Author Topic: 45 Colt for Hog Backup Gun (Read 493 times)

Haywire Haywood · « **on:** December 25, 2004, 12:15:28 PM »

I might be going on my first hog hunt next month and will be using a single shot rifle. I was thinking of strapping on my 5 1/2" Ruger Vaquero in 45LC for a backup just in case. What I have on hand for bullets are 200gr and 255gr LRNs and 300gr XTPs. Will the 300s be ok or should I choose something a little lighter to get more speed? The LRNs aren't gas checked and are meant for 7-800ish fps.

thanks for the imput,
Ian

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #1 on:** December 25, 2004, 12:43:30 PM »

The 300s at that velocity ought to do nicely.

I shoot 255 grain flatnoses (Lee mould) lubed with liquid Alox at around 1,000 fps from my Colt New Service (7 1/2" barrel) and have no problems at all. So you might want to experiment a bit as you're working up your load, if you want more velocity. I think your bullets will take another 200 fps, easily.

Haywire Haywood · « **Reply #2 on:** December 25, 2004, 04:42:14 PM »

I cast the LRNs myself, 80WW/20Pb.. they're on the soft side. I think I'll work up some loads for the 300s...

thanks,
Ian

Castaway · « **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2004, 01:51:57 AM »

I cast my own for my 45 Colts. I'd go a little more on the WW for hogs than what you're proposing. A couple years ago, I shot two 50 / 60 pound pigs close up with pure lead from my carbine and didn't get an exit on either side shot, both less than 30 yards. All I did on both one push a parachute through hide amd tissue. Needless to say, they both donated themselves to the dinner table. A 50/50 mix of Pb/WW seems to work good in the carbine wiht the extra umph. A straight WW is not a bad decision either, it has never failed to make an inney and outey on any hog or deer I've I've ever shot, pistol or carbine. A 0.452 bullet starts out alerady expanded to what a 30 caliber wants to acheive. Bullet for the Black Hawk and Trapper is a Lee 255 grain RNFP. Good luck.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #4 on:** December 26, 2004, 12:24:10 PM »

A #2 alloy dropped from the mold into water will give you a BHN of 15 and that's close to the ideal for a lead hunting bullet. That Colt should be able to safely handle 300 gr. at 900 fps and for a close up backup gun that's plenty.

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2004, 12:48:40 PM »

I cast from straight wheelweights, and drop them in water. Lubed with liquid Alox, they shoot fine right up into the 1300 fps range from my Ruger Blackhawk.

As a safety measure, I don't load many that fast -- don't want to mix them up and shoot them accidentally in my 1906 Colt New Service.