I bought my first big bore pistol, a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt sometime back in the 1970's. I just thought it was a really cool cartridge even way back then. When I started in CAS, I didn't even consider anythnig else. I decided that to be able to afford it I would have to learn to reload, so I did. When I started CAS I already owned an original Marlin 1894 chambered for 44-40. Shortly thereafter I bought an original WInchester '92 also chambered in 44-40. When I went darkside, and wanted to buy a '73 with a shiny new bore, there was just no question as to what caliber it would be. 44-40 of course. So there you have it. 45 Colt and 44-40 both stuffed to the brim with FFg and topped off with big fat bullets. The more boom, smoke, and recoil the better.