My BIL has a Pietta New Army 45LC he would like to use deer hunting. I don't think it would be safe to use Buffalo Bore 325 gr @ 1,325 fps (but correct me if I'm wrong). The other ammo option he mentioned is 250 gr @ 900 fps which he knows is safe in the handgun. Would that be likely to work on deer? Not sure what the bullet is (I'll ask him), but what bullet spec would you want at that velocity?
Would you deer hunt with a .45LC revolver and low pressure ammo?
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earlthegoat2
Member
I wouldn’t have a problem with that at bow hunting distances.
So, inside 40 yards?
Choctaw
Member
I have used a 255 grain SWC at about the same velocity on deer and hogs. Especially hogs, I hate the filthy things.
mcb
Member
Yes, I would at reasonable ranges.
.38 Special
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Yes, but not with the typical round nose flat point sold in Colt cartridges. I would want a SWC at the minimum, and would prefer an LFN.
JeffG
Member
These are my thoughts. Be sure to put in the range time to assure good hits.
earlthegoat2
Member
50 would be a reasonable maximum.
Speedo66
Member
The gun was proof fired in Italy, which they don't even do here.
Buffalo Bore generally says their rounds aren't over normal pressure. I would have no problem using them in that gun, unless they say they're for rifle or "Ruger only".
Buffalo Bore generally says their rounds aren't over normal pressure. I would have no problem using them in that gun, unless they say they're for rifle or "Ruger only".
Armored farmer
Member
I wouldn't hesitate to hunt with my cowboy loads.
They're accurate and have sufficient punch.
They're accurate and have sufficient punch.
A 255 grain Kieth cast 45 cal at 900 fps will go thru a deer lengthwise, end to end. I’ve made that facing me shot twice, so I know for a fact.
Don’t believe me? Read some Linebaugh literature. His wife has been shooting that load for decades and he details a number of deer and antelope that she has shot with it.
Don’t believe me? Read some Linebaugh literature. His wife has been shooting that load for decades and he details a number of deer and antelope that she has shot with it.
jmorris
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I wouldn’t but I have lots of better choices, both handguns and rifles.
That said, it could certainly kill a deer. I’ve killed hundreds of pigs with standard velocity .22lr 40 grain solids ~1070? Pretty sure a 250 gn bullet going 950fps would be even better.
You loose quite a bit of margin for error but that doesn’t equal can’t work, under any circumstances.
That said, it could certainly kill a deer. I’ve killed hundreds of pigs with standard velocity .22lr 40 grain solids ~1070? Pretty sure a 250 gn bullet going 950fps would be even better.
You loose quite a bit of margin for error but that doesn’t equal can’t work, under any circumstances.
Arkansas Paul
Member
Deer are thin skinned animals.
A 250 hardcast bullet at 900 fps will put 2 holes in any deer that walks.
It will work at a longer distance than you think too. I do agree with keeping it to bow ranges for someone of my ability. That's as far as I can consistently shoot well enough. The bow distance limitation is on the shooter, not the round.
A 250 hardcast bullet at 900 fps will put 2 holes in any deer that walks.
It will work at a longer distance than you think too. I do agree with keeping it to bow ranges for someone of my ability. That's as far as I can consistently shoot well enough. The bow distance limitation is on the shooter, not the round.
.455_Hunter
Member
Here in CO, to be legal for big game hunting, the key requirements include 550 fpe @ 50 yards.
Highland Lofts
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I don't like useing handguns for large game. It can be done but it just doesn't deliver the punch that a rifle does. Lots of guys hunt deer with handguns , if that's what you have to do have at it, just isn't for me.
Sav .250
Member
Not a fan of that cal. That being said, no.
Robbins290
Member
I shot and killed deer with alot less. I see no issues with any 45LC load within 45-50 yards with the right bullet.
Brutus54
Member
Wombat13
I plan to hunt with my new Uberti New Model Army w/ .45Colt conversion cylinder this season. Most shots from our hunting house are 25 to 35 yards. This combo is good for 3" groups off hand all day long at these ranges.
I plan to hunt with my new Uberti New Model Army w/ .45Colt conversion cylinder this season. Most shots from our hunting house are 25 to 35 yards. This combo is good for 3" groups off hand all day long at these ranges.
Patocazador
Member
I have hunted with a handloaded .45 Colt cartridge in a Ruger Blackhawk. It killed a 165 lb. boar hog at 45 yards - no problem.
However, the round nose, low power factory lead bullets are another story. I, personally, would not hunt with these under-powered 800 +/- fps slugs. It is just something that has a better chance of wounding an animal than killing it.
However, the round nose, low power factory lead bullets are another story. I, personally, would not hunt with these under-powered 800 +/- fps slugs. It is just something that has a better chance of wounding an animal than killing it.
I've only killed one deer with my 45 Colt at this point but that was with a 255 gr semi wadcutter that runs right at 950 fps in my Blackhawk. Shot was a high double lung hit at 35 yards, complete pass through, and the deer ran just over 100 yards before it dropped.
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