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Joined: Oct 2006
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Regarding the 45 Colt, I run a 285 gr. (RCBS 45-270 SAA mold) just shy of 1000 fps out of my 4 3/4" Uberti that meets the 500 ft. lb. mark well past 100 yds., and does so with only 9.5 grs. of Power Pistol. Point is, it isn't a difficult criteria to meet nor does it require a loud, heavy load.
Last edited by 35WhelenNut; 01/20/24.
"Only accurate rifles are interesting."- Col. Townsend Whelen "I always tell the truth....that way, I don't have to remember anything."- George Burns NRA Life Member Certified NRA Reloading Instructor Certified Texas Hunter Education Instructor
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Campfire Member
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Well loading for the 45 Colt got put on the backburner for quite a while, but I finally got around to it. I got some VERY disappointing velocities, and will need to go back to the drawing board. I'm not 100% certain I set my dies correctly, as I'm a NOVICE loader and these were my first handgun loads. I am certain my powder charges were accurate and consistent, and that my OAL was 1.58".
I loaded the 300 XTP using Hornady's starting data (Ruger/TC), which indicates 1050 FPS. The powders I have on hand are Accurate No9 (15.5 grains) and Lil Gun (15.0 grains). I used brand new Starline brass and Federal large pistol primers. The Lil Gun was slightly better, but still averaged around 825 FPS. The Accurate No9 I had a couple rounds that clocked under 700 FPS, and average was right around 725 FPS. I knew with a 5 inch barrel and shooting in 25 degree temps that I was not going to hit 1050, but am shocked how low these came in. I need to reach just over 950 FPS to meet CO's arbitrary requirement for hunting big game. Get away from the slower burning powders, they're not good when loaded light. Try something along the lines of Power Pistol, Herco, Blue Dot, et al. Also, you'll usually get higher velocities with cast bullets vs. jacketed.
"Only accurate rifles are interesting."- Col. Townsend Whelen "I always tell the truth....that way, I don't have to remember anything."- George Burns NRA Life Member Certified NRA Reloading Instructor Certified Texas Hunter Education Instructor
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SIG P220 with Makay Sagebrush's 250 gr 45 super load. Should work. That or the 45 Colt 260/to 275 gr @ 900 f/s. Be Well Brother, RZ.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill.
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I think that my 5.5# Redhawk .44 has a bit more muzzle blast and concussion then my 4" Smith Mountain Gun in 45LC when using full power loads. But its a minimum difference. I haven't pushed any max handloads through either yet so I cant comment on the far upper end. While I like carrying one of the wheel guns while hiking. If im hunting 90% of the time its my G20 on my hip or in a chest rig.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same... President Ronald Reagan
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any difference in muzzle blast will tend to favor the 45 . It operates at a lower chamber pressure than the 44 for equivalent loads I find this true. If I load similar weigh bullets to the same velocity I think the LC has less muzzle blast and seems to reach the same speeds with less pressure. I've been a huge 44 fan since I bought 2 anacondas in the 90's. However now that I'm older I'm carrying a 45 lc more. I have 2 mtn guns, one in 44 and one in 45 lc that I've compared to each other. Both with 250g range bullets at about 1050. The 45 was more pleasant to shoot. I finally found my lipseys exclusive Blackhawk convertible 45 stainless 4&5/8" flattop. It's on its way to my ffl now. At 36 ounces I think it will be a nice carry gun in the woods. I've been loading some 252g lee semi wadcutters for my colts that I cast and they do well at about 1050. I need to find another mold though because lee only makes that 252 in a 2 cavity. I'll have to see what MP can make me. I'll be shoot more 45 lc now. I also bought the 3.75" bisley 45 convertible too but it's a bit heavier. Bb
Last edited by Burleyboy; 01/21/24.
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I’ve carried the Ruger SBH 44 for over 40+ years, but I am liking that 270 SWC FN loaded by Mackay on here. As my hands become more Arthritic it falls into place. Give it a try.
