bridgeguy
Registered Member
As far as considering a .45 Colt to be a bear deterrent, I would probably sway away from that. If you look at the ballistics, they are not significantly more powerful (power factor and muzzle energy) than a .45 ACP. HOWEVER, used in a .454 Casull such as the previously mentioned Ruger Alaskan, they can be hand loaded to a much more effective level.
You have to remember that the .45 Colt is over 100 years old and that the factory loads are made to accomodate those firearms which were made during that timeframe. Having a Super Redhawk in .454 Casull, I can tell you that shooting .45 Colt through it is like shooting a popgun. Conversely, 260 grain JSP Magtechs running ~1800 fps HURT to shoot. If you hand load, you can come up with something that packs a much bigger punch than a .44 Mag ever will but will not try and have you eating front sight everytime you pull the trigger.
After sighting this same gun in last night (deer season starts Saturday), I can tell you that you really hope that it's not really that far out and that you only need a few shots to confirm that nothing has moved around since last year.
As far as full-automatic weapons, they aren't banned...exactly. In most states you can still purchase and possess Class 3 firearms. There are a few notable exceptions (Kalifornia, etc). But for most of the country, you can purchase them as long as you fulfill ALL the requirements from the Feds and don't mind waiting a year or more for them to decide that since you're actually doing things legally, you're probably not the one they need to worry about. The bad news is that if you successfully purchase and own a Class 3 firearm or suppressor the BATF (and whatever else they have control over now, add appropriate initial to the acronym) can visit you any time they want and demand to see it right then and there. And since they have a habit of losing their paperwork, if you lose yours, odds are good you'll now be a felon.
So, short version, hunting for deer in grizzly county, .300 Win Mag minimum with the .454 Casull. Visiting bear country and playing, .454 Casull.
You have to remember that the .45 Colt is over 100 years old and that the factory loads are made to accomodate those firearms which were made during that timeframe. Having a Super Redhawk in .454 Casull, I can tell you that shooting .45 Colt through it is like shooting a popgun. Conversely, 260 grain JSP Magtechs running ~1800 fps HURT to shoot. If you hand load, you can come up with something that packs a much bigger punch than a .44 Mag ever will but will not try and have you eating front sight everytime you pull the trigger.
After sighting this same gun in last night (deer season starts Saturday), I can tell you that you really hope that it's not really that far out and that you only need a few shots to confirm that nothing has moved around since last year.
As far as full-automatic weapons, they aren't banned...exactly. In most states you can still purchase and possess Class 3 firearms. There are a few notable exceptions (Kalifornia, etc). But for most of the country, you can purchase them as long as you fulfill ALL the requirements from the Feds and don't mind waiting a year or more for them to decide that since you're actually doing things legally, you're probably not the one they need to worry about. The bad news is that if you successfully purchase and own a Class 3 firearm or suppressor the BATF (and whatever else they have control over now, add appropriate initial to the acronym) can visit you any time they want and demand to see it right then and there. And since they have a habit of losing their paperwork, if you lose yours, odds are good you'll now be a felon.
So, short version, hunting for deer in grizzly county, .300 Win Mag minimum with the .454 Casull. Visiting bear country and playing, .454 Casull.
