45 Colt Big ol Critter loads - weights and measures?

[Kaylee]

So now I finally have in hand a .454 carbine and a .45 Colt Ruger (original) Vaquero. I'd like to get started in basic reloading since prices for .45 Colt are scary expensive.

And I live in south central Alaska, with regular trips to (big) critter country.

I see "animal" loads online in all manner of bullet weights and suchlike. So for maximum penetration with as little punishment on my end as possible*, should I lean towards a lighter projectile or a heavier one? Any favorite recipes I should work from?

Thank you kindly!

-K


*yeah, I realize anything for the backcountry up here ain't gonna be CAS loads, but if I can avoid extra punishment on me (and the guns) that'd be nice to.

 

[Bula]

Kaylee,
For the big bores and max penetration, you want the heavy, hard cast bullets.
I like the wide meplat designs, like the Keiths and LBT stuff. I'd say 255 grainers minimum and around 300's for the real heavies. I like 2400 for max loads. Lot of others prefer H110 or W296. Check the powder manufacturers web sites for their free data. Good luck.

 

[Walkalong]

I agree. Heavy bullets like the LBT designs at moderate velocities. I wish I had the magic load to share, but I don't. Good luck. I am sure someone has a good load they will share.

 

[BlindJustice]

Is the New Vaquero capable or recommended for the
.45 Colt heavy loads reserved for Super Blackhawk
or the T/C Contender?

What make is your .454 Carbine?

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

The OP has an original Vaquero (like mine), not the newer lightweight model. The new model vaquero will not stand up to the "ruger only" 45 colt loads.

Buffalo bore's 325 gr 45 colt load is a handful in my vaquero, but it'll sure 'nuff put a big o' grin on your face! At least for a cylinder or two...

Andy

 

[First Shirt]

I use the Lee 300 grn WFNGC bullet, cast from heat-treated wheelweights (and usually without the GC) as-cast weight is 310 grains. Loaded ahead of 23.0 gr H-110, with magnum primers, this load will give 1150 fps in my Bisley Vaquero (the old style) and will consistently go inside 3 inches at 50 yards from a solid rest. It will also shoot lengthwise through a 300+ pound wild hog.

This load is pretty stout, and may be overpressure in another gun, but it works fine in mine. It IS a stout load, and I don't really want to shoot a bunch at one time, but it sure is fun!


(Apply caveats as needed here)

JWB

 

[nate.45]

I use the old Elmer Keith load in my Colt SAA.

265 gr KT from Beartooth over 18.5 grs of 2400 standard primer.

It gives 1050 to 1100 fps from my 4.75 in barrel.

It will be a nice medium load with good penetration from your Vaquero.

Do not use in 1st Generation Colts.

 

[Clark]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.


45 Colt WLP winchester large pistol primers, 24 gr H110, 250 gr Honady hollow point XTP, 1.6" Over all Length, heavy crimp into canalure, :
1) Quickload says 22,000 psi to get those velocities
2) Uberti Cattleman 1873 Colt Army clone 6.5" barrel, 1220 fps
3) Winchester 94 Ranger 16.25" barrel, 1536 fps, 1.5" groups at 50 yards

The rifle was kicking too hard, and I put a big Limbsaver recoil pad on it. Now I think it could take hotter loads. I have tried seating longer, but the shorter length and hard crimp makes for the best accuracy.

The revolver is kicking hard, but not painful with the smooth cowboy frame, but could go lighter on the loads, to get 1000 fps and be more authentic. The pin has jumped out once from recoil.

The key to getting H110 to work in 45 Colt is the hard crimp. Otherwise, it can squib fire, maybe not with 24 gr, but it will with 20 gr.

 

[redneck2]

The key to getting H110 to work in 45 Colt is the hard crimp. Otherwise, it can squib fire, maybe not with 24 gr, but it will with 20 gr.

Words of wisdom. Hard crimp and a good magnum primer.

I used to load up some "stomper" loads of H-110/WW-296 for my Ruger Bisley. These pretty much duplicated the ones Linebaugh used for Cape Buffalo. After a few cylinders, it was more fun than I wanted in a session.

Since there are few surviving Cape Buffalo loose in Indiana, I decided to back down and use healthy loads of Universal Clays under 255 Keith style LSWC's. It drives them at maybe 1,000-1,100 fps. If you look at ballistics tests on wet news print, it's pretty impressive. While I've never hunted wet news print, let alone been attacked by any, I suspect the results are sufficient to relate to real live animals. I'd feel pretty comfortable carrying these anywhere. If 25-30" of penetration is insufficient, you're going to have trouble with anything you can shoot with one hand.

You could substitute 2400, Unique, HS-7, etc. or a number of other powders in that range. These loads are listed in the Lyman book under the "Ruger/TC Only" section.

If you feel the necessity to not only penetrate but also barbecue the critter, loads of H-110 in the 24-28 grain range with the 255-300 grain bullet should do the trick. Linebough has them listed in the Sixgunner website. NOTE...these are Ruger ONLY loads!

 

[Ndenway]

use one of the 285 to 300gr gaschecked lead flat points with a recomended dose of lil'gun and it'll get you what your looking for,

lil'gun has become my favorite powder for heavy lead pistol bullets in my rugers (blackhawk and vaquero), it'll get higher velocity with lower pressures than the other powders.

 

[redneck2]

I haven't tried Lil'gun. Might be worth a shot (ha, ha)

H-110 can be quite inconsistent, particularly if you try to lighten it up.

 

[Slamfire]

2) Uberti Cattleman 1873 Colt Army clone 6.5" barrel, 1220 fps

Oh my God!. I have a USFA rodeo, made of 4140 steel. A Colt Army clone. I am quite certain that the base pin would upset and God knows if the top strap would stay on.

In my opinion those SAA replicas are too lightly built for loads of this level.

A SuperRedhawk should handle it.

 

[TimT]

I would load 345 or 365 grn. Beartooth bullets(hardcast) for the 454 Casull carbine of yours as I have done to both of my Casull handguns. That little Vaquero is a light weight compared to the SuperBlkhw. so I would not go past 285 grn. hardcast again Beartooth bullets. I live futher North than you and surely understand the need for a bullet to unquestionably be able to penetrate! Most circumstances do not require you to shoot but then again it takes that one time. I use either Unique or H110 with Fed.205 Small Rifle primers-Starline brass.

Work you loads up until........

have a good fall!

 

[FLORIDA KEVIN]

That sounds like a pretty hot load for that gun !