Best .45 Colt load for boar and Black bear

[Slow]

I am planning a boar/Bear hunt this year or next and was curious what opinions were here about the best .45 Colt load. Bullet types and powders and primers etc. and the advantages/ disadvantages of each in regard to accuracy and penetration especially. The boar could go 400# + and Black bear not Brown.
Thanks, Brett

 

[jjmorgan64]

The Best load, accuracy and velocity vary greatly from gun to gun, anything here is just what worked in that specific gun.

I'm assuming you're shooting a Ruger, otherwise you don't want to take it to magnum levels, Personally I would take a 300 gr Hardcast LBT and work up a nice load using 2400. Once you get to near max loads in your manual, you will have an exceptionally effective load.

 

[WESHOOT2]

JUST ME

Prefer that we keep this discussion off-board; please e-mail direct for further information.

 

[IRock]

Try http://www.serveroptions.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=006677#000000 . And here . Be careful.

 

[redneck2]

another reply...

#1...start by saying that anything WS2 gives you is most likely very good

#2...there's been a lot of info in Handloader Magazine the last coupla years about the 45 LC. Heavy cast Keith style, moderate velocity gives 30" of penetration

#3...read Linebaugh's "Dissolving the Myth"

..http://www.sixgunner.com

for my hog load, I'm using 255 Keith style over 11.o of AA5 (Ruger ONLY load). Heavier bullet may be a little better.

You can go back to the TFL and do a search. This was discussed frequently

 

[Steve Smith]

I don't mind talking about it here, but I know Tim is a manufacturer and wants to be careful with that. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING I SAY AS GOSPEL. PROPER LOAD TESTING IN CRITICAL AND WHAT IS SAFE IN MY GUNS IS NOT NECESSARILY SAFE IN YOURS. FOLLOW AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

For just one hunt, no need in spending lots of money. You could either cast your own Lee 305 grainers or buy some 325 LBT-WFNs from Cast Performance. Start about 21 grains of H110 or W296 if you're using a Ruger or Freedom Arms. You may be able to go higher, but don't exceed 24 because I won't say anything higher that than on a forum, period. The 21 grain load with the 305 or 325 will anchor your boar, anyway.

 

[JohnK]

In my 45 Colt Blackhawk a 310gr LFN over 22.0 gr of H110 averages 1,050 fps, 21.5gr over Dry Creeks 325gr Keith LSWC does 1,150 fps.

Either sounds like plenty for boar or black bear.

 

[WESHOOT2]

SINCE WE'RE FLINGIN' LEAD................

Starline (or Federal) cases ONLY, magnum primers always, Redding Profile Crimp die (glad to), W296.

Lead bullets:
Beartooth
Dry Creek
Cast Performance
Penn Bullets

Remember, for medium or non-dangerous game one can get lots of mileage(through-n-through?) from a 300-360g big-meplat lead bullet going between 1000-1200fps.

Your mileage may vary.
Got Redhawk?