[quick68]

I wasnt sure if this question went here or at reloading, but here goes. I was wondering if a 45acp handloaded with 260 grn speer JHP over 6 grn of Unique would have enough energy for follow up shots on deer and hog and would you be comfortable digging around in the brush looking for a possibly wounded animal with it? I could get a shot off a lot quicker with it (1991 A1) than with a rifle at this close range.

[MarineTech]

I'm a big fan of the .45ACP, but I have to say that there's just no way I'm going to hunt a deer with it.

Maybe it's the way I was brought up, but I believe in taking an animal with a minimum of pain and suffering. So I'd pick a round that's going to get the job done with some leeway. Yes, .45ACP will probably do the job if you can get within 25 yards, but you better be darn sure of your shot.

If you're looking to take deer with a .45 pistol platform, look into a .45 Super, .45 WinMag, or .460 Rowland conversion.

You may also want to recheck your state hunting regulations. I'm not sure about where you're planning on hunting, but many states have a minimum velocity prohibition that pretty much eliminates .45ACP as a choice.

[Art Eatman]

For follow-up on wounded deer, I'd probably go for either a self-defense load or a max load with a 200-grain or 230-grain SWC.

A wounded hog? Some max load with a 230-grain SWC. A wounded hog can get mean, particularly the larger ones.

Art

[Edward429451]

For a close range followup I think it'd be ok. I've loaded that 260 gr bullet for my Colt awhile back albeit with 5.6 gr of WW-231 and it worked great but I never had occassion to shoot any game with the loads.

6.0 gr Unique sounds about right for that bullet in a steel frame gun, but I'd still start a little lower, yada, yada, yada. Too many of these loads will stress/crack your frame by the slidestop hole.

[HSMITH]

I have shot deer with the 45 ACP under carefully controlled circumstances. It works up close very well with good shot placement. I would not hesitate to follow up with a 45 in tight brush, I shoot mine very well and it is 100% reliable. I would stoke it up with 230grain XTP's preferably in a +P or +P+ loading, the XTP stays together and goes DEEP for a 45 hollowpoint. Most other 45 hollowpoints are too fragile or open too quickly for the penetration needed on game when at any angle. A good hardcast 230gr TC, RNFP or SWC would work good too when loaded hot, they will do a deer stem to stern and likely the same on most hogs.

If you handload you are set. If not a handloader check to see if Cor-Bon or Pro-Load loads a 230 XTP in a +P rating and if your gun will shoot it decently I don't think you will do any better for loads....

[C.R.Sam]

Deer, no problem.
Hog....
I would skirt the brush lookin for a clear shot with the rifle.
Not keen on rootin in the brush for a wounded pig.

Sam

[AUTIGER04]

I know a guy that hunts with a 45acp.
And I believe that Stephen Camp hunts with a 45acp.

[Sunray]

That going into a pistol or revolver? I think you'll find a 260 makes for a loaded round that's too long to fit in the mag and has an OAL that's too long. Mind you, I haven't tried it. There are lots of good HP 230 grain bullets that'll do what you want on deer. You definitely do not want a hollow point for pigs. Wild boar anyway. Those big razor backs have armoured necks. Solids only. HP's don't reliablely expand out of a .45 anyway.

[Redlg155]

I took an approximately 250lb wild piggie last year with my Glock 30. The load was S&B 230gr FMJ. Bullet struck the piggie in the neck, shattered the spinal cord and passed completely through. I never recovered the bullet.

Would I shoot one in the chest with a .45 ACP? Definitely not. I aimed for the base of the ear because I knew there was no sheild to stop my bullet. The bullet went a little low, but it did the job.

Of course I had some backup "artillery" standing by in case I needed it! :D

Good SHooting
Red