Author Topic: .45 ACP hunting load for predators.  (Read 588 times)

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Offline New Hampshire

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.45 ACP hunting load for predators.
« on: January 07, 2005, 09:35:59 AM »
Ive tossed around ideas in my head about using one of my handguns for coyote hunting.  Ive finaly decided to take up the challenge by using my Sig 220 .45ACP.  Im gonna be burning a lot of rounds downrange practicing so I want to work up a good hunting load.  Im only looking to shoot no farther than 25 yards, but I still want speed for a flat trajectory.  Rick Jamison has written on this subject and he has noted that in his experience the way to go is light bullets.   Ive decided I want to go with the Speer Gold Dots, most likely the 185grs.  I know coyotes are nuthin but dogs with bad tempers, but would they warrant the 200 grainers?
Now, what kind of powder should I be looking at.  Ive used W231 almost exclusively in my handgun loading.  But I have also had some experience with Power Pistol in .40S&W.  I dont like how it meters, but I can deal with that if I have to.  Use of these rounds would probably be in cold or coldish weather, so I dont think I want to go too slow a burner (not that there are many that get used in the ACP.)  
So are there any suggestions out there?
Thanks,
Brian M.
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Offline De41mag

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.45 ACP hunting load for predators.
« Reply #1 on: January 07, 2005, 01:19:57 PM »
New Hampshire;

I found that a Nosler, 185gr. JHP is a very good bullet and accurate out of a Sig P-220. Terry Labbe of Magnus Bullets said one time that it is the most accurate bullet out there, if your gonna shoot jacketed bullets. When I had my Sig, I got very good expanision with the Nosler bullet.
Powder choice.... Unique is good, but it don't meter good at all. I found Blue Dot meters better. Many say that it is a magnum powder, maybe but I had two loads that are my favorite, both using Blue Dot. One was the Nosler bullet and the other was a Hornady 200gr. SWC-C/T jacketed.
You might want to try the Combat/Target Hornady bullet for yotes if your not breaking any laws using a FMJ bullet, it is considered a FMJ.

Dennis  :D

Offline New Hampshire

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.45 ACP hunting load for predators.
« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2005, 02:45:45 PM »
FMJs are out.  They are illegal for me to use.  Im not hide hunting except for maybe a good example/trophy, so Im willing to sacrafice there.  I have to check pricing on the Noslers.  Im a Nosler fan myself, but Ill admit they are dang pricy.  If Im gonna be sending a lot of lead down range I dont know if I want that expense.  BUT, I will give them a second look since you reccomend them.
Brian M.
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Offline myronman3

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.45 ACP hunting load for predators.
« Reply #3 on: January 07, 2005, 03:56:41 PM »
nosler's are my bullet of choice, when i am not using the ones i cast.   if i am using copper bullets in my 45, you can bet they will be nosler 185 gr'ers.  they sell a pack of 250 that isnt all that expensive at all.   i dont think it will ultimately matter which bullet you use, so long as you put a good hit on them.

Offline Duffy

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.45 ACP hunting load for predators.
« Reply #4 on: January 07, 2005, 07:34:35 PM »
You might look into using some Hodgdon LongShot, it's a bit slower than 231 and Unique but packs a pretty good punch. I loaded some 230 cast with it and accuracy plus vel was very good.

Offline Mikey

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.45 ACP hunting load for predators.
« Reply #5 on: January 08, 2005, 06:01:45 AM »
New Hampshire:  I read an article over tha past year about just what you want to do and the folks involved felt the best way to go, as per the after action report, was a lightweight hollow-point movin' at a good clip.  

Granted, coyotes and even the larger eastern yote aren't as big or heavy as some domestic breeds but they are wild predators and hard to hit.  You asked if they really needed a 200 gn bullet - nope, but the issue is that whatever you hit them with has to do enough damage to lay'em down.

That being said, the 185 hp will do ya, but so will a 230 gn flatnose cast slug - and I mean flatnose, like a swc if you can find one with a large enough metplat to function and give you good accuracy.  I'm still searching for that danged Schofield slug I saw once but can't seem to lay my eyes on it - it looked like the perfect cast slug for the 45 auto.

With whatever slug you choose, I would not use Blue Dot.  It's a good powder but suffers from temperature variations.  We (I) used to use it a lot for silhouette but during the colder weather would loose accuracy and velocity with it.  I would stick with Unique or 231, or one of the VV OY powders in that burning rate range.  HTH.  Mikey.

Offline New Hampshire

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.45 ACP hunting load for predators.
« Reply #6 on: January 08, 2005, 07:23:42 AM »
Well it looks like the 185 gr Noslers aint as expensive as I thought (I assumed they were the Partition HG bullets which are the expensive ones.)  And getting them in bulk 250 packs sounds like a good idea too.  So I guess it will be the Noslers.
I was looking in the Nosler book and they had AA No.5 listed as the most accurate powder they tested (although I know thats just what they got for results which may vary.)  Ill see what kind of velocity I can chrono from the 231, and probably pick up some Unique to try (the only downside I can see to this whole thing is being short .6 inches of the standard 5" normal for an ACP bbl. which will cut velocity a bit from the norm.)  I also forgot Ive tried Green Dot in one .45 ACP loading.  Wasnt too impressed with results.  Ill leave the dot powders for my shotshell loading.
Thanks for the ideas, looks like a plan is coming together.
Brian M.
NRA Life Member
Member Londonderry Fish and Game Club
Member North American Fishing Club
Member North American Hunting Club
Member New Hampshire Historical Society
Member International Blackpowder Hunting Association

Offline De41mag

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.45 ACP hunting load for predators.
« Reply #7 on: January 08, 2005, 11:48:24 AM »
Brian;

AA#5 might be the ticket, I 've just started using it in 45ACP and my 44mag. Also it meters just great. It seems to be a very versital powder.
I noticed that you reload for your shotguns. I have used Winchester Super Target in 45ACP a lot. You won't get top velocity with it, like other powders, but it is a very accurate powder.
Sounds like you are on your way.
Keep us posted.

Dennis  :D