I want to get a Redhawk but can't make up my mind whether I want it in .44 Magnum or .45 Colt.

I've heard/read about oversize cylinder chamber mouths in the .44s and undersized chamber mouths in the .45s.

I'm thinking it would be better to have chambers too tight because I can always open them up. If the chambers are too large, I'm stuck looking for oversized bullets.

Opinions?

I have 2, a 5.5, and a 7.5 hunter, both in 44. I also have SBH in 44, so I am pretty much commited to the 44. I load jacketed and lead. I am at this point not worried about the opening or closing, with my my shooting I am on my game. I understand the 45 is also a viable cal, I choose the 44 for its variaty of choices.
Jim

For jacketed, overly large chamber throats are less of a problem than you might imagine. I've shot jacketed bullets a full 0.005" undersized, with good accuracy.

Anyway with the .44, just order Marshall's bullets sized 0.432" and be done with it. Haven't seen a Ruger .44 yet that they would not function in.

On the .45 Colt, yes, you may need to open them up a bit. Ruger's dimensions seem to be all over the map. Take a caliper with you to the gun store. Inside measuring prongs on a dial caliper aren't the last word in accuracy, but hopefully will give you an idea to the nearest 0.001" or so.

For jacketed, overly large chamber throats are less of a problem than you might imagine. I've shot jacketed bullets a full 0.005" undersized, with good accuracy.

I've found this to be true as well, while shooting my .357 BlackHawk. ...But I shoot cast bullets 99.9% of the time- hence my concern.

Anyway with the .44, just order Marshall's bullets sized 0.432" and be done with it. Haven't seen a Ruger .44 yet that they would not function in.

If the bore of a .44 Redhawk runs .429 and I shoot .432 bullets through it, won't I get leading at the forcing cone?

TIA,

Yes, but I doubt you'll ever find a Redhawk that small. Their .44s don't seem to be plagued with undersized throats, as a rule.

I have a .44 Redhawk (5.5"), a .45 Redhawk (5.5") and a .44 SRH (6"). I like them all. The only work I have done on the .44 Redhawk is trigger work. On the .45, in addition to the trigger work, I reamed the cylinder throats. They were originally a little tight at about .451". They both shoot very well.
Your choice will be based on personal preference. I actually prefer .45 Colt.