Flat Shooting Coyote Loads

SJPrice · Post by **SJPrice** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 4:31 pm

I am looking for a flat shooting coyote load in 45 Colt. I intend to carry the load in my Model 97 Freedom Arms single action. I know this is not a lever action, but the same load could be used in a 45 colt levergun. Any experience or thoughts are welcome. Thanks.

handirifle · Post by **handirifle** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:10 pm

The words "flat shooting" and "45 colt" just don't seem to go together.

Post by **Hobie** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:36 pm

In the .45 Colt rifle use the Hornady 240 gr. XTP-MAG .451" bullet over a healthy (by the manual) dose of H110/W296 or L'ilGun.

However, "flat-shooting" and .45 Colt don't go together in a world with the 7mm STW and such.

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:39 pm

Never loaded any but the 225gr might work. All I load are 255gr with some Unique.

Jerry

SJPrice · Post by **SJPrice** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:45 pm

Flat shooting was meant to be a relative term. I understand it will not match any small caliber or for that matter any center fire rifle. I was looking for any actual experience in developing a load that would shoot "flatter" out to say 150 yards.

jengel · Post by **jengel** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:51 pm

I use 9gr Unique out of my 6" Bisley Blackhawk with a 255gr cast bullet. I can consistently hit a small prairie dog mound at over 150yds with only about 10" or so of elevation. It is all in how you know your load and the accuracy of your gun. Practice, practice, practice. Remember, Paco recommends 1 round for every yard you intend to shoot. If you want to shoot 200yds, shoot 200 rounds at that distance.

Post by **Hobie** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:10 pm

SJPrice wrote:Flat shooting was meant to be a relative term. I understand it will not match any small caliber or for that matter any center fire rifle. I was looking for any actual experience in developing a load that would shoot "flatter" out to say 150 yards.

Then the 240 gr. at 1800+ fps will do the trick from the rifle. Good on deer, too.

86er · Post by **86er** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:22 pm

I find the 300 grainers hold their path better past 100 yards. My 20" barrel spits them out at near 1550 fps. I have shot at 150 yards and I know where to hold to make that shot. More importantly, I get a good group at that range. My SBH with scope is sighted in dead-on at 100 yards and keeps them w/i 3" off the bench. Made one 125 ish yard shot on a deer w/ that handgun, load combo (1250fps out of the 7 1/2" barrel).

Same two guns couldn't keep any 225, 250 or 260grain bullets real consistent after passing the 100 yard mark. It might be just the right load for my two guns (coincidentally) but I wouldn't overlook the heavier loads for longer range shooting at coyotes.

Post by **Hobie** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:30 pm

Hey Joe, you know I don't actually shoot the 240s, I shoot the 300s in mine and they go faster than 1600, closer to 1700 fps. But, you know, he didn't ASK about accuracy or usability, he asked about flat trajectory which is why I answered as I did. The 240s actually do pretty well out to 150.