Revolver Hunting Capability????
 

I picked up 500 rounds of 45 LC last night in a trade. I don't have a 45 LC so I was thinking about buying one. Would a 45 LC be a good enough elk round at 50 yards? I'm talking factory ammo because I don't reload. I know a 454 casull we be good enough, I just know where there is a smoking deal on a 45LC.

Thanks Bryan

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

Not all .45 Long Colt revolvers are created equal. The big Rugers, FAs and possibly others can handle rounds that will rival any .44 magnum. The peacemaker Colts, replicas and lighter frame guns are not intended for such.
my answer - possibly

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

I'm looking at a Ruger Blackhawk with a 4 3/4" barrel.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

answer is now yes

You may have to research ammo loaded beyond standard factory fare. A Ruger Blackhawk is definitely one of those that rates higher pressures. Check out the 45 Long Colt data in most new loading manuals and you will see there is a category for such guns.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

This would definately be ammo dependant. Like SKB said - some 45LCs are weaker than others and can't handle high pressure loads. Not owning a 45LC myself, I do not know if they make ammo for it that is 'high pressure'. I do know that if you have a modern revolver like the Ruger and if you did handload, the answer to your question would definately be a yes.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

It would definetly be capable of a 50 yard elk shot. Maybe a little more with real 45 colt loads. (No such thing as a 45 long colt BTW... Just a45 Colt.)

Look to Buffalo Bore for some real stoutly loaded factory ammo.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

If you handload, absolutely. Ruger revolvers are tough guns that can handle "+P" .45 Colt loads nicely. There is published data for .45 Colt loads that easily meet or exceed the performance of .44 Mag loads in these strong revolvers. My Hornady book has high power .45 Colt data that I've used for light loads through my .454 Casull Super Redhawk.

Mike

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

Thanks for the info you guys. I'm going to call the guy in the morning and tell him I'll take it. It's a Ruger Blackhawk with a 4 3/4" barrel that has only had a box in a half down the tube for $300 bucks. Sounds like a fair enough deal to me.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

That's a good deal, I'm a big fan of the .45 Colt (and Rugers)and with some of the +P offerings out today it's comparable to the .44mag. It even surpasses it in some categories.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

For deer? Yes. For elk? Marginal, and certainly not with standard factory ammunition and at the range you specify.

Factory ammunition IS limited by the availability of weak-framed revolvers that cannot handle the same pressures as a good modern revolver like the Ruger, so if you hunt with it at all - reloading is a must. Even in a rifle, it's still a pistol cartridge, and its trajectory looks more like a mortar than it does a rifle.

Before you attempt to take down an elk, I suggest you try it deer hunting with reloaded ammunition. Let that experience guide you toward taking on an elk or not.

I've hunted deer with a .44 Redhawk and, while it did perform - and it was challenging getting within reasonable range - I was not sufficiently convinced to give up my rifle and do not intend to use it on elk.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability????
 

In a Ruger you can run hot ammo, so as stated earlier try Buffalo Bore or possibly Garrett for truly stout factory ammo. But in my experience with .45 Colt I tend to think they might be a little light for elk. I would do what Homers Brother suggested and try it on deer first, then make your decision based on what you experience for yourself.
Either way, enjoy your new gun!

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability????
 

I see you got answers all over the board, but to answer your origional question "as asked", that is about "factory" 45 colt ammo, then i lean on, NO.

Even the bullets are poorly designed for "hunting" in the factory 45 Colt ammo.

DM

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability????
 

Buffalo bore, Double Tap, Grizzlyand Corbon is "factory" ammo and is certainly capable of what he is asking.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability????
 

I made the deal with the guy on the Ruger Blackhawk. I had to sell a gun before I bought another one. With as tight as the economy is right now my wife would have chopped my nuts off if I took money out of the checking account to buy ANOTHER gun. He is out of town until Tuesday and I can pick it up then. Thanks for all the advice.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

Since you don't reload, be SURE to use +P ammo such as Garret or Buffalo Bore. Cor-Bon is excellent ammo as well. The gun is up to it if you are. I'd want to stay within long bow range or closer for a good shot though.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

Stalkingbear is right on the money here......I don't reload and I purchase my +P .45Colt from all of the above and none of them have let me down. You will be amazed at the bark the old .45Colt has when you stoke it with +P's. It really brings this old cartridge to life! Keep the range inside of 50yds and she'll do the job on any of the North American Big game.

Congrats on a fine revolver, they are built like a tank (weigh about as much too!:D:D)

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability????
 

There is no comparison between a 454 Casull load and the standard factory loaded 45 COLT! The 454 is OK for elk at short ranges, but the 45 COLT standard 250-grain lead roundnose bullet at 850 FPS is not! Some of the heavy 45 COLT loads available are a different story.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

Holy Blackhawk!! I got it today. It's in the wrapper. He says it has a box and a half through it but you can't tell by looking. He also threw in a nice little uncle mikes holster and a box of brass. In the box with all the paperwork. All this for 300 bucks. I think I got a heck of a deal. I get to shoot it tomorrow. I think I will be fine for elk with the right ammo at close range. Thanks for all the input!!!

