45 Colt Ammo Options

[Niel4]

I have a Tarus Judge and shoot the 45 colt often. The only ammo I have found is the standard lead round nose.

Are there other options?

Self defense options?

How powerfull is the std 45 colt vs. the 45 auto?

Can it put down a wounded deer?

Thanks for your comments....I'm new to this.

 

[raskolnikov_22]

Winchester offers a 225 grain Silvertip, while Buffalo Bore sells some heavy and +P options (not safe in all revolvers).

In its original black powder loading, the .45 Colt was designed to take down a horse, I believe. Most factory loads now are comparatively weak, but it can be loaded up to .44 Magnum levels in a strong revolver like a Ruger or Freedom Arms. Not sure about the strength of a Taurus Judge.

 

[ljnowell]

The .45 colt is a very capable round. Unfortunately most of the off the shelf ammo isnt realizing that capability. usually most of the LRN stuff is made for cowboy action shooting, and is very weak. Anemic by target standards. That aside, I would do some checking, as I dont know how strong the judge is. You probably wouldnt want to be shooting ruger loads out of it.

 

[collector14]

I second the Winchester Silver Tip

I went to my local gun store and ordered Winchester Silver Tip for several of my guns when the rumors about price increases started to fly last Fall.

 

[mgkdrgn]

I have a Tarus Judge and shoot the 45 colt often. The only ammo I have found is the standard lead round nose.

Me too, 2.5" chamger ultralite with a 4" barrel. I probably shoot more buckshot than 45 Colt, but that may soon change as I am going to start reloading 45 Colt.

Are there other options? Self defense options?

Oh ya, but they are harder to find and a bit pricey. For my SD rounds I currently have CCI Hollow points that are just down right NASTY. DEEP well to the HP and they mushroom very nicely.

https://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=A3584

http://www.lg-outdoors.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11017

How powerfull is the std 45 colt vs. the 45 auto?

The usual "cowboy" loads you find on the shelf ... not so much. But you can get (or load) 45 Colt that will outperform 45 ACP, no question.

Can it put down a wounded deer?

22 LR will put down a wounded deer (head shot) ... if you can get a solid hit a good 45 Colt load can put down a deer all on it's own.

If you are going to shoot a lot of 45 Colt, you might want to consider reloading. Then you can get the load you want, and save a LOT of coin in the process. Simple single stage press will work just fine.