Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: mattaylor81 on March 31, 2009, 01:50:04 PM

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Title: 45 colt for Black Bear
Post by: mattaylor81 on March 31, 2009, 01:50:04 PM

Was thinking of using my Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt for black bear this year.  Anyone ever used this caliber for bear before?  If so, how did the round perform and what load did you use, or recomend to use?  I have some 255gr Hardcast SWC, and 300gr LFNGC bullets loaded up running around 1000 - 1100 fps. 

Title: Re: 45 colt for Black Bear
Post by: GoldTip on March 31, 2009, 01:56:20 PM

Should do the trick, I probably wouldn't shoot much beyond 30-40 yards with that setup. personally.

Title: Re: 45 colt for Black Bear
Post by: TheHunt on March 31, 2009, 03:24:13 PM

You are going to make it exciting.

Title: Re: 45 colt for Black Bear
Post by: rasbo on March 31, 2009, 03:39:29 PM

I would try it,lots of guys have taken them with that gun

Title: Re: 45 colt for Black Bear
Post by: Rufous on March 31, 2009, 09:13:20 PM

I have finished two black bears with my 45 Colt Ruger Bisley revolver and killed one start to finish with it. I highly recommend it as it is much more exciting than shooting one with a high powered rifle from far away. When I went after my spring of 2007 bear with my revolver from start to finish I have to tell you that I was not thrilled with its killing effect. Yes the bear died in pretty short order but it was able to run about 75 yards. The bear was not impressed by the initial shot, which was well placed in its chest, as it would have been by a high powered rifle. But perhaps it died just as quickly. Not sure. Anyway it was quite exciting. I ran after the bear and shot it 4 more times before it finally died of lead poisoning, with the last shot at a distance of only several feet. The load I used was the Beartooth 345 grain WLNGC bullet and 21.5 grains of H110 for a velocity of 1150 fps. I think you should try it if you can get close enough, I was 25 yards away on my first shot but if you are accurate you could increase that to possibly 75 yards or so. Good luck, Rufous.

Title: Re: 45 colt for Black Bear
Post by: JoshT on April 01, 2009, 02:53:27 PM

I think using Colt 45 is considered baiting... particularly on black bears.

Ohhhhh, .45 Colt... my bad... proceed.

Title: Re: 45 colt for Black Bear
Post by: cohoho on April 01, 2009, 05:13:38 PM

Heck yea, go for it, bears are not tough to kill will proper bullet placement.  Have fun and post some pictures...

Title: Re: 45 colt for Black Bear
Post by: Bscman on April 01, 2009, 05:14:54 PM

Quote from: Jerome on March 31, 2009, 03:44:46 PM

Hogsniper killed one last year.  I am pretty sure it was a 45.

Pretty sure that was a 1911 in .45 ACP...!!!