[lizziedog1]

I realize that hunting and 1911's are not ususally tought of in the same sentence. However, I do not see why one couldn't be used for hunting. At least within its limitations of game size and range.

Do any of you reload hunting rounds for the 45ACP?

What are some good recipes that you have found?

[CraigC]

An accurate 1911 is certainly a viable 50yd hunting weapon. Funny how folks get all jittery when you mention hunting with the .45ACP, which pushes a 230gr bullet at 900fps but we all know the .45Colt is a wonderful hunting cartridge. Even at standard pressures, which means a 250gr cast bullet at 900fps. The big catch is to utilize a proper bullet. I've got a very accurate Springfield that I've been wanting to hunt with and the 230gr Gold Dot was going to be my first choice. We'll see, it's in line behind the 180gr Gold Dot out of a .38-40 rifle.

[Certaindeaf]

Elmer Keith used one with lead SWC's for game. I'd load 200-250gr lead SWC's for it.

[SEE IT LIKE A NATIVE]

I have friends that have killed feral pigs at close range using .45 acp using remington 230 grain golden saber . Check your local game laws ! In Florida the minimum barrel length is 6 inches on public land ! On private land there is no limit . A longer barrel may help get a little more velocity from your .45 acp . Have fun . Kevin

[kanook]

Check your local game laws ! In Florida the minimum barrel length is 6 inches on public land ! On private land there is no limit .Please post a link for this.

[rcmodel]

Depends on what you are hunting it seems.

Nevada F&G regs for big game hunting handguns:
Handguns: Must have at least a 4-inch barrel and use either:
1.) A centerfire cartridge of .22 caliber or larger with an overall loaded length of 2 inches;
or
2.) A centerfire cartridge of .24 caliber or larger with a case length equal to or longer than the case of a Remington .44 magnum.

rc

[CraigC]

Some states have some really goofy requirements. Which seems to reflect a complete lack of understanding of the subject at hand.

[Striker Fired]

In Wisconsin it has to be a centerfire over .32cal(IIRC) and a 5" barrel with a certain fps, 850fps? for big game, I do know that .40 S&W and 45 ACP are legal.

[rcmodel]

Some states have some really goofy requirements
SO true.
Kansas for instance allows .30 Carbine, 32-20, 38-40, and 44-40 for handgun deer hunting.

But not .357 SIG, .40 S&W, 10mm, .44 Spl, or .45 ACP.

It's a case length thing and has nothing at all to do with ballistics.

rc

[kanook]

I understand that there are regs on hunting with a handgun in most states. My question is for the reg in Florida that states at least a 6" barrel.

[CraigC]

I lived in Florida for 32yrs and didn't remember such a restriction. Looking through the current handbook, I also see no such restriction.

[Certaindeaf]

I've always needed a 6" for my BHP anyways.. for the fun of it. I also need a .30 Luger barrel same. Squirrels just need barked.

[kanook]

I still live in Florida, since 1980, and have never seen that reg.

Laws change all the time and this is why I asked for a link.

I have harvested hog with my Kimber Raptor ultra carry (3" barrrel) and my Ruger Security Six (2 3/4" barrel) and have never been questioned.

I usually have a 4 5/8" 357 or 45 Blackhawk for hunting, but sometimes its not in the truck when passing a WMA and the urge to hunt hits.

The only time I have ever been questioned was because the Officer had no clue that it is legal to hunt with a handgun. A call to his supervisor and he was educated on the law.

[lizziedog1]

Thanks for the replies. But I am not looking to hunt big game with a 45ACP. Right now I just want to connect with a jackrabbit or a coyote. They are about the only legal critters to shoot this time of year anyway.

I did come up with what would be the ultimate challenge for this cartridge. Trying to get an antelope. I have seen guys on TV using archery for them, I figure that would be about the same effective range as this caliber. From what I understand antelope are not the biggest or toughest animals either.

I hope to draw a tag for them this year. If I do, I will use the most accurate rifle I have, I want as my advantages as I can get. But going after them with a 1911 would be one heck of a challenge.

[SEE IT LIKE A NATIVE]

I was incorrect about the 6 inch minimum barrel length for handgun hunting in Florida ! I rechecked the regulations and I was in error ! Sorry ! Kevin

[Kingcreek]

My 1911 likes a particular 200 Nosler HP and W231. I've shot a couple groundhogs with it but don't really think of that as hunting.