45 ACP carry while hunting

virginia scout · August 9, 2005, 09:25 PM

Well I decided to carry my glock 30 45ACP while hunting in VA. I will be using a rifle as a primary weapon.

The VA regs state to shoot a deer the weapon must deliver 350 FP of muzzle Energy. With anything over a 200 grain bullet I will be able to make the 350.

My question is on bullet selection. I have 185 Golden Sabers going 929FPS which just make it. I also have 230 Golden Sabers wich will easily make the cut.

Any thoughts on going to a non personal defense round like ball ammo or other type.

Anybody have any experience with a 45ACP and deer?

Your thoughts will be appreciated.

Long Path · August 10, 2005, 05:48 AM

There's also the 200 grain Gold Dot +P, which is a nice compromise, and still has more energy than you need after 100 yards! I like the accuracy.

http://www.speer-bullets.com/default.asp?s1=7&s2=26

Mannlicher · August 10, 2005, 06:33 AM

There are better choices than a .45 auto for deer. Even the Gold Dot listed above, states that its not for medium or large game.

virginia scout · August 10, 2005, 07:37 AM

I agree there are better bullets.

Let me clarify, I will use this to put a deer out of its misery if wounded. They will be very close in shots and not 100 yards.

I would also like the round the be very self defense capable, hopefully I will never use it, but you never know.

Art Eatman · August 10, 2005, 09:55 AM

For a coup de grace shot, anything is just fine, on down to .22LR. For self defense, most any of the 180- or 200-grain defense loads will do.

Art

impact · August 10, 2005, 08:53 PM

I've used the 185gr Gold Dots on large varmints and they worked well "real well" I would think Long Paths suggestion would work good!

Long Path · August 11, 2005, 10:29 AM

Um, to clarify: I am not advocating pistol shots with the .45 acp on deer at greater than about 15 yards!

And at that range, you better be able to keep a magazine on a paper plate from off-hand before trying it.

August 9, 2005, 09:25 PM	#1
virginia scout Member Join Date: March 9, 2005 Posts: 22	45 ACP carry while hunting Well I decided to carry my glock 30 45ACP while hunting in VA. I will be using a rifle as a primary weapon. The VA regs state to shoot a deer the weapon must deliver 350 FP of muzzle Energy. With anything over a 200 grain bullet I will be able to make the 350. My question is on bullet selection. I have 185 Golden Sabers going 929FPS which just make it. I also have 230 Golden Sabers wich will easily make the cut. Any thoughts on going to a non personal defense round like ball ammo or other type. Anybody have any experience with a 45ACP and deer? Your thoughts will be appreciated.

August 10, 2005, 06:33 AM	#3
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,209	There are better choices than a .45 auto for deer. Even the Gold Dot listed above, states that its not for medium or large game. __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

August 11, 2005, 10:29 AM	#7
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	Um, to clarify: I am not advocating pistol shots with the .45 acp on deer at greater than about 15 yards! And at that range, you better be able to keep a magazine on a paper plate from off-hand before trying it. __________________ "Welcome to The Firing Line, a virtual community dedicated to the discussion and advancement of responsible firearms ownership."T.F.L. Policy Page Will you, too, be one who stands in the gap? ____________

August 10, 2005, 07:37 AM	#4
virginia scout Member Join Date: March 9, 2005 Posts: 22	I agree there are better bullets. Let me clarify, I will use this to put a deer out of its misery if wounded. They will be very close in shots and not 100 yards. I would also like the round the be very self defense capable, hopefully I will never use it, but you never know.

August 10, 2005, 09:55 AM	#5
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	For a coup de grace shot, anything is just fine, on down to .22LR. For self defense, most any of the 180- or 200-grain defense loads will do. Art

August 10, 2005, 08:53 PM	#6
impact Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2005 Location: the great state of Texas Posts: 854	I've used the 185gr Gold Dots on large varmints and they worked well "real well" I would think Long Paths suggestion would work good!