Bullet Opinions

[model88_308]

I'm hoping to get the two new Henry rifles I own to the range next week. I'm pretty set on what I'll want to use in my 45-70, but still wondering what the best deer hunting or black bear(?) hunting load would be for the .45 Colt rifle. I'm looking at 265gr WFNGC, or 300gr Hard cast GC, or 300gr JFN. Velocities of about 1800 FPS from the 265s and very close to 1700 for the 300s.

Not sure if the JFN will open at these velocities, but pretty sure they will. (Bonded bullets made by Hawk) Looking for full penetration on any rifle cartridge or bullet I choose. Thanks in advance for any insight...

 

[Horns]

What did you decide on that 45/70 ammo? I am going with Hornady Leverevolution in 325 FTX

 

[model88_308]

What did you decide on that 45/70 ammo? I am going with Hornady Leverevolution in 325 FTX

Same, Same here. I killed a BIG Georgia Boar (300+/-) with a very thick, tough shield in 2018, using a BLR/.450 and LE ammo. The range was about 125 yards, and the bullet, through and through that big boar's shield.

There's no doubt I'd trust it on anything up to (not including) Grizzly.

 

[Buckman18]

325 gr Hornady LE:

 

[Tom W.]

A cast 300 grain SWC from an RCBS mold would be hard to beat, or the RCBS -270 SAA . Sized accordingly, or course.

 

[Jester896]

The range was about 125 yards, and the bullet, through and through that big boar's shield.

they will fragment pretty good at close ranges...inside 50....not sure you would get that with hardcast. I have the jacket laying here...found the polymer tip too

 

[leoparddog]

I use the 265gr WFNGC in my .45 Colt M92. I tried the Speer 300gr bullet and the didn't care for that load when pushed to 1600fps. I can run the 265gr WFNGC up to 1725fps over my chrono and the recoil is pretty sharp as well.

Since i also have a 45 Colt Redhawk and want to have one load for both, I've dialed it back to something more reasonable. About 1000fps in the Ruger Redhawk does about 1350fps in the M92. I haven't kilt anything with it yet, but I have no concerns about the hole it will punch on the way through

 

[model88_308]

I use the 265gr WFNGC in my .45 Colt M92. I tried the Speer 300gr bullet and the didn't care for that load when pushed to 1600fps. I can run the 265gr WFNGC up to 1725fps over my chrono and the recoil is pretty sharp as well.

Since i also have a 45 Colt Redhawk and want to have one load for both, I've dialed it back to something more reasonable. About 1000fps in the Ruger Redhawk does about 1350fps in the M92. I haven't kilt anything with it yet, but I have no concerns about the hole it will punch on the way through

Thanks, that's just what I was looking for. That Wide Flat Nose on the 265s is pretty impressive, noticeably wider than that on the 300gr GC loads I also have.

 

[leoparddog]

The 265gr WFNGC 1725fps load in the Colt was an H110 load, but Lil'Gun will do about the same. I don't think that was a maximum load but probably close. My M92 has a 20" barrel and metal buttplate and is a very light rifle. If your Henry has a pad that should help.

 

[model88_308]

The 265gr WFNGC 1725fps load in the Colt was an H110 load, but Lil'Gun will do about the same. I don't think that was a maximum load but probably close. My M92 has a 20" barrel and metal buttplate and is a very light rifle. If your Henry has a pad that should help.

Thanks! Because of the VERY dark ebony stain on the stocks it's hard to see in that pic, but there is a pretty decent pad on the buttstock.

 

[Gator89]

Can you shoot HSM Bear Loads in those rifles.

https://hsmammunition.com/bear-load/

I bought a box of 45 Colts for my Blackhawks, these bad boys are a handful!

 

[deast1988]

325 jelly tips in the .45/70

I’d go with a xtp or gold dot in the colt

 

[model88_308]

Can you shoot HSM Bear Loads in those rifles.

https://hsmammunition.com/bear-load/

I bought a box of 45 Colts for my Blackhawks, these bad boys are a handful!

Thanks! I have shot a LOT of HSM ammo through my rifles over the years. All was fine stuff. I've found another load, very similar that runs a bit faster that I'd love to see shoot well.

Thanks for your help!

 

[model88_308]

325 jelly tips in the .45/70

I’d go with a xtp or gold dot in the colt

I plan on using the FTX 325/Hornady in the 45-70, it's proved it's worth to me in both .444 (black bear, hog and bucks) and .450.

XTP will be high on my "want to use" list, but I've not seen a load using Gold Dots. I have used Gold Dots (270gr) in a .44 mag on game and think them a fine bullet.