| Posted: Wed Jul 1st, 2009 07:43 AM |
|
1st Post |
280Hawkeye
HB Full Member
| Joined: | Sun Jan 11th, 2009 |
| Location: | Midland, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 5 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle | | My favorite chambering is:: | 280 Remington ... |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I have just acquired a Ruger New Model Blackhawk in 45 colt. I bought it so I would have a handgun to hunt with. Any way im looking for loads that can be used on these critters. Im on a budget and the gun was 350 dollars so it seemed like a good deal.
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 1st, 2009 03:04 PM |
|
2nd Post |
wheezengeezer
Moderator
| Joined: | Mon Jul 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | Jeddediah Jones Swamp,Corbin, Kansas USA |
| Posts: | 2486 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | pistol | | My favorite chambering is:: | 44 Marlin 1.28 straight |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Many manuals have stepped up loads for the rugers.That would be a good place to look.Believe a 300 gr can be pushed close to 1200 fps,but I am not sure.I have 2 44's,but I think a 45 would be a good addition
____________________
I was raised in the 50's on jackrabbits and gunpowder.salt and pepper wooda made'em taste better
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 1st, 2009 09:11 PM |
|
3rd Post |
Ranch 13
Handloading Master
| Joined: | Sat Apr 1st, 2006 |
| Location: | Hells Gap, Wyoming USA |
| Posts: | 581 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
A good 250 gr cast swc at 1000-1200 fps will do about anything needing done with a handgun. Try 18.5 grs of 2400 with a 250 gr bullet. My everyday load in the 45 is 9 grs of unique with a 250-265 gr swc. Haven't never shot anything bigger than a 2000lb bull with that load so couldn't realy say how good it'll work on deer or bear.
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 1st, 2009 10:15 PM |
|
4th Post |
Dirtkicker
Administrator
| Joined: | Mon Sep 3rd, 2007 |
| Location: | High Plains |
| Posts: | 1526 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | .38/.357 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I agree that the .45 Colt is an excellent choice for an outdoorsman's sidearm, especially in the Ruger persuasion. With a hard-cast 255-gr bullet (or thereabouts) that Ruger can be loaded well past minimum requirements for deer and black bear.
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 2nd, 2009 07:47 PM |
|
5th Post |
saddlesore
HB certified Master Handloading and Ballistics advisor
| Joined: | Sun Feb 6th, 2005 |
| Location: | Colorado Springs, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 790 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Online
|
back to top
|
Can't say about bear, but a 44 mag is about as close to a 45 colt as you can get.I have shot s few elk with std Speer half jacket flat nose and it drops them .Can't see the need for hard cast bullets for deer. You might not get the expansion you want. JMO though
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 6th, 2009 09:50 PM |
|
6th Post |
Rafsob
HB Full Member
| Joined: | Mon Jul 6th, 2009 |
| Location: | Hayes |
| Posts: | 4 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | .45 Colt |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Lot a good stuff out there on this fine round. I have been loading this round for a few years now and it, along with my .44 Mag. are one of my favorite rounds for hunting. Many people think that the .44 is the way to go, but the .45 Colt can be loaded up to shoot in the heavier guns such as the Ruger Black Hawks. I have a Ruger Blackhawk Hunter with a 2x Burris scope on:
there are many site to visit for good data, but start with this one:
http://www.realguns.com/loads/45colt.htm
I tend to favor the XTP Mag in 300 gr. I also use a surplus powder (WC820). This powder is similar to AA9.
Just remember that with anything on reloading, trust what you know to be true. When in doubt, reduce stated loads by at least 10%. Always remember not to mix heavy loads with any of the Colt SAA or clones. That would not make for a good day.
Good luck.
Last edited on Mon Jul 6th, 2009 09:51 PM by Rafsob
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 6th, 2009 10:54 PM |
|
7th Post |
runfiverun
HB Pro Staff
| Joined: | Sat Feb 9th, 2008 |
| Location: | Soda Springs, Idaho USA |
| Posts: | 529 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
the xtp can go right through a deer without opening just as easy as a soft cast boolit will.
sr 4756 and 2400 are favorite powders around here for the 45 in hunting use and unique for just having the gun around use.
the 454424 and 452446 lyman cast boolits are perennial favorites in the revolvers and leverguns too.
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 7th, 2009 12:19 AM |
|
8th Post |
miestro_jerry
Guest
| Joined: | |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
The 45 LC is a good choice for deer hunting, I have hunted with a pistol in Western Michigan in the late 80s. I think a cast 250 grain bullet with 7.0 gains of 231 would do the trick. Maybe 20.0 grains of 2400 powder would work also.
As far as bears, I am not sure this would be the best choice, for that I would prefer a 44 Mag or a large bore rifle.
