45 colt, in a lever action. Useful?

[john 800]

I have a chance to buy a lever action 45 colt, looking at the ballistics, a 44 mag sure looks better as a brush deer rifle. Is a 45colt practical on whitetail? Or is it slower than ideal? I am kind of on the fence about it

 

[joshb]

It depends on which gun and if you reload. I bought a Rossi in 45 Colt and bought some factory rounds they had in the store. After firing a few of them, I realized they were pretty weak and started researching. I found out my gun also came chambered in 454 Casull, a much more powerful cartridge.
More research revealed a site where a bunch of guys were discussing this very issue and relayed their experiences with the Rossi. There is a load data section in my reloading manual that has heavier loads for modern Ruger guns. Using that data, I’m shooting 45 Colt loads that equal 44 Magnum power levels.
That experience sparked more interest in lever guns and I bought a new Ruger/Marlin in 44 Magnum. It cost me a grand but it’s a very nice accurate gun and worth every penny.
Do your research.

 

[nakneker]

What Josh said.

I have a 45 colt lever and love it. I don’t deer hunt with it but I can’t imagine it not doing the job with the right bullet and load. I also have a 44 mag Ruger Marlin, both are a lot of fun.

I also really enjoy loading some loads that are pretty tame to shoot. 45 Colt if a very versatile cartridge.

I shoot the 45 colt lever surpressed most of the time.

Is it useful? Very! Especially if you handload.