Yesterday here in Montana I went along as moral support and photographer for my old friend as he "harvested" a Buffalo. I was also the back up shooter with my friends favorite Rifle a Winchester Model 1895 in caliber 405 Winchester! The reason he wanted a back up shooter was that he wanted to take the Buffalo with his Ruger Pistol in caliber 45 Long Colt. My frend had modified this Pistol a long time ago to be a replica of the Colt Bisley. Someone had sold him the lower part of the frame that replicated the Bisley's distinctive handle. And he had done some other modifications to the cylinder rotation features and had installed a fine piece of gold in the front sight. Nifty rig as it was, I was worred about the 45 Long Colt on a 4 year old 1,000 pound Buffalo! Not to worry though my friends 300 grain bullet out of the Ruger killed the Buffalo INSTANTLY! It fell to the ground so quickly it "bounced" a bit when it hit! I was amazed! I hope the picture of the big Buffalo hitting the ground turns out! Many more pictures were taken and the heart and tongue collected during cleaning for friends. The hide was carefully rolled up and off we went to the butcher shop and then the taxidermy shop! I was amazed at how much intestine and organs came out of that 4 year old cow Buffalo! They are huge animals! The bullet was still in the creature near the base of the skull having broke the spinal column at the top of the neck! The bullet was going to be recovered today. The shot was taken at 45 yards and was placed perfectly where the rancher wanted it. The coordinates for this killing broadside shot was 2" below the ear and 2" to the Buffalo's rear.
Again I was amazed at the instantaneous kill!
Long live the 45 Long Colt!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

VarmintGuy,

I'm with you, I find the .45 Colt loaded in moder Ruger handguns as the most versatile and usefull caliber.

VarmitGuy, good story and interesting results from that .45 Colt round.

You wouldn't havppen to know the powder type and weight that your friend used behind that 300 gr. bullet, would you??

I use the 300 gr. Beartooth Bullets in my Ruger Blackhawk, and they are very, very effective.

Thanks. L.W.