May have the chance to hunt Mt Lion with an outfitter friend this winter, will be hunting over dogs so long range performance isn't an issue. I have a ruger #1A in 30-06 that has not been seeing much use lately, thinking about scoping it out with a leupold 1-4x20 and working up some 30-30 type loads for close range work. I was wondering if any of you learned gentlemen might have some ideas for powders to try. I'm thinking a 150 grain flatpoint or round nose at less than 2500 fps might be the ticket, any suggestions?
Cougar Load Project
- Thread starter Tobey284
- Start date
CatskillCrawler
Handloader
- Jul 30, 2011
- 1,205
- 4
I've loaded 150gr BTs with 44.0gr of IMR-3031 for my friend for a Savage 110 that was very mild. Didn't have a chrony at that time but we were figuring 2700-2750-ish. It was very accurate. Not sure how slow you can go with the 30-06.
Maybe Trail Boss or Unique will get you somewhere but I don't have any data for them. They seem to be popular when using cast bullets.
Maybe Trail Boss or Unique will get you somewhere but I don't have any data for them. They seem to be popular when using cast bullets.
Wincheringen
Handloader
- Jan 10, 2012
- 931
- 1
I like a .22 WMR for Lions. If you're planning on having it mounted you should think very carefully about how big of a hole you want in it.
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,459
- 9,292
I think a 150 gr 30-30 bullet at 2500 fps is going to open up fast. I think I would go for a more robust bullet and stay off the big bones.
JD338
JD338
Tobey284":1txzxojo said:
Well if it was me and shooting a treed cat I would go with a centerfire .224 and the nosler Partition 60 grain. If you have a .223 you are set small hole going in and if there is one coming out it will be small too. At close range you will have more than enough shock with a lung shot and that bullet at .223 speeds. At couger size that 60 grain Partition should not exit and dump all of it's energy in the cats lungs heart area.
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,836
- 6,312
That little .30-06 Number One sure sounds like a great rifle for carrying though... Dang.
Never shot a mountain lion, have been fortunate enough to come across a very few of them in my lifetime. Amazing animals.
Given my inventory, I'd probably carry the lever action .30-30, or just go with one of my handguns. Something light, so I'd at least have a chance of getting to the cat in the tree.
Never shot a mountain lion, have been fortunate enough to come across a very few of them in my lifetime. Amazing animals.
Given my inventory, I'd probably carry the lever action .30-30, or just go with one of my handguns. Something light, so I'd at least have a chance of getting to the cat in the tree.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,502
- 6,506
A lever action 30-30 or a Ruger No. 1 30-06 would be excellent for treed lions.
- Thread starter
- #9
Thanks for the suggestions, Speer shows some starting loads for 165 grainers in 2300 fps neighborhood, might stick with a soft spitzer and slow it down for close range work. Don't want to shred the cat but don't want him thinking about me when he hits the ground either.
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,459
- 9,292
Tobey284":srs8gd67 said:
That should work well with out excessive trauma to the off side. Just stay off the big bones and you should be fine.
Good luck on your hunt. Post a picture of the kitty cat. :grin:
JD338
My old man shot two lions. Both times he used a 30-30 with 170's. Being a taxidermist, he was always worried about holes in the hide. The 30-30 barely hurts a thing. Usually, the cats aren't looking to fight much when they hit the ground. They always looked like anything with any power at all would knock them hard. Kind of a glass jaw.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,502
- 6,506
He does some fine work, Scotty. Those cougar are pretty dramatic.
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,387
- 3,293
Cool puddy cats Scott!
Woodycreek
Handloader
- Aug 2, 2007
- 2,240
- 0
SJB358":1hxr5wab said:My old man shot two lions. Both times he used a 30-30 with 170's. Being a taxidermist, he was always worried about holes in the hide. The 30-30 barely hurts a thing. Usually, the cats aren't looking to fight much when they hit the ground. They always looked like anything with any power at all would knock them hard. Kind of a glass jaw.
He really does great work with some cool scenes!
My old man shot two lions. Both times he used a 30-30 with 170's.
While I haven't hunted lion yet, I have often wanted to do such. Something like the above stated, was my first thought. Then too,,,, a loaded down 300-350 cast in the .45-70, would do me as well. Thinking in that 1200-1300 fps range for that consideration, be bout right. I don't think there would be much in the way of hide damage.
Those are some nice mounts Scotty!
While I haven't hunted lion yet, I have often wanted to do such. Something like the above stated, was my first thought. Then too,,,, a loaded down 300-350 cast in the .45-70, would do me as well. Thinking in that 1200-1300 fps range for that consideration, be bout right. I don't think there would be much in the way of hide damage.
Those are some nice mounts Scotty!
nvbroncrider
Handloader
- Aug 20, 2011
- 3,085
- 4
I know they use shotguns a bunch around here for lions. Especially the river cats when they get holed up in the willows.
