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Post by seancass on Jul 21, 2014 21:34:58 GMT -5
A friend has asked me for advice in pursuing big game in Colorado with a 45C Ruger revolver. The law states that the intended firearm must produce 550 ft-lb of energy at 50 yards and use an "Expanding" bullet. In my handloading experience, I've never really cared what the bullet did upon impact, only that it hit where I wanted it to. Hitting that energy number isn't really a problem, my question regards the bullet.
What sort of bullets do you folks recommend for this situation. Neither of us cast and it's not really an option right now. Should I just run with some XTP's? I'm worried that the velocity could be too slow and they won't work properly. It would be nice if the bullets were affordable and readily available so that he can practice a bunch. Is there a good commercial cast option?
Thanks for your thoughts!
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Post by unclezeb on Jul 21, 2014 22:29:09 GMT -5
250 or 300 grain xtp with h110 would be my choice. They probably won't expand anyway unless you hit a shoulder blade but it'll keep you in regs.
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Post by Seasons44 on Jul 21, 2014 22:59:43 GMT -5
Just FYI, all pistol bullets are "expanding" by the ATF regulations, so if you chose to shoot a 335 LBT or a 300 grain XTP, both would be legal under the law.
As for bullet choice for big game, are you speaking of elk or deer?
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Post by unclezeb on Jul 21, 2014 23:12:28 GMT -5
Just FYI, all pistol bullets are "expanding" by the ATF regulations, so if you chose to shoot a 335 LBT or a 300 grain XTP, both would be legal under the law. As for bullet choice for big game, are you speaking of elk or deer? I forgot about that legal tidbit. Thats why the belt mountain punches have a hole in them "coulda had a v8" |
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Post by seancass on Jul 22, 2014 1:43:04 GMT -5
I wonder if a game warden would see it the same way? If every handgun bullet is "expanding", why would they include that in the regulation? (I'm sorry for suggesting that a law should involve logic/sense)
I believe deer/antelope size game. Probably not elk.
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Post by Ken O'Neill on Jul 22, 2014 5:43:37 GMT -5
The regular 250 XTP will be fine as will the 260 gr. Speer
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cmillard
.375 Atomic
MOLON LABE
Posts: 1,943
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Post by cmillard on Jul 22, 2014 9:31:58 GMT -5
250 barnes xpb is one fine bullet!!
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Post by TERRY MURBACH on Jul 22, 2014 10:39:17 GMT -5
THE TOUGH PART is finding a load that delivers 550fpe at 50 yards at pressures considered legitimate and sane in the pistol involved.
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Post by zac0419 on Jul 22, 2014 10:54:42 GMT -5
THE TOUGH PART is finding a load that delivers 550fpe at 50 yards at pressures considered legitimate and sane in the pistol involved. Buffalo bore is producing 1170 at the muzzle with a 300gr, I got to think it's still retaining 550 at 50 yds. If it's a large frame Ruger. |
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Post by Seasons44 on Jul 22, 2014 11:37:51 GMT -5
I wonder if a game warden would see it the same way? If every handgun bullet is "expanding", why would they include that in the regulation? (I'm sorry for suggesting that a law should involve logic/sense) I believe deer/antelope size game. Probably not elk. All you can do is be informed, and if the Wardens are out checking being armed with the facts is all you can do. I would never expect each officer to know each law inside and out, but the "expanding bullet" law is a federal regulation so it could easily be shown on your phone. As they say common sense isn't so common. If I had to pick a hollow point bullet it would be these cuttingedgebullets.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=HGHP_45_240They have been proving themselves over and over, they are the most accurate pistol bullet on the market and one of the deadliest. |
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Post by magnumwheelman on Jul 22, 2014 14:46:42 GMT -5
I currently load hot in my 10" 45 Colt Contender, a 250 grain XTP... accuracy is good, just never had the chance to try it on deer yet... I also have tried some of Buffalo Bores, Gold Dot ammo, in my single action snubbie, & they expand in that...
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Fowler
.401 Bobcat
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Post by Fowler on Jul 22, 2014 17:45:00 GMT -5
Guys don't over think this, I live here in Colorado and the rules are really pretty simple. The case must be over 6mm diameter, case 1" or longer, 4" barrel on the gun, 550lb of energy at 50 yards (a 250gr bullet at 950-1000fps makes it) and an expanding bullet. Don't carry full metal jacketed ammo and your fine, any lead bullet obviously can expand, and jacketed bullet with exposed lead can as well, even punch bullets have the small hole in the nose so they are not full metal jacketed bullets. The law was passed so people wouldn't hunt with FMJ military surplus ammo, the game wardens are not looking to bust guys on details like this in a handgun unless you are running hardball ammo (besides 45acp isn't legal as the case is too short).
Any 255gr Keith style bullet is perfectly legal and suitable for deer here in Colorado if you push it to 950fps or so. If elk was on the menu I would up the velocity some or the bullet weight but that's a different discussion for another day.
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Post by seancass on Jul 22, 2014 20:49:27 GMT -5
Great response fowler, and thanks everybody. Thinking i'll just order some 270K's for LeadHeads. They run about half the price of the XTP's anyway! Might order some more xtp's too...
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Post by whitworth on Jul 23, 2014 5:10:06 GMT -5
Guys don't over think this, I live here in Colorado and the rules are really pretty simple. The case must be over 6mm diameter, case 1" or longer, 4" barrel on the gun, 550lb of energy at 50 yards (a 250gr bullet at 950-1000fps makes it) and an expanding bullet. Don't carry full metal jacketed ammo and your fine, any lead bullet obviously can expand, and jacketed bullet with exposed lead can as well, even punch bullets have the small hole in the nose so they are not full metal jacketed bullets. The law was passed so people wouldn't hunt with FMJ military surplus ammo, the game wardens are not looking to bust guys on details like this in a handgun unless you are running hardball ammo (besides 45acp isn't legal as the case is too short). Any 255gr Keith style bullet is perfectly legal and suitable for deer here in Colorado if you push it to 950fps or so. If elk was on the menu I would up the velocity some or the bullet weight but that's a different discussion for another day. Exactly -- thanks for articulating this, Bill! |
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Post by boxhead on Jul 23, 2014 6:41:16 GMT -5
THE TOUGH PART is finding a load that delivers 550fpe at 50 yards at pressures considered legitimate and sane in the pistol involved. Really? |
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