I recently posted here how I was unimpressed with my ability to control the +P 45's. I am comfortable with 6 shot strings out to 40 yds, but open up outside of that. My solution was to order 200rds of standard pressure Doubletap (255gr SWC @950fps) to practice with and get to know my gun better before stepping up to +P's again.

I read over and over that 255's moving at about 1000fps is ideal for deer sized game.

Would anyone here have any issues with taking these into the field to hunt with? Shot placement a given.

Does this reduced velocity limit to only certain angles or can a through shot still be expected?

(Copied from DT website)
Ballistics : 950fps - 511 ft./lbs. - 7.5" bbl.
900fps - 459 ft./lbs. - 5.5" bbl.
765fps - 332 ft./lbs. - 2.5" bbl

For answer purposes please figure the low end 5.5" is going to get used. I might still use the 7.5.

Thanks,

Those loads will certainly work for Deer

+ 1 Should work like a charm on deer.

There will be no issues with your choice. And the other thing not to even think about when looking at a handgun or any other weapon, is the energy they develope. There is nothing there that matters. Energy is not what kills. Bullet weight, decent velocity, bullet placement and bullet style and hardness if using a solid. I have seen people shot (former cop) and I can tell you, even a rifle with 2000+ ftlbs never knocked people over backwards. They fell into the impact. You hit the animal where you aim and know its anatomy and you will have through penetration with that load and your end result will be in the freezer. just my two cents worth.

First off, thanks for the answers. I figured it might do the job. I have much more practicing to do before I start to feel comfortable with ranges these pistols are capable of hitting. I may even go back to the +P's after practicing and surprise myself with the results. We'll see.

I'm not too wrapped up in ft-lbs, I was just a little concerned about complete penetration if a shoulder is hit.

Don't worry Zac, it'll work!

Place your shot and eat bambi,it won't be a problem.

255gr movin 950 or close is dead deer .anything close to 1000 good for even bear size game

The 45 Colt is the most under rated cartridge for hunting, on the market. I'd dearly love to have another. Nothing in the lower 48 that it won't work for. Like you said, don't get caught in the ft/lb hyperbole.

One could make the same argument for the 44sp!

yep tcman and i think some do if one is comfort with the load no crime in trying it . at close range thow 44 spe is a useabl round.

That'll take any deer down,go to John Taffin's site and theres articles on using SWC at 1000 f.p.s.

yes John and tons of load info good site