[sgphoto]

I shot about 100 rds of 30 year Federal 250 gr (I'm not sure of the size as the ammo was loose) and what a difference in many ways from the 9mm, .38 +P loads, and other HV stuff.

I have an old model .45LC Blackhawk from 1972-73 with the larger, square trigger guard. There is not a better balanced handgun I own. It almost points itself.

Pulling the trigger and feeling a push and woosh rather than my accustomed kick and boom was a nice experience. I worked my way through 100 rounds, from point and shoot at 5 yards to 25 yards (indoor range) and it's a nice piece of workmanship. Easy to stay on target.

Some guns do have better "pointability" and this is one. This is just about a perfect revolver.

This handgun is built solid so I have no problems with a good defense load. A dandy load would certainly come close to 44 magnum, but I'm not sure that's necessary.

I think getting hit with the RNL 250 gr bullet would do some damage, without too much penetration.

What do yall recommend?

Thanks.

Steve

 

[Josh Smith]

Hi,

I think getting hit with the RNL 250 gr bullet would do some damage, without too much penetration.

A RNL bullet would zip right through the bg and leave a permanent cavity about the size of a pencil in diameter, maybe a bit bigger.

For hunting I would use a good hollowpoint or a hammerhead type; for defense I would use an early opening HP like the Silvertip.

Josh <><

 

[Guest]

I agree with Josh's comment. Despite the big nominal diameter, if you want to do damage, you need a wide, flat meplat. That means either a fast bullet with a wide flat nose, or a slower bullet that expands well.

I love the .45 Colt cartridge, but for hunting I use it exclusively with LBT-WFN bullets, either cast myself or from Cast Performance Bullets, in 260 to 300 gr, and loaded to 1200+ fps. For defense, I'd stick with a GDHP 250 gr bullet at 900-1000 fps. Factory loads in this caliber are inadequate for either hunting or defense. Sorry.

 

[jimhigginbotham]

I love the .45 Colt as a field cartridge. More with handloads or some of the custom loaders offerings but even the factory 250 or 255 gr. load is impressive.

However, I am not going to say it won't penetrate. I have seen two relatively mild handloads with 260 grain "Keith" bullets go *lengthwize* through Whitetail deer...over 45 inches of actual penetration (probably equivilent to 60 or 70" of gelatin!

I am guessing the 325 gr Cor-Bon or 300 grn PMC +P+ might end up the next county over! :

Frankly, that is what I want in a field cartridge but it might not be the best for a crowded city.

Onward,
Jim