Hornady LeverEvolution 45LC for whitetail?

Question

Caliber: 45 Colt (Long Colt)
Bullet Weight: 225 Grains 
Muzzle Velocity: 950 fps
Muzzle Energy: 460 ft. lbs.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/449013/hornady-leverevolution-ammunition-45-colt-long-colt-225-grain-flex-tip-expanding-box-of-20

I assume this is rifle data...I'll be using a 10 inch barrel pistol (new,  not 150 years old).

Whatdaya think?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Those figures are for a 4.75" pistol barrel, the rifle figures are 1000 fps, which seems like it should be higher for a rifle, as most .45 colt loads gain around 100 to 150 fps from a 20" barrel.

http://www.hornady.com/store/45-Colt-225-gr-FTX-LEVERevolution/

Why use LeverEvolution in a pistol unless you are taking long range shots, which isn't a very ethical thing to do with a pistol. A large flat point hard cast lead bullet would be better for max penetration, and it still leaves a large hole considering the caliber.

That load is also borderline hot for Colt pistols and Colt clones. Odds are it won't likely blow up on you with limited use, but it can stretch the frame over time and ruin the cylinder gap and frame.

From a Ruger it would be quite mild and ok.

? · Answer

Hornady Leverevolution 45 Colt

august · Answer

I wouldn't use it.

If I were you, I'd consider a Buffalo Bore load. You're using a Ruger pistol, right?

If so, here you go:
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=335

Way more likely to be humane. And if you look at the ballistics table, you'll see that it has more energy at 350 yards than LEVERevolution has at the muzzle.

Anonymous · Answer

What gun are you using?  That ammo might work, but it certainly would not be my choice.  A Keith or LBT heavy lead bullet loaded to about 1000 fps has worked well for me.

The one Mr. August suggested definitely would do the job, as would this one:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/143256/grizzly-ammunition-45-colt-long-colt-265-grain-cast-performance-lead-wide-flat-nose-gas-check-950-fps-box-of-20?cm_vc=ProductFinding

Jim W · Answer

Close in shots only like 30 yards.   The area I have hunted that is a self defense range.

larry · Answer

My "twilight" gun is a T/C in 45LC, with red dot sight, and 850ft-lb handloads. It works so good I can hardly stand it! No problem at all out to the 100 yds you can actually see at in usual woods situations.

Space Cowboy · Answer

....not a very "quick" round, is it ? We aren't allowed to hunt with handguns, so I can't really say. I suppose if you could hit a man-sized target (or a man ) and drop him, you should be able to do the same with a deer who is  the same size.

Lol · Answer

It takes abt 400 ft lbs of energy to kill a whitetail. I'd say if ur a good shot u should be able to kill one up to 50yards

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Hornady LeverEvolution 45LC for whitetail?

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