POLL:Preferred Hunting Bullet Weight for 45 Colt Sixguns....

[Stump Buster]

Out of simple curiosity and the desire to generate friendly discussion, I was wondering what everyone prefers in bullet weight when it comes to hunting with the 45 Colt.


Just to keep things relatively simple, here are the parameters...

Game - Elk/Moose and smaller
Velocity - 750-1250fps (We'll stick with 6 shot stock Ruger NMBH levels as a cap)
Bullet Types - Cast/JSP/HP/Mono-Metal
Accuracy - Assume you've developed a fantastically accurate load with the bullet weight you selected.

*** I forgot to include 335gr, so if that's your choice, hit the 325gr button ***
*** I also forgot 310gr, so if that's your choice, hit the 300gr button ***

You can pick two weights in the event you'd select different bullets styles/weights for different ends of the velocity range, just let us know in your reply. What's your preferred weight for penetration, tissue disruption, shooting comfort and revolver longevity.


Thank You and Keep it Fun.

[contender]

I have been enjoying playing with a Miha mold & the bullets it drops. For deer & such, I tend to go a bit lighter, but if I'm stepping up to a heavier, harder animal, I step up in bullet weight. Matching the bullet to the game,,,!

[sixshot]

I've used the 260 gr. Keith for over 45 years & its taken a lot of game so I'd have to say its my favorite. Only used it on one elk & I've taken 3 elk with a 325 gr. LBT, couldn't tell a bit of difference, none of them went 20 yds.

Dick

[Paden]

I checked the 345 box. My preferred bullet weighs in at about 347 grains lubed and checked. Tho, it's slightly out of your parameters in that it's a SWC with a meplat of .335.

[Stump Buster]

Thanks for the votes so far! I relaxed the bullet specs to keep this topic more weight related rather than focus on bullet type.

[sheriff]

255-265gr'ers will handle anything in the lower 48 and are easier on the gun and the shooter.....

[callshot]

That is the one gun that I haven't used to hunt with. I must have too many others. I'm with the thought that if a 250 grain won't handle it then I don't need it.

[theoldredneck]

I have shot a lot from 200 to little over 400 grain. Probably hunted more in years past with 250 to 300 grain in cast and jhp. It really depends on the gun and bullet it shoots best. A 45 bullet in the right place just makes a big hole and the critter dies. I would find the bullet and load that I could shoot best and use it. Some loads shoot OK in most of my guns, but every gun has a load it shoots best with.

[bigbrowndog]

Prefer 280 cast for general purpose hunting, and 340 for big stuff over 700#, both running 1200-1250 from a 5.5" Ruger. Both give 2" to 3" accuracy from the gun at 50yds.

Trapr

[bagdadjoe]

I'm casting the 270 SAA design Mihecs and still loading some 265K's Dry Creek cast I have in my stash.

[nc12215]

I like the 300gr bullets the best all around. But I cannot complain about the accuracy and game performance of the 365gr I have used. Weird to think that I consider the 300gr are my everyday loads.
Dave

[whiterabbit]

Dec 19, 2014 20:55:35 GMT -5 bigbrowndog said:

Prefer 280 cast for general purpose hunting, and 340 for big stuff over 700#, both running 1200-1250 from a 5.5" Ruger. Both give 2" to 3" accuracy from the gun at 50yds.

Trapr

What powder do you use?

[bigbrowndog]

Whiterabbit, I use h110.

Trapr

[Aggie01]

300 cast for me, traveling 1200-1300 fps.

Overkill on this particular game animal - but you could eat right up to the bullet hole.