Colt .45 Deer load

[Slow]

I was wondering if a 300 grain hard cast flat nose bullet with a velocity of 730 fps would take down a large buck at 50yds? If more velocity is needed how much more? I am using Starline brass, Winchester LP and am presently using HS6. If I need to go hotter I also have W296. Thanks!

 

[Johnny Guest]

Surely it is plowerful enough - --

- - -From the standpoint of foot pounds of energy. And the big ol' bullet is plenty heavy enough.

Only aproblem I see is that the velocity is pretty modest - - - Might make the trajectory problematic. From what kind of pistol do you shoot this load? With a Ruger or Contender, you can easily drive a 300 JSP at 1000 fps with HS-7, and faster still with 296, so you could do at least that with a hard cast bullet.

Even with the more lightly constructed revolvers, HS-6 can propell a 250 cast at over 900 from a six-inch barrel. This is still plenty of bullet weight to do the job on a deer.

The flatter trajectory makes it much easier to make a good hit at varying ranges. and. really, good hits are really what bring down game in a sporting manner.

Best,
Johnny

 

[Capt Teach]

Dropped a 7 pointer in PA years ago with a 260 grn. swc at about 1000-1100 fps. 7 1/2 old model Blackhawk at about 15 yds. Heartshot, bullet went through and through. Clipped ribs on both sides. Buck went about 5 steps and dropped.

Capt Teach

 

[popbang]

Colt 45? That term always has me confused. Do you mean .45 Colt or .45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) or a Colt 1911? And what frame is your gun? 296 works with loads close to maximum, which is quite aways from what you are loading if it is .45 Colt, but alot depends on the platform.

 

[Slow]

I am using a 454 Casull... I basically was looking for velocity minimums to take down a big buck with the 300 - 335 hard cast flat head bullet... I have loaded the 300 grain with W296 already but I was hoping to find a little lighter load (less pressure/recoil) to get the job done. I am confident I can hit the target at 50 yds. with the stouter load, just looking for the minimum with the heavier bullet. Thanks

 

[Steve Smith]

How about push it to 900 just to get a somewhat flatter trajectory?

 

[forquidder]

45 colt loads

Is 760 fps all the velocity you can get from the HS6? If it is it seems you have a large velocity gap in your choices of powder which precludes you from getting a more optimum velocity. I wouldn't light load (under 1100 fps) the 296 if I were you because of powder flash and the possibility of dangerous pressure spikes and unburned powder. You may want to check your load books for a more suitable powder for the heavier bullets and lower velocities (Ruger and T/C only sections) and then break down and buy it. Look for one which will get you between 900-1000 fps.

 

[Slow]

Thanks for your comments/suggestions...I guess I just need to find a recipe to get in the 900- 1000 fps range . I am open for suggestions...

 

[RCL]

18.5 grains of 2400, standard primer.

 

[WESHOOT2]

I might suggest 19.0g W296, or 12.5g HS6.