How much, if any, do Jacketed Soft Point bullets expand in 45 Colt?

[halfmoonclip]

I like to think of the 45 Colt loads like this….a “cowboy” load is going to hit like an empty school bus. A stepped-up load from any of the modern manuals is going to hit like a loaded cement truck.

How hard do you want to hit? Because this is going to leave a mark…

Exactly! Decide just how dead something has to be.
Conversely, evaluate just how much blast and recoil, or the possible limits of your firearm, you're willing to tolerate.
Moon

 

[Ethan Verity]

Unfortunately I think a lot of people didn't bother to read that you are looking for a load for use in your Ruger New Vaquero. I would absolutely not try to use hot ammo like from HSM, Underwood, or Buffalo Bore. Many people seem to forget that the New Vaquero uses the smaller frame than the original Vaquero, which could handle the hotter loads.

For your New Vaquero you want to limit your choices to standard pressure loads only.

As far as bullet choice, I'm also in the cast semi-wadcutter camp. However, it's worth pointing out that commercial loads using JHPs use bullets that are intended to expand at those velocities. I'm sure there may be exceptions, but they will be the exception, not the norm.

Keep in mind you can always call the manufacturer to verify the expansion velocity of the bullet they use in a specific load.

Good luck and stay safe.

Unless specifically described as +P (which is also available from the mentioned companies), those loadings look like standard 45 Colt levels of power to me. I would think they should be fine in any firearm rated for smokeless 45 Colt.

In its original black powder configuration as adopted in 1873, the 45 Colt was a mighty thumper of a round easily spitting out a 250gr bullet over 900fps from a 7.5" barrel. The modern proliferation of weak 'cowboy action' loadings of the round have given people a false impression of the 45 Colt's 'standard' power level.

 

[Alaskamike]

Unless specifically described as +P (which is also available from the mentioned companies), those loadings look like standard 45 Colt levels of power to me. I would think they should be fine in any firearm rated for smokeless 45 Colt.

In its original black powder configuration as adopted in 1873, the 45 Colt was a mighty thumper of a round easily spitting out a 250gr bullet over 900fps from a 7.5" barrel. The modern proliferation of weak 'cowboy action' loadings of the round have given people a false impression of the 45 Colt's 'standard' power level.

I'll definitely take your word on that. I'm not familiar with HSM, but when I think of Underwood and Buffalo Bore I automatically think "full tilt barn burner loads" because that's pretty much what they're known for. I guess it wouldn't surprise me to learn that they also produce standard pressure loads as well.

I just felt it was worthy of calling out that there's no point in suggesting +P loads when the OP's gun would be severely damaged or destroyed if he tried to shoot them.

 

[mavracer]

Gold Dot factory loads will expand.

I still have some but apparently they discontinued the 250gr brass case load, I wouldn't have a problem using the 200gr Blazer load, the aluminum cases hold up fine at 45 Colt pressure. I've shot quite a bit of the Blazer 44 special.

 

[CraigC]

The 200gr Gold Dot. I think these are loaded with Gold Dots.

Buffalo Bore Ammo 45 Colt (Long Colt) 200 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point

Buffalo Bore loads their ammunition up to maximum SAAMI specifications, which delivers devastating performance on a wide range of game. Please note that...

www.midwayusa.com

For handloads, right now the only Speer 200gr Gold Dot I see is for the .45ACP and doesn't have a cannelure for crimping. I use quite a few of these and have had pass-throughs on deer but no idea if they're expanding or not.

Hunters Supply Slick Coat Hard Cast Bullets 45 Cal (452 Diameter) 200

Hunters Supply is committed to providing the highest quality cast lead bullet for hunters and target shooters. Hunters Supply Bullets have always been...

www.midwayusa.com

Unfortunately I think a lot of people didn't bother to read that you are looking for a load for use in your Ruger New Vaquero. I would absolutely not try to use hot ammo like from HSM, Underwood, or Buffalo Bore. Many people seem to forget that the New Vaquero uses the smaller frame than the original Vaquero, which could handle the hotter loads.

Not all ammo from those makers is "Ruger only". None of the suggested loads are unsafe in the New Vaquero.