[rWt]

Is there a simple ballistics program that would help me understand point of impact differences with different loads over different distances? Say handgun loads with 200 and 255 grain bullets over 15, 25, 50, 75, 100 yards? I am curious to see the different points of impact using a 'defensive" load versus a "hunting" load versus a 1000 ft/sec load from Buffalo Bore versus a cowboy action load. This will help me understand the issues of using a fixed-sighted gun with different ammo at different ranges. At least I hope it will.

Is a lever action carbine in this caliber an effective hunting rig? if so, for what size game at what distance? Are they able to handle the heavy 300+ grain loadings from Buffalo Bore for example?

Thanks

Dick

[Edgeofthewoods]

Check out Remington.com. They have a decent program for the loads that they sell.

Chuck

[GooseGestapo]

You can get basic ballistic data and trajectory tables from various sources including most reloading manuals.
As for trajectory/drop, consider that most pistol bullets have ballistic coefficients simular to .22lr, drop is simular, ie: 6" drop from line of bore at 100yds.

As for changing velocity and bullet weight with fixed sights, you are talking a whole different ball game.

Because most fixed sighted guns don't always shoot to poa (point of aim), there is no way to predict how they will react.

Factor that in with the fact that seldom does a iron sighted handgun shoot to the same poi (point of impact) for any two shooters, this compounds the problem.

Most of the Colt SAA and replica's are "regulated" to shoot roughly to poi/poa with the traditional "factory" loads of a 250-255gr lead bullet at 750-850fps.

From that given, the following can be "extrapolated":
Lighter bullets will shoot LOW, unless loaded DOWN considerably.
Heavier bullets will shoot HIGHER, unless loaded considerably FASTER.
Key factors are 1.) barrel time, function of velocity 2.) Bullet weight and accompaning recoil impulse. Heavier bullet = longer barrel time and lower velocity, meaning the barrel rises more due to recoil and bullet exits barrel at a higher angle. (with low velocities and mass of firearm, the gun is recoiling before the bullet exits the muzzle, hence the counter intuitive result of heavier bullets at lower velocities "shooting higher".)

Exactly how much depends on how heavy (large) the shooters hands/arms are, how tightly the firearm is gripped, and how much the load performance departs from the "norm" for which the firearm is regulated.

Hence, what you asked can only be determined by shooting and seeing what happens!

FWIW; my Ruger Redhawk easily digests a 315gr WFN-GC at 1,175fps ( XXX gr Alliant 2400), but I don' t tolerate it too well after 15-20rds! Sights have to be "LOWERED" 16 clicks from setting for 255gr load at 800fps, to as low as the sights will go, and it still shoots 2.5" above top of front sight at 25yds, but fortunately is exactly where I want it too hit.
I find that increasing the velocity of a 250gr JHP to 1,200fps has much less effect than increasing the bullet weight. I'm able with this LARGE d/a revolver to use the same sight setting with the high velocity 250gr loads as the lower velocity loads with THIS gun.

Also, my Winchester M94 was used to develop the heavy 315gr load, and it too shoots higher with the 315gr load than a 250gr load. Velocity of the 315gr/XX gr 2400 load is 1,580fps @ 15".

I know this is a lot of info, but the answer to your question is not simple!

[GooseGestapo]

Regarding hunting effectiveness of the .45lc from the carbines, consider this:
The performance of the .45lc carbines with "heavy" loads, is essentially identical to the .454 Casull. This cartridge is considered capable of taking any animal on the planet. Realistically though, performance is going to be akin that that of factory loaded .45/70, which is no slouch, btw.

Also, consider the performance of the .45cal muzzle loaders with the modern conical bullets, which the .45lc carbines are capable of matching. (modern strong ones such as Marlin 94's and Win m92 and m94- we are NOT talking m73 or such replicas or originals).

I have taken deer and hogs EFFECTIVELY with the .45 bullets fired from .50cal m/l and sabots. I have not been "lucky" hunting deer/pigs with my m94 (only one season), so I can't vouch for the 315gr cast load.

My m/l shooting a 205gr cast SWC over 80gr of Pyrodex RS or 777 has completly penetrated every deer and pig I've shot with it. (m.v. is 1,700fps).
Pigs have only run to 200lbs however. Bullet holes spray blood out both sides, and animals are either DRT, or run 50-75ft before expiring. Entry and exit wounds are roughly 1/2". Expansion is minimal, and not needed!

Decidely "low tech", but some things just can't be improved on.

[rbernie]

Is there a simple ballistics program that would help me understand point of impact differences with different loads over different distances? Yes, there are many. My favorite is the freeware application Point Blank (http://stevespages.com/zip/pointblankcrbsv18a.zip).

[rWt]

Thanks everyone-I REALLY appreciate your experience and assistance!

Dick