NRA LIFE MEMBER GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS ESPECIALLY THE SNIPERS! "Suppose you were an idiot And suppose you were a member of Congress... But I repeat myself." -Mark Twain
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Agree. Based upon his comment, i suspect the Sheriff hasn't actually shot 69.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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From your posts, I would tend to believe a 4" .45 Colt S&W 625-6 Mountain Gun would be ideal for you running loads at ~ 950 fps.
Slaves get what they need. Free men get what they want. Rehabilitation is way overrated. Orwell wasn't wrong. GOA member disappointed NRA member 24HCF SEARCH
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I second the Mountain Gun platform. it sounds perfect at the (900/1100 FPS window) Good size to weight ratio. All that is left are good grips that allow you to hold on to the gun and regular practice.
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Indeed, I installed the X frame grips on mine to help tame the recoil when shooting hunting loads.
Frog----OUT!
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Do you reload? If not, then I prefer a .44 mag. I feel like at least around here, there are a wider variety of 44 rounds, whereas as .45 Colt most rounds seem to be targeted to cowboy shooting.
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10mm was a thought, it does just barely meet the legal requirement. ... With UW 200gr hard-cast loads, by my calculation, I can get 640 ft-lbs at 50 yards. Perhaps not the best bear bullet, but with UW 155gr HPs, I can get 697 ft-lbs at 50 yards.
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I am puzzled by the noise concern. When faced with a bear attack, you are worried about hearing protection? There will be no discernable difference in the report of a heavy loaded .45 Colt of .44 Mag. He’s not asking about a bear attacking, he’s asking about shooting a bear to fill his bear tag while archery hunting. My vote goes to the 44 mag if you aren’t reloading. A black bear won’t know the difference between a 44 mag or a 45LC
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Regarding the 45 Colt, I run a 285 gr. (RCBS 45-270 SAA mold) just shy of 1000 fps out of my 4 3/4" Uberti that meets the 500 ft. lb. mark well past 100 yds., and does so with only 9.5 grs. of Power Pistol. Point is, it isn't a difficult criteria to meet nor does it require a loud, heavy load. Odd my 270 SAA mold casts at ~255 gr when in hollowpoint configuration.
I've always been a curmudgeon - now I'm an old curmudgeon. ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Shoot the bear with your bow if hearing damage is a concern.
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the Ruger Revolver frame is stronger than many other brand revolver frames , check out Buffalo bore ammo you can read why . i have some of the ones with the weaker frames also , the brands that have weaker frames are not recommended either for high pressure bear ammo but the Rugers are , the Colts are and some others. i am not here for a fight on what brands have weaker frames i also own a few of them too . check it out its an eye opener,Pete53
LIFE NRA , we vote Red up here, Norseman
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I have both 44 and 45 in 4-5/8” , RedHawks , the 44 mag will almost drop me with the magnum crack, just like a 357 does. I can shoot my 45 with hotter than cowboy loads, doesn’t bother me at all, that’s why I carry my 45 revolver if I don’t carry my auto’s , I carry on Ranch every day in chest holster’s and I never can put in ear plugs when something runs out, save your ears and get 45 .
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Glock 20’s are cool revolvers that hold 15 rounds and the means to attach a light.
I ain’t sure if they make the energy mark though. Revolvers???
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Good advice by Angus and Pete. Have a Ruger Redhawk 5050. Shoots 45acp via moon clips, and 45LC. When I bring it in the woods I use buffalo bore +p loads in 45LC. Those babies are close to 454 casull in performance. The great thing about this gun is the ability to run .45 colt loads not just blackhawk level hot but running into .454 casull territory (you can load up to 50k psi, .454 casull pressures are typically 55k, and blackhawk loads typically run into the 32k psi range) while maintaining the ability to practice with (relatively) cheap .45 acp. Ruger only made a short run on these, but from what I understand you can find used ones on gun broker or sometimes at Buds.
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