These new “Dangerous Game” (DG) loads are super high quality, very powerful, and live up to their namesake.
MONO-METAL BULLETS
Mono-metal bullets offer several advantages over typical non-expanding hard cast bullets, though they come with a few disadvantages as well. Depending on your usage, these pros and cons may vary in importance.
- Advantages:
- Cleaner burning and firing than hard cast bullets
- Resist nose profile smearing when hitting large bones at close range/high velocity
- Maintain better straight-line penetration
- Disadvantages:
- Higher cost
- Reduced case capacity due to bullet length
Mono-metal bullets made of copper or brass alloys are lightweight for their length. For example, the 380 gr. bullet used in the DG 45-70 load is as long as a 500+ gr. hard cast bullet, depending on alloy. This reduces propellant space in the casing, requiring careful selection of propellants that deliver needed velocity without exceeding 43,000 PSI.
Case capacity issues are even more pronounced in smaller casings like the 44 Mag. Lead-based bullets, being heavier for their length, allow for more propellant space. With proper propellant selection, excellent velocity can still be achieved with long-for-weight mono-metal bullets.
Flat-nosed, lightweight mono-metal bullets penetrate far deeper—and in a straight line—than typical lead-based bullets of similar weight.
Velocity Data:
- 1,275 fps — Freedom Arms model 83, 454 Casull, 6-inch barrel
- 1,260 fps — Ruger Large Frame Vaquero, 5.5-inch barrel
- 1,480 fps — Bowen/Large Frame Ruger conversion (1957 manufacture), 4.75-inch barrel
- 1,480 fps — Marlin 1894, 20-inch barrel
This Dangerous Game 45 Colt +P load is effective on larger animals up to 2,500 lbs. However, bullet placement remains critical.
Important: These Heavy .45 Colt +P loads are NOT intended for the New Model Vaquero.
