Using a .45 for big game?
10-22-2013, 05:40 PM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 4
Using a .45 for big game?
Hi everyone my name is Brett and Im new to the forum from Florida. I have a hunt coming up for Sambar deer which is an elk sized critter and I have to use a muzzleloader. My question is I already have a .45 cal. inline and wanted some ideas for loads and rounds that would do the job on such a big animal, or if it's even feasible. Thank for any help.
10-22-2013, 05:52 PM
#2
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Posts: 10,917
Here's an opinion from someone with experience limited to whitetails.
I would not hesitate to use a .45 caliber inline for a big deer like that, but only if I were shooting Barnes Expanders over a pretty hot charge.
http://www.barnesbullets.com/product...expander-mz-2/
I would not hesitate to use a .45 caliber inline for a big deer like that, but only if I were shooting Barnes Expanders over a pretty hot charge.
http://www.barnesbullets.com/product...expander-mz-2/
10-22-2013, 06:20 PM
#4
Fork Horn
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Australia
Posts: 144
Sambar are similar to elk, maybe not in height but they are a very muscular deer and take a lot of putting down. I'd advise going for the neck shot if you can. Here in aus they are our main deer and have been known to run a couple hundred of metres with a heart and lung shot. Often under 100 m though.
Best of luck
jp
Best of luck
jp
10-22-2013, 06:56 PM
#8
Fork Horn
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Australia
Posts: 144
I guess it depends where you are but in australia they are much bigger than a muley. The average for a male is around 350kgs so a bit over 750lbs but as muleyhunter said big boys get over the 500kg mark so up around 1200lbs.
On dark a mature sambar can look like an angus cow in body size. They are technically classed as the 3rd biggest deer in the world behind elk and moose, followed by red deer at number four.
On dark a mature sambar can look like an angus cow in body size. They are technically classed as the 3rd biggest deer in the world behind elk and moose, followed by red deer at number four.
10-22-2013, 07:07 PM
#9
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Idaho
Posts: 11,703
I guess it depends where you are but in australia they are much bigger than a muley. The average for a male is around 350kgs so a bit over 750lbs but as muleyhunter said big boys get over the 500kg mark so up around 1200lbs.
On dark a mature sambar can look like an angus cow in body size. They are technically classed as the 3rd biggest deer in the world behind elk and moose, followed by red deer at number four.
On dark a mature sambar can look like an angus cow in body size. They are technically classed as the 3rd biggest deer in the world behind elk and moose, followed by red deer at number four.
You should also check your state requirements - most states will not allow a 45 cal on large big game.