doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com The 45 Colt in a lever-gun

Prior to the introduction of the .44 Mag (yes I remember back that far) Elmer Keith stated for the non-handloader the best handgun for hunting deer size game was the .45 Colt, for the handloader it was a heavy loaded .44 Special. Either, he stated beat the .357 Mag hands down. The reason he picked the .44 Spl over the .45 Colt for the handloader was the .45's thin cylinder walls in the Colt SAA wouldn't take the higher pressures the .44 handled.

An article in either Handloader or Rifle from years ago evaluated the .44 Magnum as a deer cartridge. The article said it is about equivalent to a multiblade broadhead from a compound bow. .45 LC hotter loads would at least equal the .44 Magnum. Standard loads are somewhat milder, but should work at 50 yards for side or front (heart/lung), spine, or head shot. The aforementioned arrow could pass completely through a deer from side to side and still do some damage to whatever it strikes next. It would likely penetrate well enough for a quartering away shot.

Shot placement is the major factor, given a load with adequate penetration.

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=9935_13987_14246_14289 shows some .454 Howa Puma M92 rifles. Sort of, a short .45-70.

I personally know someone that inadvertently killed two deer with one bow shot using a compound bow with a modern 3 blade broadhead.

Thanks gents!
The rifle is a NIB new Winchester '92 45 Colt high grade.
A nice looking rifle that shot straight out of the box for me.
Along with the new '92 came an old '92 in 38-40.
Lowell "Greenhorn" Glenthorne!

I have used the Corbon 300 grain +Ps for several years now out of a Marlin levergun with fabulous accuracy and killing power. I have no hesitation recommending these for whitetails.

https://dakotaammo.net/shop/product_info.php?cPath=22_59&products_id=99

Altho' I have handloaded, and might still again, I will keep to the factory stuff for right now - the 255g shot well for me and at my deer range(50yards and most likely less).
I hunt my own land and know the deerways, both coming and going.
Thanks!

A shot with the above load in the heart/lung area should be more than adequate at 50 yards or less. Although no one stated this above the biggest problem with the 357 Magnum is overpenetration without necessary expansion. IMO: For that reason either the 44 Magnum of 45 Long Colt are better choices.
Jim

I looked at nice M1985 cal. .30 of 1906 with Winchester sticker still on the barrel. You know they also made one in cal. 'Big Medicina' and Hornady offers ammo for it. Aren't they wonderful?
Teddy had one, you know.
I would leave cal. Colt to Ross Seyfrield und Sohn! He shoots elk with stuff similar to that.

In question if the 45 Colt has what it takes as a game getter?? Follow Ross Seyfried articles and tales in the mid-80's on. With a hardcast,wide meplat,300grain bullet,11-1300FPS the 45 Colt is the real deal. Neat deal is no bullet recovery and always enter/exit holes. I recall seeing a MOA target[100yds]with a cylinder full of 45's in a Bowen or Linebaugh custom wheelgun. Lowell, I believe with your new rifle and some Cor-bon or Bigbore loads you've got a nice deer/blk bear stopper out to 100-125 yds. Keep us posted on your longgun adventures. Randy

I much prefer a Win 1894 in .32 Special or Marlin 336 in .35 Rem to the pistol cartridges in the same size rifle package. With a good bullet I have used them on elk too. The .38-55 works good too but a mite slow.