You do things your way.
Here are some things that I would consider.It makes a difference what kind of firearm you are using,and what your priorities are.
No dis intended,but if you intend to reload eventually,price of factory loads may be a minor factor.
If you are looking at somthing of the strength of a colt SAA,or clone,and even the new smaller frame ruger flattop
You aren't going to be able to take full advantage of the big 45 case.The guns wont hold up to the +p pressures in the colt.
Elmer started out trying to hotrod the 45,then switched to the .44spl as it has more steel in the wheel.He was blowing up .45's.Seems like I heard ,at the bolt cuts,the wall thickness of the cyl on a S+W 25-5 is about .018 thick.
Historically it has been harder to get fine accuracy out of a .45.Partly about smokeless loads in a blackpowder case,mostly about oversize cyl throat dias.
Like .454 to 455 for a 451 bullet.
so,while for just preference,a 45 is great,but I think with standard loads,the 44 spl is the winner.With some frame strength,like a SW 696,or a flattop ruger,the 44 spl can be somewhat +P,not a 44 mag,but over 1000 fps is possible.In many cases,the .44spl will have an accuracy advantage
But,if you are looking at a very strong handgun that can take some pressure,like a Ruger Blackhawk the +P 45 LC shines.
I don't really want a .454 casull,the 1200 to 1300 fps 45 LC loads in a Bisley
are a thumper.
And,if you have a loading setup,you might check into how much 200 cases of Starline brass,and 500 cast bullets and a pound of powder costs.
You'll have 100 loaded to shoot while 100 are being shot up to reload again,all the same headstamp ,with the same number of loadings
A set of lee carbide dies doesn't cost a lot,and if you don't have a press the lee cheapo press and outfit will make ammo.But thats just me.
Lead factory loads ,bah.Jacketed loads,why? Hard cast!!
