Home Forums Hunting & Shooting BPCR Postells (1:20) in .45-70 for hunting deer?

I have large numbers of postells (532 grainers)left which I use in my 45-70 for silhouette.
Commercially cast of 1:20 alloy, they are very accurate in my Shilo with 1:18 twist.
Will they be suitable for deer hunting?
My muzzle velocity is about 1250 fps, and I will not be shooting past 200 yards.
I always read that big meplats should be used for hunting.
On the other hand would a postel not drill a .45 cal hole through the deer?
I like to use soft bullets rather then the super hard bullets for the simple reason that I do not really want to jack up the pressures to obturate the bullet and corresponding heavy recoil.
Any recommendations?
Any idea whether the .405 grainer will shoot well in a 1:18 twist?
Any recommendations based on your personal experiences?
Thanks, I can use some help.
Hendrik

shrike--I have killed a lot of deer with the Postell. My favorite hunting bullet is the 457125 Govt. bullet at 30-1. The Postell works fine, it just doesn't usually knock them off their feet. Either bullet will shoot through and through anything in North America.

I shot an American Bison last December with the Postell and my Shiloh 45-70 using 70 grains of Goex 2f, and it certainly did the job, giving complete penetration. I do feel that the Govt. bullet hits harder due to the less pointed nose, however.

I do not favor a flat nosed bullet, as they do not penetrate as well as either the Postell or the Govt. bullet. Also, my Shiloh 45-70's with the 1-18 twist do not shoot the shorter 405 flat nosed bullet very well. If you want to try a flat nosed bullet, take a look at the Lyman 457121 which weighs 480 grains. It gives good accuracy in my 1-18 twist Shilohs.

I think you would be better off with a softer bullet at 30-1, but the 20-1 will work with no problems. Be aware that the animal may not react to being hit with the Postell and you might think you have missed. Simply treat the shot as if you were bow hunting, and wait for 15 or 20 minutes before going after the animal. You will probably not find any blood for 50 yards or more, but the animal will be lying dead within 125 yards. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the excellent information.

Much appreciated.
Shrike

Anyone know a commercial outfit that sells 30:1 alloy cast bullets?
I am only familiar with Buffalo Arms, they sell only 20:1.
Thank you.

Don't know why your 20:1 Postells wouldn't work well. I have had good luck with the Lyman 457125 Gov't bullet cast 30:1 as well as the 405 gr flat nose Lyman 457193 cast 30:1. Strictly for hunting, I have cast some of each at 40:1, but they don't seem to be any more effective than 30:1 cast bullets.

As far as commercial cast bullets in 30:1 try this link -
https://www.sageoutfitters.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home
He doesn't have a huge selection, but at least he does offer some in 30:1 . . .

shrike, I sent you a PM. Granted the bullet illustrated is a paper patched one, but the round nose is there. 20:1 should do fine. Orrrr buy a mold and cast your own 30:1!! Either way, there is a helluva lot of pure SLAM power!

Otter/eviltwin,
Thanks very much for the usefull info.

shrike, I have used the 535 Postells with 70 gr. of black powder in my 45-70 Shiloh Sharps on deer and they worked great.

Four hundred + grains of anything traveling at 1200+ fps should perform well on any critter in north America if accurately delivered. With the inclusion of your term "very accurate," I think you have a working formula in your hands already. Deer beware!