Author Topic: 45 colt power (Read 1383 times)

lisa1lacy2 · « **on:** March 29, 2005, 02:17:10 PM »

I am going to hunt deer with my ruger bisley 45 colt this year I have worked up a few loads one is 240gr xtp mag at 1450fps shoots very good and one is 240gr xtp mag at 1030fps it shoots very good to is this load powerful enough for deer :? [/img]

bigbore442001 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2005, 02:27:13 PM »

If a 240 grain XTP at 1450 isn't powerful enough, you're in trouble. Should kill any deer or black bear that will cross your path.

leverfan · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2005, 04:03:09 PM »

Quote from: lisa1lacy2

240gr xtp mag at 1030fps....is this load powerful enough for deer?

Yep, you can use either load for deer. That 1450 fps load is even more of a good thing, but I wouldn't hesitate to hunt with the 1030 fps load, especially if I shot it more accurately. I've been known to pack a standard black powder load in my trail gun, and it's in the same ball park as the 240 grain/1030 fps load (my black powder load works out to 255 grain LFP at 894 fps from a 4.75" barrel).

lisa1lacy2 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2005, 04:01:28 AM »

I know that the 1450 load is powerful enough I was just asking if the 1030 would do the gob thanks for the help guys

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #4 on:** March 31, 2005, 12:51:18 AM »

Deer are thin skinned animals that are not difficult to kill with a well placed shot. Pigs? Uh............unless you can make a sure head shot you wanna go for all the gusto you can get!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2005, 01:09:52 AM »

One thing nice about the 45L/C it can be loaded to 44MAG performance. Yes, the load you have will work great on deer.

John R. · « **Reply #6 on:** March 31, 2005, 02:47:52 AM »

You won't have any trouble with either load for deer. Last year I shot a deer with my Bisley (250 gr. XTP @ 1280 fps), it never took a step. Range was 30 yds. If you are going hog hunting the extra speed will probably help. I like the 310 hard cast @ 1200 for hogs. :grin:

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2005, 03:33:32 AM »

The Hornady 240 XTP is made for the .454 Casull not the .45 Colt. It is intended to be driven to 1600-1800 fps not to be shot at 1100 or less. I think you'll find absolutely no expansion at that velocity thus it will act like a solid or a hard cast. The bullet shape is not ideal for such performance nor is the weight.

You should consider using the Hornady 250 XTP in your .45 Colt and especially so if you want a lighter load like that. Actually when you back them off that slow you really should be using a cast bullet.

myronman3 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 31, 2005, 12:04:42 PM »

i must seem like an apple polisher. either we are of the same mind, or g.b. has influenced me more than i think. i have to agree with him yet again.

nothing is gained my using the 240 xtp mag at that velocity. likewise, you 454 shooters better be really careful when you are using the 250 gr. xtp.

surely one of these days i will find something to disagree with him on.

lisa1lacy2 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 31, 2005, 01:42:22 PM »

Thanks graybeard did not know that. for some reason the .452 shoot better than the .451 xtp how come? :roll:

myronman3 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2005, 01:44:02 AM »

most likely the diameter of your bore. although they are supposed to be the same, every gun varies.

SingleFan · « **Reply #11 on:** April 01, 2005, 10:05:15 AM »

45 LC shooters generally do find that they shoot either the .451 or .452 better. Mine happens to shoot .451 better and there are less options. But there are two very good options: the 250gr nosler partition HG and the beartooth cast WFN GC 280 grainer....great bullet.

My load for deer is to push that 280 grainer at about 1050fps. Took two deer last year with that load - one at 60 yards and the other a mite further. Both fell on the spot.

lisa1lacy2 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 01, 2005, 02:25:31 PM »

Thanks SF just put a scope on it going to work up some new loads keep you posted

riddleofsteel · « **Reply #13 on:** April 01, 2005, 06:17:18 PM »

The 250 grain Hornady HP is a very soft bullet and will do the job on deer size game if you do not have to break any big bones. The 250 grain Nosler SJHP is also a good bet for general deer hunting.
Personally I have had good luck with cast bullets and the .45 Colt. I just adjust the hardness when I load hotter. Do not go much harder than 15 to 20 Brinnell range. I have broken both front shoulders of deer at 50 yards with a 310 grain Keith style slug at around 1200 FPS at around a hardness of 16/18. The same load will give you pass thru shots on the chest of almost any game animal you can name, given a reasonable distance.
There is really not much need to "magnumize" the .45 Colt even though you can. Use its ability to throw a big, heavy slug instead.