 45 Colt vs. Bears
#134609
08/10/2013 6:15 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
OP
Shooting Master
|
|
OP
Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
My bear tag is about to open up, so I took out the Anaconda this morning to check sights. All is good. But I got to thinkin, since its bear, is the 250gr XTP on top of 26.1gr of H110 going to be a good choice? I know bears are storing up fat reserves now, and that can cause problems with bullet selection sometimes. I do have some hard cast bullets that are 255gr, but they are more for the cowboy action shoots I think. At least that's what it says on the box. They were given to me, and I was going to use them as practice loads, but I may be changing my mind if they are worth hunting with. The box says they are 255gr "SWC" whatever that means?? I'm not a hardcast guy, yet, so I don't know all the terminology stuff. Working on it though with the 500JRH loads.
The bear I have been chasing for the last two years was just captured a couple days ago on our trail cam again. He's a good size cinnamon phase, and has some odd streaks on his butt. That's how I know it is the same one. Our bears here aren't huge, but I certainly don't want to be under gunned. If my 500JRH makes it here in time, I'll be taking it, and this will be a non-issue!
I'm thinking this load mentioned above will be plenty, but just wanted some conformation from someone who's "been there and done that" with this load, or something very similar.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134612
08/10/2013 7:12 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
|
|
Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
RT, I have never bear hunted, but have one in the plans for next fall. I will be hunting with the 250XTP over 20.5 grs of 2400 from my 5.5" M97. I have full confidence in this load. Good luck on your bear!
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: KRal]
#134613
08/10/2013 7:46 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 830
rlb
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 830 |
When we were running bears, the preferred round was a 9mm. I think you should be ok. Put your shot in the boiler room and start skinning.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134614
08/10/2013 7:53 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
|
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
250gr XTP on top of 26.1gr of H110 That load will do just fine.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: s4s4u]
#134615
08/10/2013 8:10 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
OP
Shooting Master
|
|
OP
Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
SWEET!!! Thanks guys! Now I have all the confidence in the world!
MUA HA HA HA!!!!!! <---Best evil laugh I have...
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134616
08/10/2013 11:00 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 83
45BBH
journeyman
|
|
journeyman
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 83 |
Should work well, 26gr of Lil'Gun gives me right at 1,400 fps with the 250gr XTP from my 5.5" Ruger Bisley.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: 45BBH]
#134619
08/10/2013 11:35 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 349
240
enthusiast
|
|
enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 349 |
Nice choice in hammers... a Colt Anaconda in the Colt cartridge, don't see many of those! I had a 4" in 44 Mag 15 years ago, made a snap decision to sell it, regret it everytime I think about it. They are great double action revolvers, shame they quit making them.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: 240]
#134620
08/11/2013 12:27 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
OP
Shooting Master
|
|
OP
Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
Yeah no kidding. I came across mine for a steal, and it was right after I had done some research on the 45 colt cartridge. I just couldn't pass it up. It has the sweetest trigger of any of my handguns. Well, at least for now. I do have a custom 500JRH coming from Jack, so we'll see how it stacks up. Between the two of those, I'm expecting it to be a coin toss!
I've thought about picking up another Anaconda in 45 Colt just because this one has been so smooth to shoot. I'm pretty confident with it out to 100 yards, but that is my limit. When I got it, the guy I bought it from about had a heart attack when I told him I was going to hunt with it. He was a collector, and I told him I don't believe ANY gun was ever made to sit on a shelf. He said, "Well, your paying for it, so do what ya want with it."
I AM!!! 
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134621
08/11/2013 1:25 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
|
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
"Well, your paying for it, so do what ya want with it."
I AM!!!
Amen!
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134622
08/11/2013 1:29 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101
Bearbait in NM
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101 |
Raptor,
You have not seen crazy until you look at Colt revolver prices on the web. Anything with a snake seems to be fetching 2 grand and up. I mean way up. I have spent some time on the Colt forum, and it looks like the Colts are so insane that folks are forging box labels, manuals and other goodies. I have been wanting to pick up something in 45 Colt flavor to use, as you are. Man, my timing sucks. I am a Colt fan, but sheesh, when the prices are higher than a new FA gun, makes one wonder. Or at least ponder.....
I have been playing with reduced loads in my 454 this summer, using the 250 XTP. When I tested it years ago in my Rowland against other 250 grain bullets moving about 1100 fps, the 250 seemed to penetrate reasonably well, and still hold togther (in wet news print). I might end up trying to stick an elk with one this year ;^) It's either going to be that bullet, or a 335 Cast Performance LBT reduced load.
