I got myself a box of 300 grain Speer Gold Dot Hollow Points, .45 caliber. They were dirt cheap so I just picked them up for possible future use. I think these were intended for 454 Casull loads. That, of course, does not stop those of us with large-frame Rugers from putting together our own 45 Colt loads. I happen to have two such Rugers, but need input from you-all guys on how much powder to put behind said bullets.
First question, though: What use are these bullets, other than for medium-game hunting? I would like to make a bear protection load, but hollow points don't seem to be the way to go. They would likely underpenetrate, no? I have some hard cast lead for bears and some lighter hollowpoints for thin-skinned predators, which makes me wonder if I'm better off sticking with them and just giving these Speer 300 GDHPs away to a deserving forum member. I do not hunt with a handgun.
Now... assuming I find any use for the bullets, what are some proven loads? I have a can of Li'l Gun and like it. I want to get my hands on some W296 or H110. Anyone have a recipe for 300 GDHP with any of these powders? I am, of course, talking about Ruger-only pressures. To be shot in a 7 1/2" Bisley or a 5 1/2" Original Vaquero.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
First question, though: What use are these bullets, other than for medium-game hunting? I would like to make a bear protection load, but hollow points don't seem to be the way to go. They would likely underpenetrate, no? I have some hard cast lead for bears and some lighter hollowpoints for thin-skinned predators, which makes me wonder if I'm better off sticking with them and just giving these Speer 300 GDHPs away to a deserving forum member. I do not hunt with a handgun.
Now... assuming I find any use for the bullets, what are some proven loads? I have a can of Li'l Gun and like it. I want to get my hands on some W296 or H110. Anyone have a recipe for 300 GDHP with any of these powders? I am, of course, talking about Ruger-only pressures. To be shot in a 7 1/2" Bisley or a 5 1/2" Original Vaquero.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.