I just got back from the range today firing a Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk in .45 colt with 7 1/2 inch barrel. It seems to me that this would be a good round for home defense. I would think that 250 grain bullets in that caliber would seriously ruin someone's day and the recoil was so negligible that I wondered if it was working properly. The only question I wonder would be overpenetration. I have pistols too but I cannot come near the accuracy that I can with the revolver. So is this a good round for home defense and are there any special loads specifically for that purpose? Thanks and have a great day.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
45 Colt for Home Defense
- Thread starter GI Joe
- Start date
I keep a Vaquero loaded with 300grs. This was "the" personal protection round for a few hundred years, it is still a great round.
A lot of ammo companies are offering PD rounds for .45 colt now.
------------------
so he cocked both his pistols, spit in the dirt, and walked out into the street.
A lot of ammo companies are offering PD rounds for .45 colt now.
------------------
so he cocked both his pistols, spit in the dirt, and walked out into the street.
Johnny Guest
Moderator in Memoriam
GIJoe--
Glad you like your new revolver. I am a great fan of the .45 Colt cartridge. I prefer full weight (250 to 275) lead SWC bullets with a healthy (but NOT magnum) dose of Unique or Universal powder. I THINK that the large, blunt bullets at not over 900 fps would not penetrate much more than .45 ACP ball loads. It is up to you whether or not this would be over penetrative. I believe, though, that with precision placement, (1) The bullet would be vastly slowed before reaching any part of a structure, and (2) you wouldn't have much need of follow-up shots. All this presumes the shooter keeps his mind on the task at hand. NO firearm and NO load is acceptable for indoor use if one misses one's target.
If you are dubious about the above, you might look into the 200 gr. JHP loads. These are approximately as powerful as the .45 ACP, and especially from your long barrel, should barely make it through a suitable indoor target.
Another good point for this firearm choice for home defense: Once you do a lot of range time and dry firing with the long single actions, they seem to be superb "pointing" weapons. This is a good thing when operating in the dark.
Best of luck.
------------------
---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---
Glad you like your new revolver. I am a great fan of the .45 Colt cartridge. I prefer full weight (250 to 275) lead SWC bullets with a healthy (but NOT magnum) dose of Unique or Universal powder. I THINK that the large, blunt bullets at not over 900 fps would not penetrate much more than .45 ACP ball loads. It is up to you whether or not this would be over penetrative. I believe, though, that with precision placement, (1) The bullet would be vastly slowed before reaching any part of a structure, and (2) you wouldn't have much need of follow-up shots. All this presumes the shooter keeps his mind on the task at hand. NO firearm and NO load is acceptable for indoor use if one misses one's target.
If you are dubious about the above, you might look into the 200 gr. JHP loads. These are approximately as powerful as the .45 ACP, and especially from your long barrel, should barely make it through a suitable indoor target.
Another good point for this firearm choice for home defense: Once you do a lot of range time and dry firing with the long single actions, they seem to be superb "pointing" weapons. This is a good thing when operating in the dark.
Best of luck.
------------------
---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---
I suspect the old boys can get the job done, even after a century and a half. Hot long colts still out-perform .44 mags, after all. You might consider long colt safety slugs. Corbon has some out now in the "Bee Safe" line.
I'd go for a DA Redhawk over a SA Blackhawk for home defense, though.
I'd go for a DA Redhawk over a SA Blackhawk for home defense, though.
I keep a Colt's .45 ACP around for home protection, but often carry a Ruger Blakhawk in the boonies, in case of ... well, whatever.
Just yesterday, I spend the day at a range and used my Ruger Blackhawk, .45 LC, 4 5/8" bbl, to shoot at 18 inch steel targets at 350 yards. I used my reloads, Hornady 250 gr. JHPs, and after "walking in" three rounds, put 42 out of 50 rounds on the steel.
Open sights, no glass.
I would have no problem using the Ruger (or Colts') .45 L.C., for home defense. Afterall, accuracy is more important than "spray and Pray."
JMHO. J.B.
Just yesterday, I spend the day at a range and used my Ruger Blackhawk, .45 LC, 4 5/8" bbl, to shoot at 18 inch steel targets at 350 yards. I used my reloads, Hornady 250 gr. JHPs, and after "walking in" three rounds, put 42 out of 50 rounds on the steel.
Open sights, no glass.
I would have no problem using the Ruger (or Colts') .45 L.C., for home defense. Afterall, accuracy is more important than "spray and Pray."
JMHO. J.B.