hiking loads for Cimarron Arms .45 LC?

R

Runs With Scissors

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I've got a Cimarron Arms Bisley .45 Colt that's somehow endeared itself to me in a very strong way, It tends to ride in my truck or on my hip as much as humanly possible. Yeah, a Ruger Bisley probably woulda been better, but this one is what I've got and what I've grown accustomed to, and besides that I'm too broke to be gettin' any new toys.

My issue is that I'd like to find a more powerful load for it while beatin' through the woods. Perhaps at this point I should clarify a couple things:

Yes, the Corbon +P hotdog loads would destroy my gun, shatter it into a million pieces, take my arm off at the shoulder, and put forth an evil curse on me and all my descendents from here to eternity...overall not a good option... :D

yes, the standard .45 Colt is an old caliber that's been rendered impotent against any kinda wild animals, and will result in nothing more than a bear placing my revolver in a very uncomfortable orifice just before eating me for dinner.

Here's my problem: It's what I have....I'm saving up for something bigger and better as quickly as I can, but for right now, I can't afford the latest willy whoopbutt .500 magnum or anything. I've many more couch cushions and vehicle ashtrays to search before bigger and better caliber is an option for me.

So, now that we've clarified that .45 Colt is what I'm stuck with for right now, and that I can't shoot the Captain Insane-O ammunition out of it, what kinda loads Could you recommend to make the best of an unfortunate situation? Is there something factory that you can recommend? I DO have access to reloading equipment, so I could brew a little something up also.

It aint much, but it's better than a Swiss army knife for now. :D

Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
Don't knock a 250 grainer going around 900 fps. It will punch holes thru things. So many folks head out in the woods today with the latest, greatest thunder boomer, but most animals in the woods still aren't armor coated and the standard loads will bring them down. Now this don't include the big bears, but I think it's rediculous to trust any revolver against one.
You should be able to make some 250 to 255 grainers going around 850 to 900 fps that shouldn't put any stress on your revolver (if it's in good condition of course).
 
Uberti is the maker of your Cimmaron. Italian steel is often soft and the springs are not the highest quality. I would not try anything over and above low pressure cowboy lead cartridges. They are not made for any other use except gaming or looking at. 250 gr CAS lead would be the only cartridge I would suggest.
 
Sounds like you have answered your own questions, that gun was designed to shoot soft lead a 800 or less fps. I would,nt wander to far from the house with that one unless you expect and indian uprising :D . If you plan on fending off any animals with big teeth eat something they don,t like and maybe you will get lucky and taste bad to them.
 
What the?!

:confused:
Your revolver can handle a 250 gr SWC at 850 fps easily (mine does). Though this is not a .44 mag, it's not a popgun either. I've heard of people using a comparable load to hunt black bear and such.

Shoot a griz in the throat as he stands over you about to take a swipe and I bet he'll fall down with a broken neck. :D

Seriously, the .45 Colt is a major caliber cabable of what you need while hiking.

Edit: Try 6.5 gr of Red Dot with the above bullet (consult a reloading manual for safety's sake)
 
Please consider Georgia Arms, 200 grain Gold Dots that provide 1200 FPS velocity fifteen feet from the muzzle.
 
Even though the 45LC is an older cartrige, it is not useless and just because it isn't the latest big boom, break my wrist, heaviest loading you can get in a handgun is no reason to discount it. There are some very good loadings out there, as previously mentioned by others in this thread, and I would feel perfectly comfortable carrying that pistol with me in the woods.
 
Most factory loads

have a 250 grain bullet loping along at between 800-900 fps. It will do most anything you ask of it. I wouldn't use it on dangerous game, but everything else should not be a problem.
 
Since it's so endeared to you, I imagine you're a respectable shot with it. Loading it with the loads above sound very similar to .45acp loadings that have been used as successful self-defense handguns in the lower 48 time and time again. I have even heard of african hunters using colt 1911's (and living) as self defense guns.

Not a first choice cartridge for angry-hairy-toothy-heavy self defense, but with the RIGHT shot your misbehaving critter is just as dead as with a .45/70.

Now go out and fan that hammer at the injun raiding party!!!!
 
A couple of neat stories about the ole .45 gettin' the job done here in Alaska...

The first one was pretty well documented when it happened about 12 years or so ago, and was related to me by a friend of mine about his now deceased Brother in Law. When he was twelve years old he had been out moose hunting with his Grandfather. Having had a successful hunt they were packing the moose out Through some very dense brush when a Grizzly charged his grandfather. The Grandson barely had time to draw the .45 Colt Revolver he was carrying and get a single shot off into the bears head. The bear fell instantly dead, less than three feet from his Grandfather, with his front paws reaching out for him. The Grandsons name was Christopher Stringer, and the story was pretty well documented and written about in a couple of outdoor and hunting magazines. When I asked my buddy what the hell kinda load he was using he couldn't remember, but said it was a standard 255 grain lead somethin' or another.

The other one was actually on a bow hunting movie. Ole boy was fixin' to stick a grizzly with an arrow when suddenly the bear turned and started running towards him. The guy pretty much shouted out something like "OH fecal matter!" (but perhaps in a bit more down to earth choice of wording) :D
dropped his bow and drew his Kimber 1911. Shot the bear one time by the ear and dropped him instantly. The bear twitched and got a second shot in the hump of it's back for his troubles. As luck would have it, that turned out to be the largest Grizzly bear taken that year. (1999 I believe)

Kinda neat the stories about the ole .45 still takin' care of business.

Now as for myself...If I'm in serious bear country, and not just out plundering on a day hike I go straight to my slug loaded shotgun, cuz I'm a skeerdy cat that away. But...the rest of the time I've made pretty good peace with my SA revolver. To be honest bear attacks are seldom ever big a concern for me, it just makes good sense to have some protection in the woods, for whatever may come up, especially since us bipeds are about the only things in the woods that lack fur, fangs,and claws. Also the ole .45 is nice for popping Spruce Hen, Rabbit, and so forth. As long as I don't miss the headshot...that does tend to get a little messy.... :o (hey, we're all entitled to the occasional screw-up, right?) :D

Thanks for all the suggestions and links, they've been very helpful. There's some really nice sounding options to get that extra pinch of power out of my Single Action.
 
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