.45 Long Colt

[Bullelkklr]

I got out this weekend to pull the trigger on my ruger in .45 LC.........all I can say is - who wants to empty the rest of my buffalo bores out of my redhawk? That isn't very much fun at all........

I think that I will slow it down a little - even for Griz backup.....330grains at 1375 (not crono'd) is bit much push for my liking - I was surprised to say the least - not a one hand operation with those boolits.

[BrownBear]

I got out this weekend to pull the trigger on my ruger in .45 LC.........all I can say is - who wants to empty the rest of my buffalo bores out of my redhawk? That isn't very much fun at all........

I think that I will slow it down a little - even for Griz backup.....330grains at 1375 (not crono'd) is bit much push for my liking - I was surprised to say the least - not a one hand operation with those boolits.

I'm convinced there's lot of "liquid courage" or whistling in the graveyard when it comes to handguns for bear protection. Guys try to make up for their inability to hit a barn from the inside by adding bore size, bullet weight and velocity. It's all the purest form of bullsnort if you can't hit what you're aiming at.

I go for as much power as I can shoot well. If I can't hit with something stout enough to do the job, it's a sure sign that I need to do more shooting rather than buy an even bigger handgun. That's not true with a lot of other folks. And the gun manufacturers take full advantage of it, kind of the same way clothes companies know that they can sell more dresses if they convince women they make them look skinny. Make a guy nervous about the gun he's packing, and he'll buy something bigger.

Based on killing large game other than bears with handguns, I'm betting my hide that a flatnose bullet of around 300 grains at around 1100 fps is plenty. And I've shot them enough to get good with them. Good AND fast.

You'll have to find your own comfort zone in terms of killing power. Whatever you pick, shoot it lots and get good with it. And don't listen to the my-gun-is-bigger-than-your gun crowd. Anyone can buy a bigger gun than you, but can they shoot it as well as they need to? I sincerely doubt it.

[Snyd]

This must have been out of your new little 4 inch Redhawk?

[Oneriver]

I second that Brown Bear...1100 fps with 300 grainer broad face bullet will be just as effective...no need to push it bigger or faster...we are talking close range...no difference

[rbuck351]

I have to agree with brownbear. A 300gr at 1100+ is probably going to hit dirt on the back side of what ever your shooting . Veral from LBT says a lg flat nose at some where between 1100 and 1300 is ideal for lead boolits from hand guns. I believe him. A gut shot from a 460 weatherby will not be as effective as a well placed shot from a decent loaded 41,44, 45, or whatever hand gun. The trick there is well placed, meaning lots of proper practice. I carry a 41mag with 225s at 1480 and don't feel under gunned with that. Would rather have a heavier bullet, but that's the mould I have.
Anyway, proper bullet placement with an enough bullet is the key.

[EricG]

I believe more is better, but you have to be able to handle it. Have you tried using a SA?

I've used a SA for many years and I can shoot some pretty stout loads in my blackhawk. Hand me a DA and I have a hard time getting thru a cylinder.. hurts my hand. The recoil is much more straight back into the palm. It doesn't roll the way a SA does. I always use the rubber grips on my SA helps cushion a lot over the smooth stock wood grips. Others I know hate the roll of a SA and only shoot a DA like the redhawk.

Either way start with light loads and work your way up both in bullet weight and powder charge. Like anything it takes practice.

[Amigo Will]

I agree a good solid nose 300gr at 1100 is pretty good. I believe a protection gun is for stopping and not killing a hundred yards later. If the bullet will bust the shoulders thats what you want for right now,finish with the heart lung shot after the danger is gone.

[Murphy]

Well! Welcome to big bore. I'm in full ageeement with BrownBear and others about the 1100 fps is all needed. With 25 grains of H4227 and the 325 grain WFNs I get 1120 from a 4" gun and it is much easier to shoot.

You really picked a lousy load for your initiation with the new Ruger. The Redhawk frame is hard on the hands and if you have those hogue bantum grips on it it will be hard to hold on to. I prefer the slick wood grips and changed mine out.

I'd like to point, since folks expect me to be sarcastic, that there was never a short Colt so there cannot be a long Colt. Therefore you have a 45 Colt, not a 45 long Colt. It is more of a mule than a colt though, wouldn't you say, huh?

[BrownBear]

I'd like to point, since folks expect me to be sarcastic, that there was never a short Colt so there cannot be a long Colt. Therefore you have a 45 Colt, not a 45 long Colt. It is more of a mule than a colt though, wouldn't you say, huh?

Cheers, Murphy!!!!!


And I agree on grips for Redhawks. I've tried most of them and made a few myself. And after all that I'm back to the factory original slick wood version. Seems that Ruger got it right on those.

[Amigo Will]

Thats why I won't buy ammo from makers that put LongColt on the box.Figure if they don't know the real name how can they load it right.

[Badman]

.45 short colt

Not to side track the thread, but there WAS a short colt as there is simply a 45 colt-- see http://www.leverguns.com/articles/ta...short_colt.htm

[Smitty of the North]

I agree too.
With Murphy, and Brownbear.
I almost always do.
Those guys say what I wanna hear.

Murphy:
The 45 Colt Autio is SHORTER.

Smitty of the North

[Bullelkklr]

twas all they had

when I bought her. figured they would be just fine - I think that I wasted my 34$ because I don't think I will ever shoot them all (20).

I will try 330 grains around 900 to get used to it. Practice makes perfect - but those loads were just no fun to shoot and no way that you would hit Griz twice in a row with those.

As far as what you want to call it....well, you did understand what cartridge I was shooting - right? Musta been good nuff.

[Amigo Will]

The 45 Goverment was for less recoil while mounted and fighing.We must remember smokeless had came in and recoiled more than the standard 45 Colt BP rounds.It was the 45 Goverment not short colt hence no need to call the other Long Colt and they didn't

[Steve8261948]

I'd wager a 300gr. hard cast at 1000 out of the .45 Colt will get a complete pass through from the side on any bear on earth?
Steve