Jerry
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 3rd, 2009 12:42 AM |
|
9th Post |
sako06
Moderator
| Joined: | Sun Jul 22nd, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 923 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Go to http://www.buffalobore.com 300gr Speer J.F.N. 1325fps & ME 1170ft# a friend dropped a wounded running cow elk at 65 yards with a head shot from his Ruger BH with a 4 5/8" barrel & Hogue Rubber Grips http://www.grizzlycartridge.com also sells Cast Performance Bullets which I've loaded for 454casull. Last edited on Mon Aug 3rd, 2009 12:48 AM by sako06
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 10th, 2009 04:59 PM |
|
10th Post |
JMS437
HB Full Member
| Joined: | Mon Aug 3rd, 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 12 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | pistol | | My favorite chambering is:: | 454 Casull ... |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Hi Hawkeye, I have 3 45 colts plus a 454 Casull that also will shoot 45 colt. My Ruger Blackhawk has a 7 1/2 barrel and shoots very sweet. Although I am now 454 casull fan I still load and shoot my 45s I have many more large pistol primers than I do small rifle primers.
I have loaded this cartridge with many powders and bullets. My hunting loads for bear are different than for deer. I use 250 Hornady xtp for deer and Sierra 300 Grain softpoints for bear. Mainly because I hunt bear at short distance over bait.
My load for bear is Sierra 300gr softpoint, with rem brass, CCI 350 primers, 18.4gr VihtaVouri N110, this gives me 1190fps. This is a max load so please work up. I started at 17gr.
My buddy gets 1210fps using Hodgdon little gun with the exact same bullet, but with win brass and CCI350 primers I am not sure of charge weight but I believe it is maximum worked up for his handgun which is the same as mine. The load data may be obtained from Hodgdon website. http://www.hodgdon.com/
The reason I use VihtaVouri was I rec'd it at a great price. I do not think I will buy it again at todays prices.
I am playing with 454 casull for this year using the same projectile. I want to use the Hodgdon Little Gun if I can find it. My buddy swears by it or maybe because it! HeHe
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 10th, 2009 05:27 PM |
|
11th Post |
miestro_jerry
Guest
| Joined: | |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
A friend over in West Viginia says he uses a 44 Mag or a 30-30 for bear, but one shot isn't always fatal.
Jerry
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 10th, 2009 06:36 PM |
|
12th Post |
swampshooter
Moderator
| Joined: | Sun Aug 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2234 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | .204 Ruger |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I've taken some hogs that exceeded 300 pounds and quite a few in the 150 to 200 pound class with a .44 contender using 240 hp. sierra's. At moderate ranges I've been very impressed with the killing power. A modern 45 colt can be loaded to exceed the 44 mag. and should be very effective at moderate range. i.e, under 100 yards. I would use a 250 or so hollow point on deer as the extra penetration of the hard cast bullets is not necessary unless taking shots that shouldn't be taken anyway.
____________________
NRA Endowment member
NRA Range Technical Team Advisor
Texas State Rifle Association Member
NRA certified pistol coach
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 10th, 2009 07:06 PM |
|
13th Post |
miestro_jerry
Guest
| Joined: | |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Swampshooter,
I realize that the Ruger Blackhawks and the Contenders can hotter loads, but I am not sure about the life of the brass when loading to those specs.
In my contender I can load a 44 Mag that will hurt you to shoot it, but then I would switch over to my 444 Marlin.
My brother just loves the 45 LCs, but he loads light for those little metal pigs and whatever. Those don't bite back.
Jerry
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 11th, 2009 06:31 AM |
|
14th Post |
sako06
Moderator
| Joined: | Sun Jul 22nd, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 923 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Modern brass like rem,win or starline will standup to your uses.I purchased boxes of Cast Performance hard cast lead meplat bullets for use in my 45 colt bh & encore 15" 454casull pistol but cailforney banned lead ammo in the condor zone which is where most of the wild pigs reside.
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 16th, 2009 10:54 PM |
|
15th Post |
JMS437
HB Full Member
| Joined: | Mon Aug 3rd, 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 12 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | pistol | | My favorite chambering is:: | 454 Casull ... |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I can't remember whom asked the question or the statement. 44 mag needs more than one shot.
It is not the cartridge, bullet, or firearm that determines one or more shot or clean kill. It is the large lump holding and using it.
The 44 is more than enough as is the 45 colt. Practice range and common sense play a very large part of the equation.
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 17th, 2009 02:37 AM |
|
16th Post |
miestro_jerry
Guest
| Joined: | |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I think the skill of the shooter is the most important skill. Now and then I go hunting with 444 Marlin Contender, but with 44 Mags. My prey, wild boars in Athes county, Ohio. Once you have avoided the pot growers booby traps, then you have a pig that if you don't do mortal damage, you will learn how to run at warp speed.