Craig
Northern born and Southern bred
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Bearbait in NM]
#134623
08/11/2013 1:49 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
OP
Shooting Master
|
|
OP
Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
Hey Craig, if your serious about getting one of the Anaconda's, there are some deals on gunbroker.com. Type in "Colt Anaconda". I just looked, and there are even a couple of them in 45 Colt with a 6" barrel-- the exact gun I picked up. They are stainless steel, so even if they are used, they will look like new most of the time. I used to hate stainless guns when I was younger, but now that's all I get. They clean up easy, scratches can be buffed out, and they always look "new".
Just giving ya a heads up on the gunbroker thing. I just might have to get another one myself.
Last edited by raptortrapper; 08/11/2013 1:50 AM.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134631
08/11/2013 11:35 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 96
bladesmith14731
journeyman
|
|
journeyman
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 96 |
I think that you would be good with the XTP's, but I would check the velocity if possible. They are rated to 1600fps and your load (at least in the books) is about 200fps slower. You might want to trade some speed to ensure the bullet retains as much weight as it can for penetration. Solid lead will work also and if you do try these guys out http://montanabulletworks.com/45_Colt.html. 250-300gr in a wide flat nose at 1100-1300 fps should give you complete pass through.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134632
08/11/2013 3:29 PM
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 408
Seasons44
addict
|
|
addict
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 408 |
My bear tag is about to open up, so I took out the Anaconda this morning to check sights. All is good. But I got to thinkin, since its bear, is the 250gr XTP on top of 26.1gr of H110 going to be a good choice? I know bears are storing up fat reserves now, and that can cause problems with bullet selection sometimes. I do have some hard cast bullets that are 255gr, but they are more for the cowboy action shoots I think. At least that's what it says on the box. They were given to me, and I was going to use them as practice loads, but I may be changing my mind if they are worth hunting with. The box says they are 255gr "SWC" whatever that means?? I'm not a hardcast guy, yet, so I don't know all the terminology stuff. Working on it though with the 500JRH loads.
The bear I have been chasing for the last two years was just captured a couple days ago on our trail cam again. He's a good size cinnamon phase, and has some odd streaks on his butt. That's how I know it is the same one. Our bears here aren't huge, but I certainly don't want to be under gunned. If my 500JRH makes it here in time, I'll be taking it, and this will be a non-issue!
I'm thinking this load mentioned above will be plenty, but just wanted some conformation from someone who's "been there and done that" with this load, or something very similar. SWC, or semi-wad cutter, good target bullet has taken plenty of game ,but there are better hard cast designs out there, 335 LBT seems to be the bullet of choice for the 45 colt, great velocity to weight ratio, cast performance, Beartooth, Leadheads all use LBT designs. With this said 250 xtp's will do the job, as it it is all about placement, though bear's are notorious for leaving lack luster blood trails do to there dense fur, so personally I would opt for something that can guarantee two holes rather than one. But JMHO, look forward to seeing a dead bruin soon Raptortrapper!
Simple, Elegant, but always Approachable
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Seasons44]
#134633
08/11/2013 3:53 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
OP
Shooting Master
|
|
OP
Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
I'm thinking I will probably switch over to hard cast with the Anaconda, but not till the end of season. I already have great confidence in the accuracy of the load I am using, and to change it now, I would feel like I was in a rush to find the new load with hard cast that the gun likes. If the 250gr XTP wouldn't do the trick, then yeah, I'd work up the new load to be fair to the critter. But since the overwhelming opinion is that the XTP will work, I'm just going to stay with it for now.
Once the bear is on the ground, I'll start working up a hard cast load with something from Cast Performance. I got some 440gr hard cast from them for my 500JRH, and they sure look like they will hammer something! I'm hoping the gun gets back from Jack in time as it is the one I REALLY want to take bear hunting. But the 45 Colt was a close second. The 500JRH could very well make it in time as it is at the engraver right now. Once he's done, its finished!!!
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134634
08/11/2013 4:04 PM
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 408
Seasons44
addict
|
|
addict
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 408 |
I'm thinking I will probably switch over to hard cast with the Anaconda, but not till the end of season. I already have great confidence in the accuracy of the load I am using, and to change it now, I would feel like I was in a rush to find the new load with hard cast that the gun likes. If the 250gr XTP wouldn't do the trick, then yeah, I'd work up the new load to be fair to the critter. But since the overwhelming opinion is that the XTP will work, I'm just going to stay with it for now.
Once the bear is on the ground, I'll start working up a hard cast load with something from Cast Performance. I got some 440gr hard cast from them for my 500JRH, and they sure look like they will hammer something! I'm hoping the gun gets back from Jack in time as it is the one I REALLY want to take bear hunting. But the 45 Colt was a close second. The 500JRH could very well make it in time as it is at the engraver right now. Once he's done, its finished!!! Details! What is Jack building you. we need to know:)
Simple, Elegant, but always Approachable
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Bearbait in NM]
#134636
08/11/2013 5:13 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
OP
Shooting Master
|
|
OP
Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
Find the thread titled "pics of ruger rebuild gun". Has all the details there. Its in shooter bench forum.
