45 acp recommendations

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picksbigwagon

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what would be a good recommendation for the 45 acp bullet (reloading that is) for Deer. Yes I fully realize that the shot would have to be within 25 yards, yes I realize my 357 would be a better choice, but bear with me on this question.......thanks
 
I would suggest you take that .45 ACP bullet and reload it into a .45 Long Colt cartridge ...... at the least. LOL
 
Hornady XTP 230 GR. I dropped this hog at around 30 to 35 yards with my 1911 Springfield and the 230 gr XTP.

boar45acp3.jpg
 
I have killed several pigs with my .45, but am not typically concerned with what ammo type. Most of the time to keep down cost while killing pigs I just use American Eagle Ammo (230 grain), and it seems to knock them on their rears within 30-40 yards...

Hog45acp.JPG


I killed this little pig at about 20 yards with my .45 a few weeks ago (same ammo).

Hog45acp1.JPG
 
Keep range below 25 yards 230 grn XTP or Golden Saber JHP loaded to max vel.

But be ready to do some tracking.
I would notrecomend a 45 ACP for deer except in a survival situation, would not suggest a 357 either though. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
 
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I assume you've checked your local game laws, here in Indiana a .357 is legal while a .45ACP isn't. Be sure and post results when you get em.

peace.
unloaded
 
MN just changed their regulations and now there are a lot of legal handgun calibers for deer hunting including 9mm and 40 cal along with the 45 acp.....basically I will wear the 45, and if we do a deer drive, I will take the the 45 with me instead of the 870.
 
You know, I still remember watching these steel rams get blown down at 200 meters (220 yards) with a guy shootng off his hind legs and using no rest. Just a standing position. It was at a IHMSA (anyone remember those?) match and this guy was knocking ram after ram over with a 5" Colt 1911 Govt Model. 230 grain hardball worked well.

I suppose if you know what you are doing and place your shots where they need to be you doing something right anyway.
 
With the right springs and maybe a recoil buffer, there are some +P loads that take the 230 gr. .45 ACP to right at 1,000 fps from a 5" barrel. That'll do for deer within 40 - 50 yards with good shot placement and considering the angles and shoulder structure. Not my first choice, but with carefully considered ammo and shot placement, it is capable of doing the work within its range limitations.

But for deer drives? I don't know much about that type hunting, but I envision running or quickly moving deer in the brush? If that is so, I would absolutely stick to the slug gun. It's your deer tag and venison, so you do what you think best... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
 
I use the 45 for my coupdegras when deer hunting. Wouldn't rely on one for hunting though. Have you ever shot bowling pins with a 45 before? The [beeep] bullets will bounce back at you. 44 Mag blows them in half /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

On that note, if you shoot a 1911, check out the 460 rowland conversion.. Now there's a deer gun /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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