Pushed too hard.

[x101airborne]

I put a brass bisley grip frame on my 4 5/8ths 45 Colt Ruger New Model Blackhawk and really wanted to take an alligator with it. The load is as follows...
GFL factory primed new brass
Sierra 240 grain .4515 JHC #8820
Enough Tight Group to get to 1040 fps by chronograph

The weapon was a dream to use and the micarta grip panels gave me a positive, no slip grip and the sights seemed to align themselves when the weapon was pointed at the alligator. Distance to the gator was around 3 feet. At the shot the alligator went stiff then limp and was dead with only one shot. 

I used a tractor to move the gator to the processing table. After two hours to wait for the muscles to quit twitching, I went to look for the bullet. Impact point was just behind the skull, right where the spine is easiest to get a bullet to. When I cut the skin away and started peering into the hole in the flesh I noticed shards of lead and copper inside the wound. As I further examined, I noticed the entire bullet had shredded apart before ever getting to the spine. The spine itself was not broken or punctured in any way. The skin and small amount of flesh on top of the spine was enough to shred the bullet apart. 

This was rather disappointing as I was hoping to use this as an impromptu hog or maybe deer close range load. I dont think this load with this bullet is going to be reliable at this velocity. Maybe if the animal was over 50 yards out the bullet "might" hold together going through bone but I have my doubts. I would probably still use it on small hogs but anything over about 50 pounds I have my doubts. 

What are yall's opinions on this?

[squigz]

Looking at Sierra's description of it, it seems like it would be the perfect fit for that impact velocity. But also seeing that they call it specifically working for 45 colt (assuming they're talking about the SAA loads) and 45acp. I wonder if they're just a much lighter jacket and softer alloy bullet.

In my own testing of other bullets, 358win with Speer 180gr I found that the same thing happened to that bullet there was massive explosive reaction on game because they were just not built for those impact velocities. I've since switched to Accubonds and have not found any issues with over expansion (but also noting that it went from a cup'n core to a bonded bullet)

I personally would say that they'll probably be good at that level at further ranges and generate further penetration as expected, but I think point blank might be the wrong bullet.

[gcf]

At least he didn't come back to life on the processing table...

Best bet:
www.gtbullets.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=56

[bigbore5]

I prefer the 357 mag with the 38-150kt RCBS bullet cast from water quench wheel weights. 154grs on 13grs #9 for 1156fps from the 4" Service Six. Punches through the spine, yet still showing expansion to about 40 cal. Same bullet and load doesn't expand at all on deer, even at less than 20yds.

Gator hide and neck muscle are extremely tough. Dad used a 45 Colt with a JSP. I think it was a Sierra, around 250grs and 1100fps. It would expand a bunch but still sever the spine. I never recall an exit. Same bullet punched through close up deer like are showing little evidence expanding

[x101airborne]

I usually use 38 Special 160 grain Lee RNFP out of a Marlin rifle when I have some help. When I pull the rope in it is safer to have someone else beside me with the rifle doing the shooting so I can concentrate on the rope. This year circumstances dictated I be alone so a pistol is what I was using.

I do cast my own bullets for all calibers, so I can always go back to cast. I just wanted to see how these bullets would do on game.

[bigbrowndog]

Trey, was there any water between you and the gator?? 3ft. seems a bit much for completely air between you and the animal. If you’re shooting animals with ANY water between you and the target, then you absolutely need a tougher bullet than a HP of any type. A solid cast or solid jacketed would be my preference.

Trapr

[gnappi]

Sierra's site says your velocity should be OK and not explode unless their site description of usage is a typo.

" The reliable expansion characteristics of this bullet make it suitable for cartridges ranging from the 45 ACP up through moderate loads (up to 1400 fps) in the 454 Casull for either hunting or target competition."

[bigbore5]

Sept 27, 2024 18:38:56 GMT -5 gnappi said:

Sierra's site says your velocity should be OK and not explode unless their site description of usage is a typo.

" The reliable expansion characteristics of this bullet make it suitable for cartridges ranging from the 45 ACP up through moderate loads (up to 1400 fps) in the 454 Casull for either hunting or target competition."

They also don't expect you to be contact close to something that's muscle density is more than double that of a human

[sixshot]

I'd move back to 4 feet

Dick

[gunsbam45]

Sept 27, 2024 20:55:43 GMT -5 sixshot said:

I'd move back to 4 feet

Dick

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