[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 45 Colt load

Posted: 6/12/2012 2:19:50 PM EDT

I have a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt. I will be hiking bear country (black bear) and want to make a load in case I need to stop a black bear. Don't want to start anything about a 44 mag or 454 - just want a 45 Colt load I can make. Any help?

Posted: 6/12/2012 3:11:14 PM EDT

[#1]

Reference Hodgdons website.

Posted: 6/12/2012 6:41:23 PM EDT

[#2]

Black bear are not grizzlies so any decent full power load should work well. For grizzlies I would say the heaviest hard cast bullet loaded to the highest velocity possible within safe chamber pressure limits but a 12 gauge with good slugs is better. Don't know where you are going, but my experience with black bears in northern New Mexico has been they will always leave you alone if you act calmly and leave them an exit. You do need to be very careful with a sow that has cubs - don't move towards them and do not alarm her. Good luck.

You should also consider making a bit of noise when moving on a trail in heavy cover.

Posted: 6/12/2012 6:43:41 PM EDT

[#3]

255g LSWC crimped in the groove with a LPM primer and WIN 296

Results from my 4 5/8" bbl Blackhawk
25.2g - 1192 fps
26.3g - 1260 fps

(the loads above are Ruger only)

Posted: 6/12/2012 7:00:35 PM EDT

[#4]

Do you have any reloading manuals?

They are full of loads.

Also powder makers have on line data.

If you are not familiar with reloading, pick up a copy of ABC's of Reloading and read it.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 45 Colt load

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 45 Colt load

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 45 Colt load