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

.45 LC for elk at 50 yards is okay...but a .223 on deer isn't...:eek:

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

I did some homework and there are some really good rounds for the 45 that will be fine for elk at close range. As far as .223 for deer that's up to you. I would want a .243 or better buta .223 is legal in some states, so if it's legal, more power to you!

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

I have buddies that can load some hunting rounds but I'll probably use the ones from Corbon. This is from their web site.



CorBon has given the 45 COLT cartridge hunting loads worthy of the designation: +P. These are true high performance loads with the attached +P as an additional caution. In the appropriate modern hunting pistol, our .45 COLT+P loads give near 44 Magnum performance with markedly less recoil.
This is NOT plinking ammo, this load should only be used in those guns that have the steel to handle the power. Guns in .45 COLT that are built on heavy duty frames, such as the Ruger, Freedom Arms, Colt Anaconda, and Thompson-Center Contender will handle this load with authority. This load is NOT intended for handguns such as older Smith & Wesson, Colt Single Action Army, or the Colt clones imported single action revolvers. Common sense needs to prevail!THIS IS NOT COWBOY AMMO!

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

I would honestly look at Buffalo Bore and Double Tap before before I would look at Corbon. They load quite a bit heavier than Corbon on everything.

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php...t_list&c=8

http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/cat...hp?cPath=21_38

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

Thanks for the info. I'll check 'em out.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

I thought 45 Colt brass was not as strong as .44 Rem Mag brass? Wouldn't that be a consideration for reloading?

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

This has been debunked by "those in the know". The 45Colt brass is plenty strong for +P+ loads as well as reloading. Like anything or any different type of brass, it's design will dictate how many times it can be reloaded and I'm sure some can be reloaded more than others. Perhaps the .44Mag brass can indeed be reloaded a time or two more than the.45 Colt but that would depend on many different factors such as the type of bullet used as wellas the pressure they are loaded to. It most certainly shouldn't be the determining factorfor buying the gun.

jeepkid,

The .45 Colt loaded up to +Pvelocities will equal and in some cases exceed the heavy loads in .44Mag and do it with less pressure.

For instance, I have in front of me as I type this3 boxes of Hunting ammo,1 .44 mag and 2 .45Colt. Look for yourself and tell me the .45Colt isn't enough for an elk or even a brown bear for that matter.

Grizzly Cartridge Company .44Mag +P: 300gr. WFNGC @ 1325fps

Corbon Ammunition: .45Colt +P: 300gr JSP @ 1300fps
Buffalo Bore Ammo .45Colt +P 325gr LFN @ 1325fps

As you can plainly see in this instance the +P .45Colt actually exceeds the .44mag and as mentioned at less pressure which translates to less felt recoil. I would carry a .44Mag stuffed with a 300gr bullet at 1300fps in a heart beat anywhere in North America, brown bear country included and never feel under gunned. Like wise I'd carry my Ruger .45Colt stoked with the same type of load and never once feel like I don't have enough gun with me.

If it will take down a Griz, it will dispatch a Moose, Elk, or any other North American game you so choose to hunt. Keep the yardage the same as you would the .44mag and have at it!

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

Well heres the breakdown of the Corbon load...using this info, the .223 has more energy so it should also be fine for grizz and elk right...? I don't really care either way, I don't use a .223 for anything but coyotes and I'm not a pistol hunter either...just want ColoradoLuckyDog to know what he's using...

Muzzle Velocity: 1300
25 yards: 1241
50 1187

Muzzle Energy: 1126
25: 1026
50 938

Enough for deer, but elk and grizz would be pushing it for a primary weapon, back up pistol is a different story...;)

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

Geeez, Ican't believe I even HAVE to explain this!:eek: I'll try to mud this down so it is easily understood.

What you are not taking into consideration is the bullet grain/weight. The weight of the bullet traveling at the listed speeds. Your comparing energy to energy but not taking into consideration the difference between a 55gr (or 62) and a 300+ grain projectile with a far greater frontal diameter. It's like a ping pong ball and a golf ball both traveling at 1000fps.... which one would YOU rather be hit with?;)Your .223 comparison hold no water.

As for your last statement, you couldn't be further from the truth and you didn't even need to tell me your not a pistol hunter for me to figure it out with that statement.

Let me "enlighten" you.....

A pistol is by far the least effective and should be only the last line of defense against big bears. But just fine to use as a PRIMARY weapon. Why you ask? I'll tell ya. Hunting bears and other big game you have the advantage and generally the shots come as a complete surprise to your target. The bear, Moose, Elk (input whatever you like) for the most part has noidea you have just shot him, only that they have been hurt. The shot was taken at the optimal position so as to hit the vital organs.They willeither fall like a ton of bricks or run off biting (bears at least) at the spot that hurts, only to die yards away. In this situation a pistol will work just fine.

