Best 45 LC Ammo for a Derringer ?

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

Looking for suggestions for some good all around Ammo for a Bond Arms Derringer with a 3 Inch Barrel.

This would be for general "target" shooting and some simple defense.

I kind of like American Eagle (link below) but open to suggestions.

This would be my first Derringer.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_inf ... s_id/63678

[BigAl52]

Things that make you say ouch. CGF I think I might use some cowboy action loads in that to soften the recoil.

[PT7]

CGF, I've owned several BA derringers in various calibers, including .45LC and .357 Magnum. It is an excellent firearm in my book; about the best derringer on the market.

From my perspective, I've had some "ouch" experience shooting stout .357 magnums, but still manageable. The "ouch" factor depends most of all on the grip style you get. Here is a 3" BA derringer I would get today in .45LC:
https://www.bondarms.com/bond-arms-hand ... /#descPane This derringer is configured perfectly for what I like. It has the extended rubber grip, which is similar to a Hogue Tamer. Works great, holds the gun solid, and mitigates felt recoil. And of course, it's a blast shooting this over/under derringer.

As far as the .45 Colt ammo. I think the American Eagle would be fine. BTW, felt recoil for the .45 Colt is much less (to my thinking) than the .357 magnum for this handgun. I'd try whatever .45 and see what you like. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot the same ammo I now shoot in my 1874 Russian S/A top-break revolver, BHA 250gr RNFP Cowboy Action. In fact, I have shot this BHA in the Snake Slayer I had. Not a problem at all.

I'll look forward to find out what BA derringer you get, and how you like it after some range time. Enjoy!
PT7

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

PT7,

Great info, thanks. The Derringer I bought is a Rowdy. It's on the way to my FFL as we speak. Many have not heard of it yet, as it is pretty new. It's Bond Arms new lower price gun. It's the same Bond Arms quality, just not polished. It has a nice "dull" finish which I don't mind at all. Although some are suggesting a lower grain, I may just give the AE a try as you have mentioned.

Thanks again.

[Rifletom]

Either way, that ought to be sporty to shoot. Tell us what you think when you get/shoot it.

[PT7]

So you're going to be a rowdy cowboy. Very cool. I had looked at that model after the American Rifleman article about it was published May 2019. https://www.americanrifleman.org/articl ... l-pistols/ Over the years the high cost of the BA derringers was always at the top of the negatives list. Not too many other complaints at all about these handguns.

Of course, once a BA derringer is in your pocket, the other caliber barrels tend to show up, too. Part of the appeal of the interesting and efficient barrel-swap design. For my last derringer, I had a total of (if I recall correctly) seven calibers. Here's a thread I posted about my derringer and barrels back in Sept 2017. http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... s&start=10 Definitely a hoot to shoot!

Again, enjoy yours.
PT7

PT7,

Great info, thanks. The Derringer I bought is a Rowdy. It's on the way to my FFL as we speak. Many have not heard of it yet, as it is pretty new. It's Bond Arms new lower price gun. It's the same Bond Arms quality, just not polished. It has a nice "dull" finish which I don't mind at all. Although some are suggesting a lower grain, I may just give the AE a try as you have mentioned.

Thanks again.

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

PT7,

That's how I first learned about it, in our NRA magazine. Advertising does pay off, lol. Have been wanting one for many years now and had my eyes on a Snake Slayer for a good while, but when this Rowdy came out, I didn't hesitate.

I believe they are a pretty big hit as they are a little hard to find. Many dealers only have 1 or 2 in stock. Which was another reason to jump on one as the prices could very well go up in time.

I'll be reading your link as time allows, thanks.

I may just go for a 38/357 Barrel in the near future. But now that I think of it, that would be a good question. Can we get one with the non-polished Rowdy finish ?

[Ernie]

Have a Double Tap 45 ACP that I have fired 4 shots out of. Not a good grip and no way to change it. I knew I should stop after the first 2 but it carries 2 more in the grip and I wanted to know how it felt to fire all 4. The web of my thumb was sore for a week.

[fortyshooter]

I would go with a full wad cutter 200-230 gr. to get a little speed due to short barrel. Wad cutter make nice big hole in most things!
For my 3 inch CA Bulldog I run a custom 230 gr. almost full wad cutter. Forget Hornady XTP bullet as it doesn't expand at all at speeds under 900
FPS. If you can find some Speer .45 Colt Gold Dot ammo or bullets for loading that would be a great choice.

