I keep reading conflicting info on loads for this gun,called FA and they said shoot anything thats published in the reload manuals for Rugers, anyone out there have much real experience with one of these. I'm looking for a load for deer, bear, and hogs in the 175 to 300 lb. range. From what i'm reading this looks like a 280-300 grain bullet, the only problem is i don't want to beat the gun to death with it. I know i could get a larger heavier gun for this but i backpack hunt a lot in New Mexico in higher altitudes and the weight of this gun is perfect. thanks,craiginok.

Craig,

Our new .45-280gWFNGC and the .45-300gWFNGC and PB versions both work supberbly in the FA97's. Personally I prefer the 280g bullet, as it provides ample penetratoin/knock-down while affording loads with managable recoil levels and they don't punish either the gun or shooter!

Here's the link to some info on the 45-280gWFNGC:

http://beartoothbullets.com/open_sight/archive_open_sight.htm/19

Thanks for the post!

God Bless,

Marshall, thanks for the info and link. In the article i noted a 1.675 col., my cylinder is only 1.625 long, i need a col. of 1.600 or mabe a tad more. Would i crimp the 280 ahead of the groove ? How would this affect accuracy ? what speeds do i need to drive these at for a happy combination of accuracy,long range flatness, and not beat the gun to death ???? thanks, craiginok.

craiginok,

Actually I guess I should have taken more time with my loads using that bullet. I'm shooting Ruger revolvers where COL isn't a big issue where it is in the FA97.

Too, I hate trimming brass, so in looking at my notes, the brass used in those tests was around 1.291" which is .016" longer than specified trim length for the cases. Too, I also didn't seat the bullet all the way down where the brass seated into the upper-most portion of the generous crimp groove. Had I held all dimensions to minimum tolerances, then of course the COL would have been within your specified needs for the FA97. We have several customers using this bullet in this particular application, and yes, trim length is critical in these guns, with this bullet, but the fit is nothing short of perfection for the light little five-hole 97's when all is held to dimensional minimum tolerances.

Too in loading, I'm not sure what your long-range perameters might be for this light little FA97 five-shooter. If looking at a really pleasant load to shoot, I'd take a hard look at using W231 for about 1050 fps or so, which will deliver great accuracy, and at the same time all the trajectory necessary for responsible hunting ranges with a short-barreled revolver! Too, it will deliver terminal performance all out of proportion to its paper ballistics!

Hope this information helps!

God bless,