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The Colt Peacemaker 1873 in .45 Colt

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Topic: The Colt Peacemaker 1873 in .45 Colt
Posted By: gulf1263
Subject: The Colt Peacemaker 1873 in .45 Colt
Date 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      Howdy



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Good day.



Replies:
Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: July/13/2011 at 22:03
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. 

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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: gulf1263
Date Posted: July/14/2011 at 02:00
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 Smile




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Good day.


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: July/14/2011 at 07:51
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  . 

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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger



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