Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials. |
The Colt Peacemaker 1873 in .45 Colt |
Post Reply |
Author | |
gulf1263
Optics Apprentice Joined: June/15/2011 Location: Alaska Status: Offline Points: 212 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: July/13/2011 at 18:47 |
I was wondering how many of you have tried the .45 Colt in the Colt Peacemaker 1873 on various game at short ranges. Never hunted dear with anything but a shotgun and 000 buckshot.
Heard that the factory loads, 255 grn. lead flat nosed work OK. Have a 4.75 inch barreled New Frontier and a 5.5 inch barreled Peacemaker and wondering what loads folks use, specifically 250grn. and Unique, 2400 and Power Pistol. Only have a Lee Loader to use and have commercial cast bullets. Know the Colts are somewhat limited in the pressure they can withstand. Many of my reloading manuals got buried in a recent move. Thanks in advance for any advice. Art |
|
Good day.
|
|
Urimaginaryfrnd
MODERATOR Resident Redneck Joined: June/20/2005 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 14964 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
When I had a Colt peacemaker 45 long colt I loaded a 200 gr Speer hollowpoint which was quite effective on small game. You need to either locate your reloading manual or look at one at a store and make notes. Stay with a jacketed hollowpoint for best results but the solid lead bullets will work. I have shot a deer with a .357 and it was very effective and I have shot a deer with a 40 S&W and I was not impressed with the result. There is much to be said for large diameter heavy bullets it will kill a deer if you can properly place the shot. If you are in Alaska you should consider owning a rifle like a Tikka .338 Win Mag.
|
|
"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do". Bobby Paul Doherty Texas Ranger |
|
gulf1263
Optics Apprentice Joined: June/15/2011 Location: Alaska Status: Offline Points: 212 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I am spending the winters in N.M. so I probably won't need a .338 Win. Mag. to cruise the wilds there.
You are right, in Alaska I used a .338 Win. Mag. for various fauna, also a 12ga. with Berneke slugs for bear at close range. Carried a .44 mag. with Federal Castcore. Stout recoil. The .45 Colt is for roaming the "wilds". Peccary mainly and mountain lion. I think anything else can be handled by a .38 Special with 158 grn. hard cast lead bullets. I defer to your judgment and will check the reloading manuals. Thanks for your help. Art |
|
Good day.
|
|
Urimaginaryfrnd
MODERATOR Resident Redneck Joined: June/20/2005 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 14964 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I suggest the 38 is probably most applicable for snakes with snake shot up first in NM. If you have a .44 mag I tend to consider that the correct pistol to carry if there are cougars in the area and also a nice choice for a shot shell up front .
|
|
"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do". Bobby Paul Doherty Texas Ranger |
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |