45LC, how hot? [Archive]

joe164

10-05-2008, 09:35

i'm getting a Ruger 45lc, 4 in barrel for carry in the mountains, no grizzlies, (?)but there are other beasts,
I love the 45LC and don't really want to go to 44mag. (less fun)
I'm wondering about the standard loads or hotter for protection, I don't hunt but do hike a lot, any suggestions would be appreciated
:headscratch::horse:

Preußen

10-05-2008, 10:36

Your Ruger will handle the hot stuff.

For "standard" velocity:

Federal 225gr lead hollowpoint
Winchester 225gr Silvertip
Winchester 255gr lead
Remington 255gr lead swc
CCI Blazer 200gr JHP
Speer 250gr Gold Dot
Corbon 200gr JHP
Corbon 225gr DPX
Magtech 200gr lead

+P stuff:

Buffalo Bore 270gr Gold Dot JSP
Buffalo Bore 260gr JHP
Buffalo Bore 300gr JHP
Buffalo Bore 255gr Keith SWC
Grizzly Cartridge 335gr hardcast
Double Tap 300gr XTP
Double Tap 255gr Keith SWC
Corbon 300gr JSP
Corbon 335gr hardcast

http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/-strse-21/45-Colt-pls-P-335-Grain/Detail.bok

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#45colt

joe164

10-05-2008, 11:30

I find the .44 mag a bit more work to enjoy,
I find most standard loads a pleasure to shoot, how would you compare the +p's

fredj338

10-05-2008, 11:37

I carry a 4 5/8" 45colt when backpacking but use handloaded 300grLFP @ 1000fps. It's manageable in a shorter bbl. lt.wt. gun. For factory loads though, not much out there in the "midrange" level. It's either std. vel. or magnum vel. (BuffaloBore, DT). If you do NOT handload, I would probably go 44mag. If you really want to go 45colt, think about at least getting an inexpensive Lee single stage kit & handloading for the big 45.

joe164

10-05-2008, 11:42

so maybe I should consider Ruger 4 in barrel .44 mag ?
what would you recommend knowing I'd prefer 45 ( ok, so maybe i'm just a little wimpy regarding recoil

Agent6-3/8

10-05-2008, 11:43

Reloading really is needed to get a good non +p load for the .45LC. My Current load is 250g FP over 7.1g HP-38. Its pretty stout. I wish I had a crono so I'd know exactly what sort of velocity I'm getting out of my 4" S&W Mountain Gun.

There is a company here in WV called Mountaineer Custom Cartridge that loads the 250g XTP. I've been thinking about picking up a box for woods carry. I've seen it online, so thats another option.

joe164

10-05-2008, 11:47

I'll try Mountaineer Custom Cartridge,
not likely I'll start reloading, , I work too much,

Preußen

10-05-2008, 13:02

If you're not going to handload then get a .44 Magnum.

...besides, Ruger six-shooters don't recoil that bad with hot stuff. They "roll" in your hand rather than straight back at ya due to grip design.
I can shoot 100-125 of my hottest handloads from my .44 Vaquero without discomfort in an afternoon.

Rent one and have a go - they don't kick that bad

joe164

10-05-2008, 13:09

renting is a good idea,
l'll try it first,
thanks
:dancingbanana:

joe164

10-05-2008, 13:09

glocktalk rocks !

noway

10-05-2008, 13:37

fwiw:

all of my 45colt load are now down below 1100fps. And these are my hunting loads. If a 45acp is highly effected as a SD loading and most are under 900fps than you could do the same with the 45colt loads and still have a decent protection package.

SDGlock23

10-05-2008, 15:02

The BuffaloBore 325gr cast bullet clocks right at 1400 fps from a 7 1/2" barrel. I have a 5 1/2 Bisley and let me tell you, the Bisley grip frame makes all the difference!! Problem for you is, they don't make a 4" Bisley model.

I like the .45 Colt because of it's history and it's versatility. The .44 is closer in size to a .41 than it is the .45 and the old Colt has a power advantage, but the truth is, a critter is not going to be able to tell the difference between a warm .44 and a warm .45 Colt.

joe164

10-05-2008, 15:28

Agent6-3/8

10-05-2008, 16:01

thanks,
I've found the 45 LC I've used to be smooth with very little muzzle flip,
I shoot Ruger new model Blackhawk 7 in barrel, mostly cowboy loads
i'm wondering how the 4in barrel would be different and be with hotter loads

Its not too bad as long as you don't try to make the .45 Colt into a .44mag. My favorite load thus far is 10.5g HS-6 and a 250g hardcast bullet. This gives me about 850-900fps (don't have a crono, so I can't say for sure) out of my 4" S&W Mountain Gun. I find this load to be stout, but very controlable. When I get time, I'm going to experiment with HS-6 loads that are a bit heavier.

My personal opinion is that if I can't kill it with that load, I shouldn't have made it mad. ;)

joe164

10-05-2008, 16:16

My favorite load thus far is 10.5g HS-6 and a 250g hardcast bullet

excuse my ignorance but what is that, I've never hea:dunno:rd of it,

Gunnut 45/454

10-05-2008, 17:13

joe164
If your just going to carry it for Hiking then just get Cowboy loads as they will kill just as good! You be surprised what the 45 LC will do with mild loads! :) Those 250gr Lead cowboy's will penetrate very well!!

MSgt Dotson

10-05-2008, 17:57

.45 Colt rocks!

There are nice loads available from Garrett and Buffalo Bore, and a few others such as CorBon...

