bhn for bullets!!!!

[bigdog454]

What bhn for cast hunting boolits do you think is good for deer sized game? I've been casting with a lead lot that is bhn 14 (according to my lee hardness tester). I cast for the 45 colt and 454 and try to maintain a velocity of about 1150fps. Now I'm beginning to wonder if that's too hard. So! What do you guys use, or what do ya think?
BD

[cajun shooter]

What's causing you to wonder, is there a problem ? Your BHN is Lyman#2 range. Have you shot deer with it and had bad results? I use bullets in this range for 44 mag and 45 Colt. I use straight WW for 45Colt in SASS and it would probably work well for deer also. I think I read somewhere that Elmer Keith used boolits in the range of 8-9 BHN while working up to the development of the 44mag. I would think that if you have no leading, or poor game performance then stay where you are.

[missionary5155]

Greetings I have shot deer using revolver. Been loading in 41 mag 30-1 240-250 gr at 1100-1250 fps and never had a deer get away... but I shoot them close. I poped the last one with ww 250 gr at 1350 out of my Dan Wesson 375 supermag .. again close (20yrds) ... All exited and all left GOOD red trails .

[runfiverun]

you don't really need it that hard, but you need to test it if you have doubts or are gonna use it on game.
go ahead and soften it up and shoot it.

[44man]

I use 20 to 22 BHN. But I have large meplats on my boolits. If you are using small nosed boolits then you need a little expansion so what you have is just fine. Even with a large meplat. Don't worry about it, just make a good shot.
Too soft combined with too fast can limit penetration so it is best to use heavy boolits. With a good hit, about anything will kill a deer however I want two holes.
I think you are just fine, leave well enough alone. Go shoot some venison! :drinks: