Ruger Alaskan 44 vs 45

[Rem700]

Most likely handloads in 45colt Ruger section. Any reason why one would prefere one caliber over the other with the short barrel?
The 454 version has a unfluted cylinder which I kinda like but other then that not much preference.
I have also comtimplated haveing the barrel on a 7 1/2" SRH that I havnt shot in yrs to 2 1/2".

[rugersol]

typically the bbl O.D. is the same ... so with a smaller bore, ya got more mass, out where ya want it, most!

if yer talkin defensive loads, most folks prefer store-bought, at which, there'll be a better selection of .44!

fer the money, I'd go with a S&W 325 "night guard" and load it with supers! ... ya may very well never get the chance, but if ya did, that'd afford a much faster reload!

otherwise, I'd go with a Montado!

that Taurus .41 tracker don't look bad, neither!

jest chrono'd my 200gr WFNGC .40's in my M&P the other day ... 1,000fps +/-10 ... certainly not .44 mag numbers, but x15rd+1, it beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick! ... not sure where double tap gets 1,100fps?! ... I doubt the gun'd hold up after more than a few of them?!

[Rem700]

No Montados but several Vaqs both plow and Bisleys in 45colt. At one point considered a Birdshead sherrifs model in 45colt.
Just like the lines of the Alaskan and really have no current use for one, just want one well just because.
Only 44s at present are a 629, SRH, and Charter Pug 44spl.

[rugersol]

At one point considered a Birdshead sherrifs model in 45colt.

almost bought one of them, myself!

[Seismic Sam]

This is a no contest issue. SAAMI pressure for the 44 Mag is 36,000 PSI, while the 454 Casull is 65,000 PSI - same as the Smith 500. Probably why the 454 doesn't have flutes in the cylinder. If a 7" barrel seems too long, I WOULD NOT go shorter than 5", and I think it would be critical to have the gun Magnaported. That costs around $125 last time I had it done, and really helps the muzzle climb and the snap, which will be wicked with full power loads.

[Rem700]

Really no intention of shooting 454 most likely 45colt Ruger only loads kinda apples to apples, So was wondering if the 44mag or 45colt if one or the other might be a better caliber efficiency wise out of the short barrel.
Heavy 300gr loads from a 7 1/2" SRH are a one handed no big deal affair, 200gr 44spl silver tips from the Pug ring my hands pretty good. So is a heavy 300gr load from a Alaskan going to fall inbetween the SRH and the Pug or is it going to not be enjoyable at all.

[sgruenhagen44]

I would say a 2 1/2 inch alaskan would be plenty enjoyable! Maybe not accurate but fun! I have a srh now. I just think .44 mag is more reasonable than a .454. Like you said. No one needs one but if ya can get it why not?

[s4s4u]

So was wondering if the 44mag or 45colt if one or the other might be a better caliber efficiency wise out of the short barrel.

Larger bores will be more efficient in a shorter barrel. It is all about volume and gas expansion. The more volume prior to bullet exit will allow a more efficient burn. Larger bores will throw same weight bullets with less pressure than smaller bores which also makes them more shooter firendly. The 45 Colt is one of the most efficient chamberings there is. If you load, you can use 454 cases and stuff them with 45 Colt recipes, and still have that little extra case volume if you decide you need it. But, I have not seen any need to throw a 250 XTP any faster than 1,400 fps, or a 300 more than 1,200. The 45 Colt rules.