The problem with the factory loaded .45 Colt is that the manufacturers have to go by the SAAMI published MAP standards for all .45 Colt ammo for fear of some idiot, not able to read the "Ruger/Thompson-Center Only label," would fill an antique pre-WWI Colt SAA with a cylender full of high pressure loads and blow himself up. Handloading is the only way to bring the .45 Colt up to its full potential. I have pushed 240gr XTP Mags out of my Ruger SRH .454 at velocities of 1350fps, which is comparable to the .44Mag and more than enough to make a deer have a really bad (and short) day.

As far as states prohibiting the .45 Colt as a hunting load, they are probably basing their decision on the reason stated above. Factory .45 Colt loads tend to be lame anyway, and sure as daybreak some moron would go the extra mile to prove the state DNR right by loading up six Cowboy Action RNFP's putting along at Sunday driver-like 750fps, which is a recipe for wounded deer to be sure. Unfortunately for the rest of us, legislators tend to write laws with respect to the least common denominators of the populous.

Mike