I have a number of both Ruger and Smith's. I have a couple of Rugers in .45 Colt. It is a very good hunting cartridge that, for years, was overshadowed by the .44 Magnum. Frankly, at reasonable woods ranges there is little difference in their terminal effect.
The Smith's routinely have MUCH better triggers than Rugers out of the box. I don't believe I ever met a Ruger that didn't benefit from a trigger job. Having said that, the Single Action Rugers can be given very nice triggers but they don't come that way.
I have several Smith "N" frames and they have all been MORE than satisfactory with great triggers. Just because I can, I have replaced springs in several of my Smith's to give me a better double action trigger (mostly, lighter). You can, of course, go "too far" and end up with an unreliable revolver but that is not necessary (just don't go "too far"
).
Ruger Single Actions that have under size cylinder throats (a common complaint in .45 Colt caliber) will benefit greatly by having that corrected. I reamed my Ruger SS Bisley Convertible (both cylinders) to .4525" and it NOW will shoot well under 1" at 25 yards off a rest. I have done several other similar revolvers with the same results. Doug on this board offers this service at a reasonable rate and IMO is a MUST to get the best from these revolvers.
My "standard" load in the .45 Colt cylinder using .45 Colt brass is 8.5 grs. of Unique behind a 250-260 gr SWC. That same powder charge behind the RCBS 45-270-SAA bullet (my Mihec moulds cast these at about 285 grs.) sized to .452" makes for a VERY nice and powerful load for both S&W and Ruger revolvers without straining them. They will shoot clear through a large whitetail, end for end, at 100 yards. A feller just doesn't need a more powerful handgun for most things in this area. I wouldn't be afraid to tackle Deer (or even an Elk at reasonable ranges) and Black bear. I would want a bit more for a Grizzly (I have NO experience with Grizzlies but I do have a good imagination
).
Strangely enough, the large caliber (.44 and .45's) make excellent edible small game revolvers. I have taken a goodly amount of rabbits (cottontail and snowshoe) and grouse, etc without issue. Shoot the close ones in the head and through the "slats" if they are further away. No meat damage to speak of and instant stops...
You might want to check out this web site for "hands on" information about the .45 Colt in Smith revolvers:
http://www.handloads.com/articles/?id=12
FWIW
Dale53