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Loading the .45LC for hunting #207498 07/21/2020 4:40 PM
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longhunter Offline OP
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For you fellas that reload 45LC what are some good hunting loads, foe deer. Will probably be using 250 gr Speer Deep Curl and 250gr Hornady XTP's.

Last edited by longhunter; 07/23/2020 4:12 AM.

"The reason a dog has so many friends,He wags his tail instead of his tongue."

"I don't always listen to Black Sabbath,But when I do so do the neighbors"
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: longhunter] #207499 07/21/2020 5:07 PM
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Zee Offline
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I run a 250gr XTP over 26.5gr H110 from my 6? Bisley @ 1,365 fps to good effect on deer.

The Gold Dot should do well also.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: longhunter] #207500 07/21/2020 5:19 PM
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Seminole Wind Offline
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I don't see what gun you plan to load for in 45 Colt, but my experience is with Ruger 7 1/2" large frame revolvers and Contenders. I've loaded for the 250 gr XTP and Deep Curl, and both are very accurate bullets. I know the XTP performs well on deer, but I haven't connected with a DC bullet yet. Some experienced handgun hunters think the DC is a more consistent performer in big game. Both bullets can attain velocities of 1350+ fps with 296 powder from 7 1/2" barrels. Start at 24.0 grs and work up, assuming you are using a full sized Ruger or Contender. The 240 gr XTP is probably a Mag bullet and is designed to perform better at magnum velocities, like out of a 454 Casull. Best of luck to you.

Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: Seminole Wind] #207501 07/21/2020 5:36 PM
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longhunter Offline OP
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It's a 4 5/8" Ruger


"The reason a dog has so many friends,He wags his tail instead of his tongue."

"I don't always listen to Black Sabbath,But when I do so do the neighbors"
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: longhunter] #207502 07/21/2020 5:41 PM
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H2OBUG Offline
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250 Hornady XTP 20.5 Gr of 2400 and LPM primer.

By far the best load for my Ruger 45 Colts.

For the S&W

250 gr Berry HC FP with 16.0 of 2400 LPM

Also a great target load for the Ruger.


If it jams force it! If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: H2OBUG] #207505 07/21/2020 9:09 PM
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reflex264 Offline
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I don't even know how many deer I have killed with that gun. I bought it new in the early 80s. Don't load that load on the target without a work up. It is safe in that gun and was formerly published data but has been removed from manuals. I backed off to 21.5grs H110/296 lit by a 155 primer.This is with the 300gr XTP. The XTP mag is more accurate but the old XTP performs better on game. The mag doesn't always open at Ruger level velocities. Hope that helps.

Last edited by reflex264; 07/21/2020 9:10 PM.

"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"

I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: reflex264] #207512 07/22/2020 1:50 AM
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KRal Offline
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I use the load water bug posted above in my FA M97 and it shoots one ragged hole at 25 yards. I?ve killed hog, black bear, and deer with that load and it performs very well. I?d stay away from the 240xtp for colt loads - it?s intended for 454C and is pretty hard.


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: KRal] #207514 07/22/2020 2:46 AM
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longhunter Offline OP
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 Originally Posted By: KRal
I?d stay away from the 240xtp for colt loads - it?s intended for 454C and is pretty hard.
Made a mistake when posting, they are 250gr.


"The reason a dog has so many friends,He wags his tail instead of his tongue."

"I don't always listen to Black Sabbath,But when I do so do the neighbors"
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: longhunter] #207520 07/23/2020 3:37 AM
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Carpe Diem Offline
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The 240 XTP is a bit hard for 4-5/8? barrels. I use the 250 XTP over 15.0 grains of BlueDot for 1161 fps/611 fpe. Kills deer very well and is efficient in my short-barreled BH. In my 4-5/8? barrel, the 240 XTP over 20.0 grains of 2400 only gave 1049 fps...



.

Last edited by Carpe Diem; 07/23/2020 3:39 AM.

Based on total trigger pull weight, my trigger finger has lifted well over 200 tons....
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: Carpe Diem] #207526 07/24/2020 12:57 AM
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I've had great results with the top end published Ruger level loads with H110 and the 250 XTP, both accuracy and terminal performance wise.


Choot em!
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: MrMcPorkchop] #209695 12/16/2020 9:34 PM
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short30 Offline
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Finally got a doe with the .45LC SBHH Bisley with Speer DC 250 gr. Picture posting in BB forum. Looks just like the one I shot into water jugs. Kept 249 grains of the advertised 250 after two shoulders and the ribs. Gonna try the XTPs after I get the TC 35-30/30 bloody.


First Handgun Deer: ~1982 8" S&W .38Spl
SW 7.5" 686-7 with Matchdot II
SBHH .45LC 7.5"
Contender G2 .35-30/30 (Bellm), .22LR, .22 Hornet, 25-35
Glock 40 10mm; G21 Poly80 w/ 9 inch barrel (in work)
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: short30] #209707 12/17/2020 12:36 PM
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jcp161 Offline
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Amazing expansion on that bullet.

