Author Topic: 45 colt loads for deer in a 94? (Read 750 times)

toecutter · « **on:** October 01, 2005, 12:20:44 PM »

I only have "stout" load data for the ruger pistols, not my 94. So... I was wondering if anyone had any good deer load data for pushing a 250 gr. hornady xtp using bullseye powder. Thanks!!

Lone Star · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2005, 05:20:10 PM »

Bullseye is a poor powder for a hunting load. It is awfully fast burning for a long barrel, and pressures will peak early anyway, limiting top velocity. Reliable, tested data for it is almost non-existent in anything approaching a heavy load. From the Hornady No 2 Manual, the max load for a .45 Colt is:

250-grain HP - 8.4 grains Bullseye - 900 fps in a 4.75" revolver

This was revised in the No 3 manual to:
250-grain HP - 7.2 grains Bullseye - 900 fps in the same revolver

The .45LC case is really too large for the tiny Bullseye charges. If you do not want the Ruger-only loads, do yourself a favor and get a more appropriate powder like Unique or BlueDot or PowerPistol.

Brian T · « **Reply #2 on:** October 02, 2005, 01:22:35 PM »

I would use 2400 or Lil Gun and a 250 grain bullet. If you go to the hogden site they have load data listed. With the correct powder and bullet your rifle will take care of anything you may bump into!!

toecutter · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2005, 10:37:53 AM »

thanks for the help guys, I was just wondering if I could bump up my cowboy loads for the 94 like I did in the vaqueros. At the moment I'm shooting 9 grs. of bullseye out of the 5.5 in. barrel. I was just wondering what the 94 action could take. Thanks again!!

txpete · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2005, 03:52:29 PM »

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/45coltlevergun.htm