45 long colt Hunting Ammo

[Shotgun Franklin]

My experience with Silvertips is that when they hit a leg or shoulder bone, they expand and stop. Every other time I've shot a WT Deer at a range under 50 yards the bullet went completely through, side to side. The bullet used being a lead cast bullet from 200 to 230 gr. I've never shot a deer in a frontal shot or quartering shot with a .45 Colt. I do mt best to take a broadside shot as close as possible.

[mr phil]

So. If I was using a Urberti 73 rifle in 45lc what load would recommend ? I load for CAS with Trailboss . My pistols are Rugers but I know I dont want to load hot loads for my rifle. I read a lot of posts where it's said that clone 73's or even original 73 have been used on whitetails. Can the same 5.5g of trailboss be used through a 30 in barrel and have enough WHAM to do a proper job on a deer at 50yrs and less ?
I would like to stay with smokeless powder and even use the powder I have but if you have any recommendations I would be grateful . I did just get a chronograph to start testing my loads.   

I apologize cause I did ask this in another thread. I will plan well in advance for hunting season next year.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Mr.Phil
I used a 1866 carbine in 45lc . I took a doe with it several years ago when I was start to play with Vintage Hunting . She was about 50 yards from me when I shot her . The load I was using was a 250 gr. RNFP (lead ) and 7.5 grains of Unique and Winchester LP primers . The main thing to remember is shot placement is the most important thing in MY BOOK . So practice practice practice , that way when the chance shows up you will be ready . Good luck and Happy Hunting .

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[Blair]

Rowdy,

Best suggestion I have heard.
My best,
Blair

[mr phil]

Thank you Rowdy.
I decided I have not shot enough with my 45LC rifles even though my shots are normally close.  Yesterday I took 2 deer at 20 and 30 yards. I had taken my scoped 308 which just seems like over kill but I was sure of rifle and the scope.  I have a 66 and a 73 in 45lc as well as a 1860 in 44-40. I just did not want to take the chance of giving up a shot or worse yet losing a shot deer.
Since I have some deer in the freezer I may go out later this week with the 73. That stand is really such a close range spot suitable for bow.

[Ranch 13]

 I would suggest using a powder like bludot or 2400 with a 250 gr bullet. Trailboss doesn't generate enough velocity, and may actually slow down in that long of a rifle barrel. Unique, bludot and 2400 will all give very useful velocity that makes the 45 an easy 75 yd plus round when shot from a rifle.

[w44wcf]

Mr. Phil,
In my 24" Marlin Cowboy 5.8 Trail Boss / 250 cast bullet = 771 f.p.s.  If the powder was placed to the back of the case prior to chambering - 816 f.p.s.

As Ranch 13 indicated, Unique, Blue Dot, 2400 would be much better choices for hunting rounds in your '73.
The Alliant recommended load of 8.0 / Unique (safe in a '73) generated close to 1,100 f.p.s. in the 24" Marlin (250 gr cast)
The Alliant recommended load of 11.5 / Blue Dot (safe in a '73) would likely be close to 1,200 f.p.s. with a 250 gr bullet

w44wcf

[mr phil]

w44wcf

That is exactly what I was worried about. Definitely a powder change is in order. This is another reason why I ordered a chronograph as well. I did not want to guess at it. There is no way I can go to the range and test out a different load or even load up what you posted and take it to the field without a test.  So if I want to take out a lever it will be my win 94 in 30-30. I am sure of that rifle and loads. But next year..... look out.  
I really would like to take out my cowboy guns to the woods.  I also picked up a Sharps in 45-70 but that is for another forum  
Thanks guys. Have a safe season and I will be sure to post any pictures. I did post one of a spike I finished off with my Rooger Blackhawk in the roger forum.