Congratulations on your deer and thanks for posting the pics of the bullet performance.

John

Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: jcp161] #209712 12/17/2020 3:40 PM
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gunslingerdad Offline
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the deep curl is a great bullet. nice shooting!


still Dave Thomas, just an alias so the gov't dont find me
;\)
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: gunslingerdad] #209715 12/17/2020 10:41 PM
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MS Hitman Offline
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I've had great results using a Lyman 454424 ahead of 13.0 of HS-6.

Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: MS Hitman] #209722 12/18/2020 4:26 PM
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Vance in AK. Offline
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Short30, what was the velocity on that load?


Vance in AK.

Matthew 6:33
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: Vance in AK.] #209723 12/18/2020 7:30 PM
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short30 Offline
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I have not measured but should be just at or above 1200 fps. I typically start about 2/3 way up the range and look for the sweet spot. This load also shoots the 250 XTP in to the same hole - interchangable at hunting ranges (75 yards)

Last edited by short30; 12/18/2020 7:31 PM.

First Handgun Deer: ~1982 8" S&W .38Spl
SW 7.5" 686-7 with Matchdot II
SBHH .45LC 7.5"
Contender G2 .35-30/30 (Bellm), .22LR, .22 Hornet, 25-35
Glock 40 10mm; G21 Poly80 w/ 9 inch barrel (in work)
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: short30] #209725 12/18/2020 7:51 PM
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Raptortrapper Offline
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I like the 335g LFNGC hard cast from Cast Performance. They hit like Mike Tyson. Used 23.3gr of H110 for the hot loads (1175fps), and 9.0gr of Titegroup for the light loads (850fps). These two loads, and the 45 Colt, are still my favorite handgun combination to this day. Well, as long as I'm under 75 yards. Beyond that, gotta grab my XP100.


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: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: Raptortrapper] #209736 12/19/2020 8:03 PM
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Carpe Diem Offline
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The problem with many of the loads recommended here is that the OP never stated which ?4-5/8? Ruger? he has. If it?s a Blackhawk, Redhawk or original Vaquero then fine, but if he has a new model Vaquero then many loads here could be unsafe. Strange that no one asked the question.....





.


Based on total trigger pull weight, my trigger finger has lifted well over 200 tons....
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: Carpe Diem] #209744 12/20/2020 1:26 PM
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bluecow Offline
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 Originally Posted By: Carpe Diem
The problem with many of the loads recommended here is that the OP never stated which ?4-5/8? Ruger? he has. If it?s a Blackhawk, Redhawk or original Vaquero then fine, but if he has a new model Vaquero then many loads here could be unsafe. Strange that no one asked the question.....





.


Maybe because it's a handgun hunting forum and we think that people here are smart enough to not have to be beat over the head with warnings,cautions, and oh my goodness every time we turn around. Or maybe again we are just too dumb to notice
;\)


Everything before "but" is B.S.
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: Carpe Diem] #209750 12/20/2020 11:57 PM
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Chance Weldon Offline
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 Originally Posted By: Carpe Diem
The problem with many of the loads recommended here is that the OP never stated which ?4-5/8? Ruger? he has. If it?s a Blackhawk, Redhawk or original Vaquero then fine, but if he has a new model Vaquero then many loads here could be unsafe. Strange that no one asked the question.....





.


To be fair, when someone mentions a Ruger, I picture a Blackhawk or Super Redhawk as opposed to a New Vaquero.


Formerly TN Lone Wolf

"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." - J.K. Rowling
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: bluecow] #209810 12/23/2020 6:52 PM
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Carpe Diem Offline
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 Quote:
Maybe because it's a handgun hunting forum and we think that people here are smart enough to not have to be beat over the head with warnings,cautions, and oh my goodness every time we turn around. Or maybe again we are just too dumb to notice
;\)


To be fair, many of the posters on this site are newbies looking for advice. While the OP isn?t new, he clearly knows little about hunting loads for the .45 LC - otherwise why ask? I have always thought that one function of a forum was to help others, and to try to keep them out of trouble. Just checking on the exact revolver the OP has is hardly ?beating him over the head? (oh,the drama!). Or maybe again we just shouldn?t bother to watch out for each other. 😉


.


Based on total trigger pull weight, my trigger finger has lifted well over 200 tons....
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: Carpe Diem] #209811 12/23/2020 7:13 PM
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junebug Offline
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Carpe Diem
Seminolewind addressed that very thing [what gun is it ]in the 3rd post on page one.


junebug
Re: Loading the .45LC for hunting [Re: junebug] #209812 12/24/2020 12:26 AM
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Raptortrapper Offline
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I've never heard of anyone on here hunting with a Ruger that ISN'T a Blackhawk or Redhawk of some sort. Never heard anyone mention a vaquero in all my years on this site. If people aren't smart enough to do their own homework on their own firearms, then I consider it a way to strengthen the gene pool.



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.

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