Recommend a woods carry round for a FNX 45

[ClangClang]

I picked up a FNX 45 because it was an unbeatable deal, so I think I'll use it for a woods carry gun as well. Anyone have a factory cartridge they like in 45 ACP for general woods carry? I don't hunt much, although I have been invited to tag along on an elk bowhunt this winter. Beyond that, I'm simply interested in a round for defense from critters both 2 and 4 legged. I'll almost certainly be looking at +P rounds. Maybe something from Buffalo Bore or Underwood? How about SWC vs JHP. Any preferences? Thanks!

[spqrzilla]

I've had decent results, in terms of reliable feeding in a variety of handguns, from Remington Golden Sabre. Either 230 grain or 185 grain +P depending on your preference.

That said, someone I respect swears that Winchester Ranger T-Series are the latest and greatest but I've not shot any.

[hurley842002]

I think the only hollow point ammo I'd consider for woods carry is the XTP, controlled expansion, deep penetration for a hollow point, and just tough bullets all around. I'd never choose 185 grain for woods carry. I believe buffalo bore makes a 255 grain cast flat point, but you'd certainly need to function check that heavy of a bullet in your pistol.

[izzy]

I can't talk very well to which round is best for taking out critters. I've had an FNX 45 Tactical for quite some time though and the only ammo it didn't like were reloads. It wouldn't cycle the reloads with out a little extra powder. Does just fine with any factory ammo I've fed it.

[ClangClang]

Thanks for the info. Hurley, I was leaning towards the XTP actually. Hornady makes a 230 grn XTP +P which looks promising. 960 fps, 461 ft-lbs at the muzzle.

Anyone have any opinions on the Hornady Critical Duty series? The "barrier blind" construction could prove advantageous - it (theoretically) would retain its penetrative powers while punching through a thick hide, but then offer rapid expansion once it contacts blood/muscle. Thoughts?

[Jamnanc]

Reload up some hard cast. Alternate w jhp's. Bear/man/bear/man. Just in case the zombie bear men attack you.

[Madeinhb]

Only matters if you're alone. If you have someone with you, shoot them in leg and walk away from bear unharmed :)

[ClangClang]

Only matters if you're alone. If you have someone with you, shoot them in leg and walk away from bear unharmed :)

Best answer yet. Will forward to my wife to get approval for this plan.

[Zombie Steve]

My general purpose is a 235 cast truncated cone. Decent meplat, good penetration. I don't see the need to push it into +P range for an extra 50 fps. I like a flat point or semi wadcutters, but ball ammo wouldn't be a terrible choice. I'd just stick with 230 grain non-expanding.

[Ah Pook]

Here's my .02 centavos:

For backwoods carry, it's a S&W .44mag with Buffalo Bore hard cast flat heads. The premise being that, if I am charged by an animal, I want something that will go through bone (skull, chest plate, etc). No, I do not have any illusions of bring down big game this way. Up here, there have been more moose encounters than any other animal (except for the dreaded Drainboasaurus).

Lately I have entertained the though of a 10mm with similar ammo.

I like the .45 but wonder how effective it would be on larger targets. If anyone remembers the Grizzly Man story, as I understand it, the LE officer emptied two mags of .45 into the bear before the situation was over.

[hurley842002]

Here's my .02 centavos:

For backwoods carry, it's a S&W .44mag with Buffalo Bore hard cast flat heads. The premise being that, if I am charged by an animal, I want something that will go through bone (skull, chest plate, etc). No, I do not have any illusions of bring down big game this way. Up here, there have been more moose encounters than any other animal (except for the dreaded Drainboasaurus).

Lately I have entertained the though of a 10mm with similar ammo.

I like the .45 but wonder how effective it would be on larger targets. If anyone remembers the Grizzly Man story, as I understand it, the LE officer emptied two mags of .45 into the bear before the situation was over.

I don't disagree, and I doubt the OP is under a false pretense that the 45 acp is the best woods caliber, but like myself, there is a good chance he's not in a position to run out and buy a 44 mag, or he wouldn't be asking this question.

[Ah Pook]

I don't disagree, and I doubt the OP is under a false pretense that the 45 acp is the best woods caliber, but like myself, there is a good chance he's not in a position to run out and buy a 44 mag, or he wouldn't be asking this question.
I'm not saying you or he should. I'd be interested in seeing some hotter .45 loads that are designed for more than soft tissue damage.

[funkymonkey1111]

consider the 450 SMC--approaching 10mm performance

http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.php?route=product/category&path=303_354

[ClangClang]

Wow. Just looked it up. 1120 FPS out of a 6" barrel for 641 ft lbs. Wow again. I don't think I was aware of any .45 that even hit the upper 500 ft lbs.

[68Charger]

The 450 SMC looks very much like .45 Super... which will also chamber & fire in a .45ACP firearm

next step up would be .460 Rowland- but AFAIK, there is not a conversion for the FNX-45 yet (requires chamber reaming, porting/comp & heavier recoil spring)

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
80 gr (5 g) 3,050 ft/s (930 m/s) 1,680 ft·lbf (2,280 J)
185 gr (12 g) JHP 1,560 ft/s (480 m/s) 1,000 ft·lbf (1,400 J)
230 gr (15 g) JHP 1,340 ft/s (410 m/s) 930 ft·lbf (1,260 J)
230 gr (15 g) FMJ 1,340 ft/s (410 m/s) 930 ft·lbf (1,260 J)
300 gr (19 g) (Revolver Only) 1,350 ft/s (410 m/s) 1,230 ft·lbf (1,670 J)
Test barrel length: 5.5 in

I don't know how strong the FNX frame is, so I don't know how it would hold up.

[encorehunter]

consider the 450 SMC--approaching 10mm performance

http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.php?route=product/category&path=303_354


Thank you. I just ordered 3 boxes to try it out.