ISO varmint load data

[Rick R]

For my 4.2" Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt. ;-)

I'm thinking a 200gr jhp at around 1,100 or 1,200 fps should take the spirit out of most critters I'd encounter while limiting over penetration a mite...

Has anyone seen any credible data in this bullet weight that isn't held to Colt SAA pressures?

[runfiverun]

ruger only data is pretty easy to find.
the 200 at 1100 should be a cake walk.
h-110 would do it and 2400 most likely will.
19.5 -2400 and a 250 gives me 1600+ in a lever gun and is not even close to max.
even losing 500 fps from that will easily get you there.

[Rick R]

runfiverun,

Thanks, I couldn't find any printed (or online) data for that type load and was wondering if there was some nuance that I was missing. I guess it's time to try some load development.

If you can hit 1,600 with a 250gr bullet it should be possible with a 200gr, wonder how an XTP will handle that speed? :smile:

[runfiverun]

i done some 200 gr xtp's near that speed [same 2400 load] in a 44 mag for a friend.
he ended up shooting a black bear with them [wasn't my call]
the bear ran off and bellowed....

btw that 1600 is with a plain based cast boolit in a lever gun.
recoil starts to get your attention right about that point even with the 250's.
i was doing a work up showing my b.i.l. some reloading steps.
starting at red dot/clays and going through the various burn rates holding the same pressure but using more and more of slower burning powders increasing the gas volumn behind the booit.
we were chronographing everything and shooting groups.
good exercise for fun really.