Does anybody use a 45/410 pistol to hunt with?

[pab]

Does anybody out there use a 45/410 or 44mag hotshot pistol to hunt with? I rabbit hunt with mine over beagles usual with other people. I don't shoot unless I have a good shot at 20 yds or less. Have found them to be pretty effective.  It is also kinda fun to kill one after your hunting buddy has missed it with his 12 gauge auto.

[MS Hitman]

I hunt squirrel and rabbit with mine, as well as potting the occassional crow that lights in the old oak behind the house.

[EdK]

And while you're at it, why don't you let us know what length barrel you favor and why?

Thanks, Ed  

[Special Ed]

I use mine on rabbits and sparrows that are invading my bluebird houses. I've also taken close range pheasants with it. It's a riot to stalk prairie dogs with it too.
My father has a 14" that he uses exclusively on ground moles. Pack em' down, wait for them to start humpin' & pow, game over.
I prefer the 10" version, its easier to carry.

Ed

[pab]

The 45/410 and the 44 mag are both 10" vent rib models. Haven't tried any other barrel lengths but am craving a 14" 45/410. ! don't know of any other barrel lengths the 44Mag was made in. I had bought a considerable amount of 44 mag hotshot loaded shells and shot capsules long ago at a going out of business sale and have been shooting them ever since.

[baitwaister]

I use a 10" 45/410 barrel (vent rib)to hunt grouse with exclusively.  What a blast.30 yd max shot. 20-25 is better.  Can't hit the barn inside the barn with the 45lc part but sure do rack up a lot of grouse with the .410.

[springer222]

Use mine for turkeys up close. Upgraded from a 10" to 14" this fall, but still need to pattern.

[MikeP]

I have a 10-inch version and use the .410 shot and choke on squirrels. I use the .45 caliber in a long case formed from the 11.4x74R case for deer, which is very accurate since the bullet reaches the rifling before the primer goes off.

[spinafish]

So, those cases are working out for you in the Mongo??

[MikeP]

Spinafish, I'm as pleased as punch. I'm on my 15th reloading of one set of cases, and they show no sign of fatigue. Of course, I'm not loading them very hot, about 1000 fps with the 300 grain and 1150 fps with the 250 grain bullets,  because I can't take any more recoil.  And yes, they are very accurate in the long 45/410 chamber! I also shoot the .45 bullets out of .444 cases, but the .444 is not long enough to reach the rifling and the case-heads sometime get stuck behind the extractor, which has not happened even one time with the 11.4x74R cases.

[rickyp]

I have a 10" 45-410 with normal iron sights. I use mine to hunt squirrels rabbits and not that long ago I tool a big opossum on my back deck with homemade buck shot. Most of my shots are around 30 yards or less. I am starting to like the buckshot a lot. it ahs a lot of punch.

The 45 colt is good enough for deer hungint out to about 50 yards but it would not be my first choice.

[mibighntr]

Do you shoot the buckshot with or without the shot-arrestor tube in the barrel?

Thanks!

Mark

[rickyp]

Per the instructions you  should remove the Choke before shooting 45 colt , slugs or buck shot.
I am working on my own "buck shot" loads using .350 pure lead round balls Since these are so soft and fit very loose trough the choke tube I have not been taking it out.

[Lawful Larry]

Can't hit the barn inside the barn with the 45lc part.

That is why I worked hard to find a true .45 Colt barrel.  It took me a few years, but found one and it shoots great.  I have not yet done much with it, but will work up some loads for it.  I plan on taking it out in the woods next year for deer.

[MikeP]

In addition to the use of a wildcat case in my .45/.410 factory barrel, as noted in an earlier post above, in December I received a new 15-inch .45 Colt barrel from MGM. It's a beauty, with accuracy to match!