[PT7]

Good question. Have you looked at the BA matte barrels? Viewing the photos, seems that finish is similar to the Rowdy bead-blast finish. If you thought so, you can order a matte barrel in any length BA offers. Here is their availability statement. This was listed with the 3.5" matte finish barrel, which does come in .357MAG / .38SPL caliber.

*Gun Barrels are made to order - They will take 6-8 weeks processing time before they are shipped*
3.5" Inch Barrel caliber of your choice.

Very cool. Should be really a snap for you to add barrels to the Rowdy if you like the matte style. Have fun!

PT7

I may just go for a 38/357 Barrel in the near future. But now that I think of it, that would be a good question. Can we get one with the non-polished Rowdy finish ?

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

As PT7 knows, I shot my Bond Arms Rowdy for the first time last week. The American Eagle 45 LC 225's shot pretty good. Powerful, but yet a reasonable recoil. For the .410's I bought some Federal "Top Gun Sporting" 7 1/2 shots. Those were more powerful than the 225's but yet still a reasonable recoil. I believe I am going to try some HSM 45 LC 200's next. Just to see the difference and if something I may want to switch to. As we all know 45 LC Ammo ain't cheap, but I've been able to get some pretty good deals on them.

Would be interested in learning more about a less powerful .410. Something that can still kill a snake if necessary, but yet a little less powerful than the Top Guns above.

The gun itself is great. You can just feel and see the high quality built into them. My large hand fits it fine, but I will be adding Extended Grips to it in the near future.

For those not familiar with the Rowdy, check it out here:

https://www.bondarms.com/Rowdy-P8515.aspx

[Ernie]

Stopped in at the LGS today and found 2-45 LC and 1-357 Bond Rowdy derringers. Having read through this information I decided to bring one of the 45 LCs home. Owner showed me a box of Winchester 2 1/2" 410 shells with 6 pellets and 3 discs per shell for $11 but I passed on that until I get a chance to shoot the 45s first. Something about holding onto a gun with a 3" barrel with a 410 shell makes my hand hurt just thinking about it. Have you tried a 410 shell yet CGF?

[Ernie]

IMG_0704.jpeg (115.22 KiB) Viewed 6020 times

Here is a pic of mine

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

Have you tried a 410 shell yet CGF?

Yes, I shot some Federal Top Gun Sporting 7 1/2 shots. They were a little more powerful than the 45 LC 225's, but still not unreasonable. Hand didn't hurt at all and that is with the Stock Grips. I'll be getting some nice wood Extended Grips in the near future. These are great little guns. Every Derringer fan should have one.

[Ernie]

Interested in seeing your extended grips. Want to see how much it changes the profile, if it becomes harder to conceal.

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

Interested in seeing your extended grips. Want to see how much it changes the profile, if it becomes harder to conceal.

It won't add that much to it. Better grip for a larger hand and better looking in my opinion, but not really that big of a difference for conceal.

Here is the set I'm interested in (click onto both, the Grip and the Gun for a good idea of how they look):

https://www.bondarms.com/shop/grips/extended-grips/

There are many different styles to pick from though.

[Ernie]

Thanks for the information CGF. I bought some 2-1/2" 410 shells today to try when I can get out to the range. We will see.......

[Ernie]

Shot my Bond Arms Rough and Rowdy today with Winchester 2-1/2" PDX1 410 defender ammo today off hand one handed. It smarted a little but was not too bad. Shot 4 rounds and was surprised with the accuracy at 15 yards. Just shot at some clay targets so I don't have a target to show. This ammo has 3 discs and 12 BBs, would not like to be in front of this gun. Will have to get some kind of holster for carry purposes.

[Mags]

.
Ya the recoil on those is a bit much. Last time out with these I was shootin into a dry rot stump.

Shot my Bond Arms Rough and Rowdy today with Winchester 2-1/2" PDX1 410 defender ammo today off hand one handed. It smarted a little but was not too bad. Shot 4 rounds and was surprised with the accuracy at 15 yards. Just shot at some clay targets so I don't have a target to show. This ammo has 3 discs and 12 BBs, would not like to be in front of this gun. Will have to get some kind of holster for carry purposes.

[Ernie]

Found a holster sold by Bond Arms at Bucksnort Outfitters. BAD drivers holster, smooth lined, 3" for the Rowdy. Little pricey at $110 but they look like they conceal well and I wanted something better than just shoving the gun in my pocket. Will show a pic when it gets here probably next week. Did you get a holster CGF?
Sorry, it seems I hijacked your post.