.45 Colt Load for New Vaquero

[drw2514]

I'm looking for an appropriately powerful .45 Colt load to carry with me in the woods. The only threat I'd be likely to face would be black bear, and there are lots of 'em where I'll be. I'll have my rifle with me constantly, but I'd like to have a legitimate backup on my hip in case something happens.

BUT...everything I read advises against using hotter loads in the new vaquero because of the smaller frame. I practice/plink with 200gr plated SWC over 9.0gr of Unique. What should I load my New Vaquero with while in the woods, or should I not even bother because it wouldn't be powerful enough to make a difference with the limitations of the frame?

 

[Uncle Don]

I think using Uniqe would be fine. Personally, I tried a bunch of different stuff and almost all handgun loads are now being used with Green Dot. In the case of the 45 Colt, I use 6.5 grains under a 255 SWC. It lets me know it's there but the gun has had no issue digesting them. BTW - they chrono'd out my Vaquero at 1050.

 

[Ultima-Ratio]

No Books Now

But I recall a load I used in an Italian Colt P model clone I got from I believe the Nosler book/cowboy load section that was powerful/low pressure and accurate using N-110 to drive a 250 cast slug at an honest 1000fps.

 

[pistoleer44]

45 loads

Nothing wrong with that 255gr SWC at 1050. Works for me but I prefer the 250gr RNFP. As far as the NM Vaquero is concerned, any p[ublished load for the 45LC by speer, Hornady, Lyman et al should be good to go. Course, with bear, I would prefer the 44mag with the 240 JSP pushed by about 22gr of 2400......

 

[JustsayMo]

My go to load for woods carry is 2400 loaded under a 255g SWC at or near the upper end of the most recent data (Alliant). My 4-5/8" BH spitz em out at ~1050 and it's a very accurate load.

For Plinking I like the 250g RN FP driven around 850 fps by Accurate #5. Bullseye has been accurate for me too but sooty.

 

[redneck2]

In the last issue of Handloader, there was a guy that wrote in about using hardcast bullets in a 45-70 for elk. Hit the north end of a southbound animal. 2 bullets hit in the backside, one in the ham and one just ahead of the ham. Both exited out the front of the neck.

These would be hardcast 45 caliber @ maybe 1,300 fps. Since the bear is maybe 1/4th the size of an elk, I'd guess you'll be fine.

 

[BluesBear]

So you're comparing 400+ grain .458" bullet at 1300fps into a thin skinned elk to a 255 grain .452" bullet at 1000fps into a thick skinned bear?