Author Topic: New handgun hunter  (Read 1223 times)

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Offline Indiana Denny

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New handgun hunter
« on: April 25, 2012, 09:18:09 AM »
I ahve taken the first step in handgun hunting deer.  I just purchased a gently use SRH in 454 with 7 1/2" barrel.  Plan to scope.  I have some brass and loaded up some 300XTP with 18.0 of Blue Dot for about 1500 FPS.  Any recommendations on loading and optics would be great
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Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: New handgun hunter
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2012, 09:28:41 AM »
When I had my SRH 454 I used Win 296 and H-110 If I remember correctly. Win powder seems cleaner , metered great and got good groups. For hunting A scope is nice but a red dot can be good also , more so if game is moving or light is not good.
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline irold

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Re: New handgun hunter
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2012, 09:47:07 AM »
Ditto what shootall said. I used W-296 under a 240gr XTP MAG , shot great.
 
My only question to ya....are you experienced with a 454 ?  They can have a pretty good thump.  If your new to the 454 , perhaps use some 45 colts before graduating to the 454.  Ya can load up the 45s pretty good in a SRH, far heavy enuf for deer.  After I got over the "need for power" thing , I loaded mine ( 454 brass ) with the 240 gr XTP mag over 2400 , to I believe near 1600 fps....sort of a mild load for the 454 , again shoot good , plenty of power and not quit so hard on the hands.  Good luck
 
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Offline shot1

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Re: New handgun hunter
« Reply #3 on: April 26, 2012, 02:24:44 AM »
Practice Practice Practice. Forget the old adage if you can keep them in a pie plate your good to go. You need to be able to keep them in a softball size group on the range because they get to pie plate size groups when under hunting conditions. Like has been said you don't need all that power to kill a deer. Place a 45 cal bullet where it needs to go even starting out at 800 fps or so and it will kill. I have killed a lot of deer with a 200 gr SWC at a little over 900 fps with a 1911 Colt 45 ACP. For your revolver I would go with a red dot or a really low power scope. If you get over 2X on a scope it is very hard to shoot off hand because you really see all your wobbles. I would suggest that you take a rest like some shooting sticks or a folding tripod and use them if possible. Learn your limitations on the range as to yardage that you can place a shot where it needs to go EVERY TIME.  Then live in the hunting field with your limitations.

Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: New handgun hunter
« Reply #4 on: April 26, 2012, 03:21:36 AM »
When reloading the 454 you might consider the concept of using lighter bullets . It will allow more room for powder and when at or near max you will have a very flat shooting gun. I liked 200 gr bullets alot for this.
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline buck460XVR

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Re: New handgun hunter
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2012, 05:45:05 AM »
I ahve taken the first step in handgun hunting deer.  I just purchased a gently use SRH in 454 with 7 1/2" barrel.  I have some brass and loaded up some 300XTP with 18.0 of Blue Dot for about 1500 FPS. 

Are they the standard .45 caliber 300 gr XTPs or the XTP-Mags? The standard XYPs are designed for .46 LC velocities and the XTP-Mags are designed for .454 velocities and above. You will not get the best of terminal performance on deer using standard XTPs pushed to .454 velocities. I might also suggest a powder that fills more of the case such as H110/W296 or IMR4227.
"where'd you get the gun....son?"

Offline irold

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Re: New handgun hunter
« Reply #6 on: April 29, 2012, 09:34:56 AM »
I ahve taken the first step in handgun hunting deer.  I just purchased a gently use SRH in 454 with 7 1/2" barrel.  I have some brass and loaded up some 300XTP with 18.0 of Blue Dot for about 1500 FPS. 

Are they the standard .45 caliber 300 gr XTPs or the XTP-Mags? The standard XYPs are designed for .46 LC velocities and the XTP-Mags are designed for .454 velocities and above. You will not get the best of terminal performance on deer using standard XTPs pushed to .454 velocities. I might also suggest a powder that fills more of the case such as H110/W296 or IMR4227.

 
Excellant point , I missed that.   I don't think terminal performance is the issue though.  According to Hornady , using the "standard" 240 or 300 XTPs in high pressure/velocity loads , you run the risk of leaving the jacket in the barrel.....next shot leads to disaster.  The XTP/MAGs have a heavier jacket , hence can withstand the additional velocity of the 454 or 460 rounds.  I questioned Hornady on using their 250 XTP in my 454 at reduced loads. (using 454 brass ) They got back to me stating as long as I kept the velocity at 1200 fps or less I could use them.  I opted out , I can push a 45 colt to near that velocity from my SRH.   Stay safe ...good shooting
 
regards , irold