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Author Topic: Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt  (Read 1261 times)

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Offline geronimo.tn

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Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt
« on: January 11, 2008, 12:58:14 PM »
I have an 15" .45 Colt barrel that I'm thinking of cutting down to pistol lenght.
What's the optimum length for shooting 300 gr. hunting rounds?
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Offline spinafish

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Re: Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2008, 01:07:37 PM »
depends on what your needs are..go as short as you need..you will lose fps with each inch.
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Offline geronimo.tn

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Re: Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2008, 01:14:31 PM »
 I plan on using it for plinking and deer hunting less than 100 yds.
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Offline rickyp

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Re: Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt
« Reply #3 on: January 11, 2008, 04:01:28 PM »
A 12" would give you good balance and performance

but if you do most of your hunting from a treestand then the 15" would be fine. I use a 15" 209x50 all the time from my stand and it worked very good.
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Offline nilescoyote

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Re: Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2008, 10:36:54 PM »
I have a 12" for a encore, using 250 grain xtps it has put down three deer on first shots each time though the lungs. Never going more than 10 yards from point of impact.

If I were to cut a barrel down I would look at 10" real seriously, I recently bought a 10" 44 mag for a contender and I feel that is the best balancing hunting handgun I have.

Got any friends with shorter barrels your could try out?

If your looking for the magic length for the best ballistics, this will change from powder to powder.
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Offline rickyp

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Re: Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt
« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2008, 02:57:31 AM »
are you shooting the 45 colt out of a encore or tender?
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Offline Ken ONeill

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Re: Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt
« Reply #6 on: January 13, 2008, 03:58:18 AM »
I'd recommend 10" for a .45 Colt.
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Offline Hopalong7

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Re: Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt
« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2008, 05:46:34 AM »
I have .45Colt barrels in 8", 10", and 14".  The 8" is an old octagon .410/.45 barrel and recoil with anything but whimp loads is beyond compare.  The 10" is a bull barrel 45 only( no .410 chamber ) and 300gr loads are punishing to say the least.  The 14" is a rechambered S-14 .45 Win Mag and with scope and Pachmayer forend is a relative pussy cat compared to the other two.  All three are for Contender...not Encore.  I know I'm turning into an old wuss...but I still shoot and enjoy my 14" 45-70 on a regular basis.  The 14" is by far my favorite...but now, cutting it to 12" might be OK.  GOOD SHOOTIN',   ;)  Walt
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Offline nilescoyote

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Re: Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2008, 11:39:33 PM »
Quote from: rickyp on January 13, 2008, 02:57:31 AM
are you shooting the 45 colt out of a encore or tender?

my 45 colt is for the encore, its a 454 barrel which shoot both well.
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Offline geronimo.tn

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Re: Optimum barrel length for .45 Colt
« Reply #9 on: January 22, 2008, 04:52:21 PM »
Thanks guys.
I sent the Bullberry 18" to the shop to be shortened to 12" for my Armor Alloy Contender.
Couldn't make up my mind between 10" and 14" (I've got both in 7 TCU) so I compromised.
Should have the barrel back by the weekend.
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