Brian Lee

10-05-2008, 18:37

Remember that if you get the Super Redhawk in .454 you can still shoot 45LC's in it most of the time, and still have options for more power than you'll ever need with the .454 shells. Those long barrel Super Redhawks have the scope mounting dove tails machined right on top of the gun and come with a set of scope rings. That's probably my next hunting gun right there. Great safety too, because you won't need to wonder if the gun can handle whatever +P 45 LC you might put into it.

For your stated purposes, look into the "Alaskan" version of the Super Redhawk with the short barrel.

fredj338

10-05-2008, 18:45

WIG19

10-06-2008, 08:23

not likely I'll start reloading, , I work too much,:rofl: Gee, I've never heard that before...

In case you do find the time, you'll find that the big 45 Colt is probably the easiest handgun cartridge you could ever load and a boatload of fun besides, simply because it is so easily done. (And since you're specifically talking a Ruger, get on over to the Ruger forum here and there will be tons of help for that load.)

45LC loads typically range from poofy to mid-range to hot. Much of what you'll be able to do with it depends on the quality of the bullet you select (either factory ammo or in handloads). While my own 'magnum' went up to 23.5gr of H-110 with a very hard 300gr bullet, I don't shoot it very much although it shoots in my Bisley BH like a baby rifle.

Loads going up to 1000-1100fps with a quality bullet will do what you need done on 4-legged things; after that Agents' counselling takes over - I shouldn't have made it mad in the first place & should've had a .375 H&H with me. Primary hunting & packing load.

I also have a 900fps load with the same 275gr Keith-style SWC that will do anything I need done on a whitetail or ringing 100yd steel.

Then there's the fun stuff, a round-nose "cowboy" style bullet at around 700fps that's lots of fun and that I'd carry for personal defense against 2-legged varmints anytime.

In a Ruger BH, the 45LC is probably the most versatile thing going.

:patriot:

Razinski

10-06-2008, 09:19

CORBON loads a 225gr DPX for 45LC, it runs at around 1200fps with an energy of 720ftlbs. Great load!

joe164

10-06-2008, 10:35

would you know how it compares to Cowboy 250Gr, 750 fps?

CanyonMan

10-07-2008, 13:24

:rofl: Gee, I've never heard that before...

In case you do find the time, you'll find that the big 45 Colt is probably the easiest handgun cartridge you could ever load and a boatload of fun besides, simply because it is so easily done. (And since you're specifically talking a Ruger, get on over to the Ruger forum here and there will be tons of help for that load.)

45LC loads typically range from poofy to mid-range to hot. Much of what you'll be able to do with it depends on the quality of the bullet you select (either factory ammo or in handloads). While my own 'magnum' went up to 23.5gr of H-110 with a very hard 300gr bullet, I don't shoot it very much although it shoots in my Bisley BH like a baby rifle.

Loads going up to 1000-1100fps with a quality bullet will do what you need done on 4-legged things; after that Agents' counselling takes over - I shouldn't have made it mad in the first place & should've had a .375 H&H with me. Primary hunting & packing load.

I also have a 900fps load with the same 275gr Keith-style SWC that will do anything I need done on a whitetail or ringing 100yd steel.

Then there's the fun stuff, a round-nose "cowboy" style bullet at around 700fps that's lots of fun and that I'd carry for personal defense against 2-legged varmints anytime.

In a Ruger BH, the 45LC is probably the most versatile thing going.

:patriot:

Every thing he just said. Heck I taught this poor guy all he knows anyway...:supergrin: :supergrin: :supergrin:

Seriously, this is good advice.

Hang in there Wig...
write when ya can Hoss

CM

Ak.Hiker

10-07-2008, 23:32

One good 45 Colt option for the field is the Ruger 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk convertible. It only weighs 36 ounces, that is less than a 44 Magnum S&W mountain gun. You could shoot any load from 45 ACP up to full power hot 45 Colt loads in the same gun. Two of my favorite factory 45 Colt loads for field carry are both made by CorBon. The 300 grain load is the tough Sierra bullet and will still run at 1150 or so in the 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk. Their 335 grain cast load is a little milder and should run at about 1000 or so in the Blackhawk. It also will offer all of the penetration as a field load you would ever need. To be honest in your area heavy loads like these would not be needed. The 250 grain cast loads running at 950 or so would be plenty for a woods gun with out big bears in the area. Even the original 255 grain Winchester or Remington lead loads would take care of your business.

jlrjhr

10-08-2008, 17:42

I have a Ruger Redhawk 4" 45 Colt. Carry it in AK and WY when fishing/hunting/guiding/camping. Absolutely the best factory woods gun going right now. I load it up with DT 335 Gr. WFNGC at 1300 fps from a 7.5 " barrel. With the 4" I am getting 1150 fps with a TKO value of 25.

I can not say enough about this firearm and cartridge combination. It is accurate, easy to shoot, powerful, easy to carry. I paired it up with a Simply Rugged Holster by Rob Leahy. Got mine on Gunbroker.com for $589. Holster was about $60.

WIG19

10-09-2008, 13:02

Every thing he just said. Heck I taught this poor guy all he knows anyway...:supergrin: :supergrin: :supergrin:
Yes he did*, am not ashamed to say it, and remain most grateful.
Muchas gracias!

:patriot:

* about 45 Colt loadings anyway. ;)

CanyonMan

10-09-2008, 16:25

Yes he did*, am not ashamed to say it, and remain most grateful.
Muchas gracias!

:patriot:

* about 45 Colt loadings anyway. ;)

Man, I know you "know" I was just kiddin yank ! ;)

CM

Dogbite

10-09-2008, 19:40

I have shot the Corbon load in my Ruger. Its nice.