Can't wait to get her back!!!
Last edited by raptortrapper; 08/11/2013 5:14 PM.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134639
08/11/2013 5:53 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101
Bearbait in NM
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101 |
Raptor,
I had not looked on GB in a few days, but those guns are not what I would call bargains. Well maybe if 2500 is a bargain compared to 5 grand ;^) But you are correct, what I need to find is one that has been shot some and has some polishable wear. Right now such a gun would fall into my luxory category with the fall and winter coming on (self-employed), so I am gonna wait to see what things look like next year. And that type of gun might be better found at a gunshow.
The other one that I have right next to one of those on my list would be a new production New Frontier. As they are sort of still being made, I might be able to find one at something less than 2 grand.
Thanks for the little hijack. And if you do have your 500 back and take the shot at a bear, I'll keep my ears open. I might hear the shot here in nothern NM.
Craig
Northern born and Southern bred
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Bearbait in NM]
#134642
08/11/2013 6:27 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
OP
Shooting Master
|
|
OP
Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
Craig, there are some on there for $1200 and $1400 bucks for the 44mag version. They have the case, paperwork, everything! I did see the ones you are talking about at $2500 and above, but that is certainly the upper end of the price range. I just looked at the exact gun I have, and the price was at $1525 for 6"f 45 colt. There are some that pop up on there for $1200 and $1400 now and then also.
Last edited by raptortrapper; 08/11/2013 6:29 PM.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
|
|
|
 Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134655
08/11/2013 11:21 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,001
mikefrompa
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,001 |
RT, I would be careful with that bullet for bear. I have never hunted bear with the 250 gr. XTP but Hornady does not recommend pushing that bullet past 1600 fps. It is a good bullet but it has a thinner jacket then the 240 gr. XTP mag and may not hold up to thick skinned game such as bear.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: mikefrompa]
#134665
08/12/2013 5:55 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44
addict
|
|
addict
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566 |
Hornady states that the 250gr xtp .45 :"Heavier jacket stands up to the high pressures and velocities of the highest performance handgun cartridges. Think it could be .454 Casull rated. Just going by their website.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: mike.44]
#134670
08/12/2013 1:28 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
Pooh-Bah
|
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757 |
RT you shouldn't have any issues if you stick it in the boiler room. Try to stay off the shoulders and you should be fine.
"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#134681
08/12/2013 7:14 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101
Bearbait in NM
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101 |
Raptor, Definately no interest in a 44 mag for me. I do not have 44 mag brass nor 45 colt brass, but I have a lots of .451/.452 bullets ;^) When I get serious again, perhaps next spring I'll keep a better eye on GB. The two I saw just now had reserve not met at 1500, with a much higher buy it now. But, I spent that money on all the goodies to build and shoot a 300 Blackout this spring. That was shooting my big dollar wad this year. My LGS has a 357 Colt Lawman III with a 2 and something barrel, and his price is not insane. But I really have no use for that gun other than to say I have it ;^) That's the first Colt I have seen him try and sell in 10 years. So, next year or the lottery, which ever comes first. Craig Craig, there are some on there for $1200 and $1400 bucks for the 44mag version. They have the case, paperwork, everything! I did see the ones you are talking about at $2500 and above, but that is certainly the upper end of the price range. I just looked at the exact gun I have, and the price was at $1525 for 6"f 45 colt. There are some that pop up on there for $1200 and $1400 now and then also.
Northern born and Southern bred
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Bearbait in NM]
#134683
08/12/2013 7:37 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
OP
Shooting Master
|
|
OP
Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
Ah! I did not look for the reserve part, or the buy it now. My mistake.
I don't want the 44 mag version either. After shooting the 45 Colt with close to full house loads, it pretty much leaves the 44 mag sucking air!
Like was stated earlier, I think I'll stay with the 250gr flavor of the xtp for this year since I'm already sighted in and comfortable with it. I'm still hoping the 500JRH makes it in time, which it sounds like it will from what Jack was saying. The Anaconda will still be going along, but will be the backup gun. Nice to have that as a "backup"!! Come deer season in October, it will be the primary, and backup!
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
|
|
|
|
Re: 45 Colt vs. Bears
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#135836
09/20/2013 6:02 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 69
Redhawk500
journeyman
|
|
journeyman
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 69 |
I used the 300 grain XTP on a mountain lion. 1100 fps at three feet, end to end 30 inch penetration, perfect mushroom, two of three exited. Not my buffalo load but great medium game bullet in. 45 Colt, assume 250 grain XTP acts the same.
|
|
|
|
|
1 registered members (Okie Hunter),
48
guests, and 2
spiders. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