In alife defense situation it's a completely different ball game. The bear is pissed,full of energy and coming straight at you like afreight train. Now your target is a mass of shoulder muscle, think bone and nasty attitude running at full speed. Sure a big bore pistol will do the trick butyou had better hit him right and often or even a S&W 500mag will do you no good.A 223??? good luck with that.:eek:

I've hunted with handguns since the mid 80's

Lesson over...and your welcome.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

BTW, I know what ColoradoLuckyDog is using because I've been using it for years. The .45Colt loaded with +P ammo with the proper weight and bulletdesign,in strong revolvers (Like his new Blackhawk) is more than capable of taking down an Elk (or whatever else is roaming North America)at the range he suggested (50yds).

That's what he's using!

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

Okay...I was just using the 2000lbft minimum for my reference...

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

Minimum energy listings and guidelines are just that...guidelines. Just as important is bullet design, You will need a different bullet for Elk than you will for bear. For bear protection you want penetration. You want to break big bones and reach the vitals from shot angles you wouldn't normally take. You can be pushing 2500lbs of energy but if it's behind a hollow point or poorly designed jacketed bullet you're not going to be happy with the results...especially if your life is on the line.;) A hard cast gas checked flat nose will penetrate far greater thana jacketed soft point even traveling at a slower speed with less energy.

As mentioned, A pistol would be my last choice in big bear protection....a 105 Howitzer being my first.;):D That's not to say it won't do the job, it will. I've hunted and fishedin big bear country and carried a Ruger Blackhawk .45Colt as a sidearm and never felt it wouldn't do the job.

That being said, when you actually see these big bears in the wild, your first thought (mine at least) is "I wonder if I brought enough gun"

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

My first thought is hopefully I can out run my friend!! :D

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

When you are in the woods in bear country you shouldn't go it alone. EVER!
You also do not need all that much gun while in bear country. Anything larger than your typical pocket 22 or 25 caliber pistol for bear protection is a complete waste and just takes up needed space.








The pistol isn't for shooting the bear but rather to pop your "buddy" in the knee as the bear charges so you can get away.
You know, a good buddy would lay his life on the line for you.;)

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

I have a lil piss ant 41mag I carry around. It only averages 800ft lbs of energy. It has already leveled one bear in a situation I got more confidence in the gun doing it's job than me standing there taking the charge. If bigger makes you feel more confident buy the 500 s&w, but if you can't shoot it well and handle a bad situation you might as well have a .38 pocket derringer to use on yourself.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

[/quote] As this can be a trus statement it is also false. the .45 was known for a lond time as the .45 long, and still today you can find .45 long brass. They are the same, but to say there is no such thing is just plain wrong to us oldtimers.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

I know that the 45 colt, 45 long and 45 long colt are all the same cartridge but latter two are only nick names. 45 Colt is the real designation for the cartridge.It was nick named the 45 Long or Long Colt because the original 45 was the 45 Schofield which was a shorter 45 caliber cartridge and had a larger rim diameter. The Colt received this nickname in an attempt to keep soldiers from getting the two cartridges confused and having the wrong ammo while in the field.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

If there's not such thing as a .45 long colt then I'd write all the ammo manufacturers and tell them they are ignorant and they need to get educated, because they are still putting 45lc on the box.

RE: Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

I have and the basic consensus was that they knew that the "long" part of the name was not correct but that there are enough people that don't know any better so they felt that they should keep the name for all of the people that would be thoroughly confused if they changed it now.

Revolver Hunting Capability!!!!
 

i personally would never hunt elk with a 45. 45's don't have good penetration power on elk. just last hunting season, a guy i know shot and elk and it ended up not being a very good shot, so he went up to the elk to finish it off with his 45, and EVERY SINGLE bullet literally bounced off of the elk from 5 yards away. except for one, and that stoped at the rib. not even joking!!!! their were bald spots were he shot it in the vitals and he even was tellin me how he could see the bullets reflecting right off the elk. so after that all happened, he grabbed his rifle and just finished it off with that. in my personal opinion, i would not use a 45 for hunting, cause were i live in northern idaho their are big bears, big mountainlions, and big elk, so i wouldn't want to even take that chance. i have even herd stories of people shooting charging bears with 45's were i live and the bullets reflecting right off their skulls. if i was you, i wouldn't risk it by hunting with a 45. i would go with a 44, 454, 460, or maybe even a 357.

I wouldn't shoot a bear, elk, moose or even a deer with .45 Colt cowboy loads either as the results will probably be close to what your friend saw. He was without a doubt using the wrong ammo. With the proper hunting ammo you can EXCEED the .44mag in all areas and do it with less pressure. Please take the time to read up or better yet do as I have done and go out and actually TEST the performance of +P+ .45Colt loads before you dismiss the use of them.

It's misinformation like this that drives me nuts!:nonono2:

Believe me, a 325gr gas checked, hard cast .45 Colt bullet moving out at 1300fps will put an end to any North American big game in a hurry if you do your part....Period!