.45 Colt revolver hunters?

[dogngun]

Anyone using a .45 Colt handgun for deer?
I'd like to hear your experience with revolvers, ammo, etc. Thanks.
Plan to try it out on groundhogs next summer before I go for the larger game.

Mark

[knight0334]

I do carry a 45 Ruger Vaquero while deer hunting(and at other times) - but I've yet to use on anything that walks/crawls.

The 45LC is dependent on what make/model of firearm. If you have a heavy duty Taurus Raging Bull or one of the heavier Rugers - you can use some stout ammo(not that its needed). Anything modeled after the original Colt in size and specs is limited to blackpowder pressure levels(12-28kCUP) - whether it is an original or replica.

Example:

Ruger's old model Vaquero(based on the Blackhawk guns) = high pressure & stout load friendly
Ruger's new model Vaquero = bad, bad, bad idea to use heavy loads.

[Slimster22]

Howdy, biggest game animal i've taken with it was as follows.

Ruger stanless vaquero (old style) with birdshead grip, fixed sights, 4 5/8 in .45 colt

Ammo was PMC Silver Ammunition 45 Colt (Long Colt) +P+ 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Box of 50 (don't think they make it anymore, but check out buffalobore.com for similar)

Animal was approx 260 pound wild boar in central florida

Shot was about 35 yards, facing me, slightly quartering to my right.

Entered angled down toward vitals from sort of shoulder area, clipped a little bone, penetrated approx 7 inches, projectile retained almost entire weight and was mushroomed a little

The boar dropped where it stood in the sawgrass swamp. Not even a shimmy or a shake.

I was very happy with that event and have been entirely hooked on 45 colt since.

[625]

I plan on shooting something with my Ruger New model Vaquero, but they can't handle a heavy load. I know at least Buffalo Bore makes a tastey round that could easily take a deer at close range. 255gr. Gas checked soft cast bullet (1000 fps M.E.566 ft. lbs.) This loads are safe in "wimpy" post-war Colt's too.

Mind if I tag along on your next hunt, Slimster? I know some people in your town.

[Slimster22]

I think we should arrange that. Something big and exotic looking, maybe? Or some sort of mountain climbing ruminant?

[625]

ruminant? Who are you Craig Boddington? I had to look that one up. I'm game for any game.


As for the OP's question, I'd say you'd be good to go with any premium hollow-point at a decent velocity. What exact Ruger model do you have? Some can handle heavy loads right up there with .44 Mag, some can't.

[Slimster22]

625, I'm ashamed. Right up there with the 44mag. Try loads that smoke the 44 mag!

45 = BIG BORE
44 = big bore

Get it?