I never had to learn that so far, but I have been "tree'd" by one really p1$$ed off sow
Hitting the target is more critical that how many pounds of emergy you need after a certain point.
For Cape BUffalo, I would use my Contender with the 444 Marlin cartridge.
Jerry
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 12th, 2009 01:08 AM |
|
17th Post |
SCSlim
Handloading Master
| Joined: | Fri May 2nd, 2008 |
| Location: | Boise, Idaho USA |
| Posts: | 475 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
The .45 Colt is a fine and versatile cartridge that can be loaded for just about any reasonable handgun job it's needed for. I have more than one, including a stainless Ruger "Old" Vaquero with which I once took a respectable muley buck at about 50 yards using a handloaded Winchester 230 grain JHP over a fair dollop of Hodgdon HS6. The bullet did not exit and the old fellow dropped like a sack of cement. I have some Speer 300 grain JFPs over a near top-end dose of 2400 stuck into the loops of my hunting rig, but have never fired one at game - only paper targets (with outstanding accuracy, I might add).
For handgun hunting at reasonable distances, I like the .45 Colt a skosh better than the .44 Mag. It's not as punishing in terms of report, muzzle blast or recoil, and it seems a bit easier to recover shot-to-shot.
Last edited on Mon Oct 12th, 2009 01:08 AM by SCSlim
____________________
NRA Endowment Member
Ride hard, shoot straight, and always speak the truth.
Onero ergo sum (I load, therefore I am).
|
| Posted: Tue Oct 13th, 2009 04:44 PM |
|
18th Post |
sako06
Moderator
| Joined: | Sun Jul 22nd, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 923 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I purchased cast performance bullets for my Ruger BH 45 colt with a plan to use them for feral pigs in calif however our useless rino governator quashed that with his anti lead ammo order for the condor zone where the majority of the pigs are located.
|
| Posted: Tue Oct 13th, 2009 10:00 PM |
|
19th Post |
miestro_jerry
Guest
| Joined: | |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
How about calling in the light artillary for the pigs, then let Arnold think it's another Terminator movie. Then he can donate his earning to the wild life fun.
Banning lead bullets is really stupid.
Jerry
|
| Posted: Fri Oct 16th, 2009 05:54 PM |
|
20th Post |
Paul B
Handloading Master
| Joined: | Sun Sep 30th, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 1953 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I have too many Colt single actions in first and third generations to load super hot ammo for the .45LC, although I have done so. I also have a Ruger three screw 7.5. barrel and an Ruger stainless Bisley 5.5" barrel, but normally restrict ammo to what is tops but safe in the Colts. I even keep loads on the lower side for the three screw Ruger although it would probably be OK with the more powerful loads. That gun, the three screw as gifted to me along with Ruger flat top in .44 mag. before he passed away and I'm just not gonna take a chance of damaging either firearm. Even that .4 mag. get only warmish .44 Spl. level loads.
However, that Ruger Bisley in .45 is used for the much more stout loads that equal and even surpass the .44 mag. at it's highest level. While the heavier bullets in the 300 gr. range seem like a nice proposition, they will shoot substantially higher than any adjustments in the rear sight will allow. The Ruger Bisley .45 will be 6" high at 25 yards shoting a 300 gr. cast bullet and my Ruger Bisley .44 mag. runs about 7" high at the same distance. The front sight need to be a bit taller than what comes on the guns.
I have pushed the .300 gr. bullet from the .45 Bisley to 1200 FPS and that load would be one hell of a thumper if it would only shoot to point of aim and not 6" high. Same with the .44.
So my load is 9.0 gr. of Unique for all guns in .45LC except the first generation Colt which has an iron frame and not a steel one as do the newer guns. After all, it was made in 1908 according to the factory letter. The cylinder walls seem to be much thinner than on the later guns as well so it has earned a well deserved retirement.
IIRC, Ross Seyfreid had an interesting article about the Ruger Bisley with 5.5" barrel in .45 Colt in Handlaoder magazine. It's why I went on the look out for one and found mine at a gun show. There's something about that one gun, I dunno. It sure is hell for stout. I only make up ammo for that gun when I plan on taking it out as I do not want to get those loads mixed up with the regular loads for my other .45's.
There used to be an article on the old Sixguns.com by john Linebaugh on hot loads for Ruger revolvers in .45LC. He worked up some really hot loads and had them pressure tested at the H.P. White laboratory and they were considered safe for Ruger guns. I wish that article was still there, but I haven't been able to find it for some time.
Paul B.
|
| Current time is 02:39 PM | Page: 1 2   |
|
