Don't rule out the .45 as an effective bigger game caliber.You can greatly increase the "Oomph" factor by using lead conical bullets instead of patched round balls.It's generally accepted that a 133gr.PRB is indeed a bit light for anything much bigger than deer,but you can equal and exceed the larger bores in terms of terminal ballistics,MV,ft./lbs of energy delivered,and with a flatter trajectory in part due to the higher BC of a .45 conical vs. say a .58 PRB of the same weight.
FWIW,I've loaded a .45 cal,325gr HP conical over 90gr FFFg for deer hunting with great results,big nasty holes,really thumps'em etc.....maybe a bit of overkill,but I like'em extra dead,lol.I would have no issue with using that load for moose or bears.By comparison,a typical,pure lead 54cal RB weighs 231gr(.535RB) and a .58 weighs in at 286gr(.575RB).
The only issue might be finding a flinter in .45 that has a suitable twist rate for stabilising conicals if you are set on buying new.Most of the major mfrs have all but dropped sidelocks from their offerings and focused on in-lines in recent years,and the few .45s that are available en-masse likely have a slower RB twist unless you were to buy a custom?That said,there are plenty of T/C Hawkens and other .45s out there on the used market with a compromise 1:48 twist that will stabilise both RBs and conicals effectively.
FWIW,I've loaded a .45 cal,325gr HP conical over 90gr FFFg for deer hunting with great results,big nasty holes,really thumps'em etc.....maybe a bit of overkill,but I like'em extra dead,lol.I would have no issue with using that load for moose or bears.By comparison,a typical,pure lead 54cal RB weighs 231gr(.535RB) and a .58 weighs in at 286gr(.575RB).
The only issue might be finding a flinter in .45 that has a suitable twist rate for stabilising conicals if you are set on buying new.Most of the major mfrs have all but dropped sidelocks from their offerings and focused on in-lines in recent years,and the few .45s that are available en-masse likely have a slower RB twist unless you were to buy a custom?That said,there are plenty of T/C Hawkens and other .45s out there on the used market with a compromise 1:48 twist that will stabilise both RBs and conicals effectively.
