor]

Looks like there is overwhelming support for the 45 colt. I'll go that route! Thanks guys.

 

[GKPrice]

Looks like there is overwhelming support for the 45 colt. I'll go that route! Thanks guys.

Wasn't trying to turn this into a grizzly pistol thread nor a 'what gun/caliber is best for black bear' thread, I think there are more posts related to those questions than we could ever have the time to read!

Partly my fault ! Sorry !!