.45-90 Fans

[crs]

.45-90 fans;

Check the Jan-Feb 2012 issue of Texas Sporting Journal for the cover story by David Sefton about how he had to use his .45-90 Sharps to kill a rogue bull elephant after three .458 Win Mag bullets had failed to penetrate!
I could tell you more, but then you would not enjoy the story of the hunt so much.
_________________________
Link to text of story:
http://www.africanhuntinggazette.com/in ... &Itemid=25

[kimwcook]

I don't get the journal and read as far as they'd let me, but obviously not to the conclusion. Maybe a little later you can fill us all in.

[JerryB]

When you can, post the story for us.

[crs]

I would have posted the story, but last time I did that, the story was removed and I was scolded abut copyright laws or some such.
I will give a one paragraph summary as soon as I get a chance.

[madman4570]

Whole story!
Don't think posting a viewable "Link" put out for everyone to view infringes any CWL
Have at it!
http://www.africanhuntinggazette.com/in ... &Itemid=25

[crs]

Thanks for the link , madman. Even without all the pictures, that is the gist of the story.
I wish the author had provided more info on the .458 WM ammo solids that failed to penetrate, but, at least he used top notch bullets in his .45-90.

[Griff]

Very good.

[Mike D.]

What a freaking frightening situation to find oneself in. The 'ol .458 couldn't cut it, but the ancient .45-90 did the job. Glad I wasn't there, I'd have schat myself.

[86er]

When I used the 45-90 in Zambia it was an 1886, not a single shot. A single shot is okay for a client to use but not for a PH or "Game Ranger" (who I was assisting). The 405 and 430 grain PUNCH bullets were outstanding on 2 elephant and 2 buffalo. The 450 grain Kodiak Solid was good for buffalo but not good for elephant. In spite of being a full jacketed "solid" it mushroomed on the elephants head and looked like a premium expanding bullet would. The 405 and 450 Kodiak Bonded Core Soft Points worked very well on buffalo and I used a 300 grain Nosler Partition on the leopard. The 45-90 that shoots at least a 400 grain bullet at 2100+ fps proved more than sufficient for buffalo at close-medium range the the solids with the same specs were great on elephant head shots at close range. I only shot one shot into an elephants body, and that was when one hit by the Game Ranger turned to run away. I hit the top of the hip with a PUNCH (I think that one was a 430 grain) and it broke the pelvis and knocked down the bull, where it was quickly hit again in the vitals. I still don't think 45-90 is ideal for African dangerous game, but with the right loading I like it enough that I'd use it again and feel very comfortable with my clients using it. There are many accounts of the 458 Win Mag performance with standard factoryh ammo that demonstrate it to be a sub-standard performer with results far behind those I've seen from 45-90. The bullet/load makes all the difference!

[madman4570]

When I used the 45-90 in Zambia it was an 1886, not a single shot. A single shot is okay for a client to use but not for a PH or "Game Ranger" (who I was assisting). The 405 and 430 grain PUNCH bullets were outstanding on 2 elephant and 2 buffalo. The 450 grain Kodiak Solid was good for buffalo but not good for elephant. In spite of being a full jacketed "solid" it mushroomed on the elephants head and looked like a premium expanding bullet would. The 405 and 450 Kodiak Bonded Core Soft Points worked very well on buffalo and I used a 300 grain Nosler Partition on the leopard. The 45-90 that shoots at least a 400 grain bullet at 2100+ fps proved more than sufficient for buffalo at close-medium range the the solids with the same specs were great on elephant head shots at close range. I only shot one shot into an elephants body, and that was when one hit by the Game Ranger turned to run away. I hit the top of the hip with a PUNCH (I think that one was a 430 grain) and it broke the pelvis and knocked down the bull, where it was quickly hit again in the vitals. I still don't think 45-90 is ideal for African dangerous game, but with the right loading I like it enough that I'd use it again and feel very comfortable with my clients using it. There are many accounts of the 458 Win Mag performance with standard factoryh ammo that demonstrate it to be a sub-standard performer with results far behind those I've seen from 45-90. The bullet/load makes all the difference!

Given that Joe wouldn't a 450gr PUNCH bullet at say 2200+ fps in the .458 Win Mag be an ideal elephant brain stopper?
I would think Belt Mnt. would be all over it expanding their line rapidly for these guns???
Wonder how a .375H&H 350gr-380gr PUNCH would fare? I remember you saying I believe it was a 380gr North Fork being a real stopper?
Maybe now they are?? Same with the .416 cal

[86er]

Sure, a PUNCH would work great in the 458 WM at the right velocity. Grizzly Cartridge purchased the PUNCH rights from Belt Mt. last year. Mike will load 'em for you in just about anything they'll fit in.

[madman4570]

Sure, a PUNCH would work great in the 458 WM at the right velocity. Grizzly Cartridge purchased the PUNCH rights from Belt Mt. last year. Mike will load 'em for you in just about anything they'll fit in.

That is the ticket right there.(whatever cost)----cheap insurance!
Thanks!

[yooper2]

Wow, what a story. I can only hope to be able to hunt Africa one day.

Eric

[Borregos]

Enjoyed that, very well written, thanks for the link

[clampdaddy]

Very cool! I have a C. Sharps Arms 1874 Hartford model chambered in .45-2 7/8ths (aka 45-110). I always thought that it would sure be fun to use it on a hunt for something bigger than our little California deer.

[kimwcook]

Quite the story. The memory of a lifetime.

[Ji in Hawaii]

After reading this story as well as the thread I'm really tempted to ream the chamber my 45-70 "Smelly Nelly" to 45-90. There is enough room in the magazine for a cartridge of 3.05" in total length.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/gibbs_summit.htm

[crs]

Ji,
Go for it! With a bolt action, the reaming should be very straightforward.
Also, the factory .45-70 ammo shoots fine in my 1886 .45-90.

[kimwcook]

Also, the factory .45-70 ammo shoots fine in my 1886 .45-90.

Mine too.