Hey Guys... I'm new here so i'd like to say hello to all. I'm needing some help on a load for my Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt. I'll be using it on whitetail here in Texas. Shots will be 50 yds. max since i'll hunt from my existing bow stand. I'd like to use jacked bullets if possible. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks, Jack

Hello and WELCOME , Jack!! Sorry I can't help you with the 45 colt, I don't load for it yet.

Welcome Jack to the wonderful world of Handgun Hunting.
I have three 45LC Rugers and all three shoot this load well. I use the Hornady 250grn XTPHP with 25grns of H110. You should start at 24grn and work up to see which load your pistol likes. It is running 1310fps and shoots well out to 100. I have gotten several 2" groups at 50yds with it and it is plenty for whitetail or hogs. I hit a 150lb ferral hog with this load at 40 yds and rolled him. He jumped back up but only went about 10yds in a circle and took a nose dive.
Good luck with your handgun hunt.
Also, Winchester makes a good factory load in a jacketed hollow point. I think it is 250 or 255 grn. Comes in a box of 20. It shoots good out of my Bisley Super Blackhawk.

Mike

I know you asked for jacketed, but Cast Performance bullets work well in my Blackhawk.I load the 335 grain bullets with H110 or W296. Use a heavy crimp on these. I had some jump the crimp when working up loads, and it was only in the middle range of charges listed in the Hodgdon manual. This was with a Lee Factory Crimp that has always served me well. I fired the same bullets with a heavier charge in a Bisley frame Blackhawk with no problem. If staying with jacketed bullets, I would go with the 260 grain Nosler Partition or the 250 grain Hornady XTP with H110 or W296. Good luck!

Thanks for the help guys. Your info was exactly what I was looking for. I'll be heading up to the hill country tonight for a weekend hunt, so i'll just have to use my Winchester factory stuff for now. Thanks again, and i'll keep ya'll posted on any kills. Later...

The heavy crip is necessary not just to avoid bullet jump but for H110 or W296 (consiered to be the same powder by some) to reach it's maximum operating pressures. The first time I loaded the latter for my 45 Colt BH without much crimp I got very mixed results and some strange chron readings. Assuming you have one of the max pressure 45's (Ruger, Freedon Arms, Contender)do not "work up" loads with these powders,light loads can result in partially burned powder- a mess- and squib loads. Start near or at the listed max for your type of gun and apply a heavy crimp.

Hey guys, A quick update. I got a nice fat Doe on Friday morning! My first handgun kill. She was about 25 yds and the factory Winchester silvertip took her through the top of the shoulder. She never untracked! I'm going to try for a Turkey this weekend...

Excellent!!!

Hawkeye, i've been checking and can only find the Hornady XTP bullets in 240 & 250 grn, you said 255 grn. Also you said around 25 grns. of H100, did you mean H110? Just checking, this handgun reloading is new to me. Thanks

Congratulations on your deer. A turkey would be a nice addition to this season with a handgun.
I don't have a clue why I bungled that post. I shoot the Hornady 250grn XTP with 25grn of H110.
It shoots a little better than the Winchester Silvertips in my 7.5" barrel.

Thanks Hawkeye, your load will be the first I try. I really was disapointed with the Silvertips. The bullet pretty much just punched straight through and didn't show much sign of expansion. I think that factory load is only about 900 fps. Maybe thats why it didn't expand. I ordered a set of dies. How about brass, are any brands better than others? I also need to find a good cast or otherwise cheaper bullet to load for practice. Thanks

How about if I just send you some once fired 45LC brass. I have plentry. It is clean, deprimed and sized with the case belled. All you have to do is prime, load and crimp.
For playing and practice I use Laser Cast Bullets. They are about 35.00 for 500 bullets and they are 255grn. They don't lead the barrel either. Click on "Laser Cast" for the link.
Laser Cast bullets
There are others that cost more but these shoot great and I have taken deer with them.
I'm going to try some 270grn Thunderheads and some 320grn cast as soon as deer season is over.
Send me your address and I will mail 50 pcs of brass.

Mike

Send me your address...I'll send you some bullets. 255gr cast from the Penn Bullet Company...they are my first choice for cast slugs! I shoot them in a LOT of handguns...I get no $ kickbacks from the company...only a good handshake from Bob Palermo (the owner) when I see him at gunshows.

Fantastic, you guys are great! I appreciate all the help to get a new handgunner started on the right track. I sent you my address via email. Thanks again...

Dan, got the bullets you sent to me. I will be working up a load with the Thunderheads this weekend. I sure hope they shoot from my pistol. They will sure make a whop when they hit those whitetail or hogs.

Thanks

Mike