American Derringer in 45 Mag

[Patton]

I found a deal ($235) on an American Derringer but it is a 45 Winchestr Mag. What would you do. I can reload but I doubt I would ever find brass for it. Even if I were to find factory ammo it is as hot as 44mag. I have never seen barrels for sale for American Derringers either

[Garufa]

It sounds thoroughly unpleasant to shoot.  That and the ammo/brass availability would run me off.

[Patton]

I couldn't imagine shooting full power mag loads. 20,000 psi loads like 45acp recipe would be the max. I was disappointed to see that replacement barrels are almost nonexistent.

[gregintenn]

I'm good at finding "deals" like that myself. :D   I don't expect it would be too hard to find more ammo for it than you'll want to shoot in it.

[Patton]

I was thinking 2 familiarization rounds and then 2 to carry hoping to never use it. Apparently it has less ft lbs of energy than a 44mag but barely. Edited March 25, 2013 by Patton

[Dolomite_supafly]

I wonder if you could rechamber it in 45 Long Colt and then use cowboy loads. It would make finding brass easier but would probablt add $100 to the cost.

[Spots]

That same company makes a .45-70 derringer. Drool

Sent from the backwoods of Nowhere

[Patton]

I wonder if you could rechamber it in 45 Long Colt and then use cowboy loads. It would make finding brass easier but would probablt add $100 to the cost.

I have wondered the same thing. The 45 Win Mag is a rimless round. I would have to have the barrel recessed as well.

[Mykltn]

Buy it. Its a 45 mag derringer! That's just sick! Lol.

[Mykltn]

Btw, according to American Derrenger those sell for $700 new. Just saying.

[Patton]

Yeah I know. Just because they sell them for that doesn't mean people want to buy them for that. I have been running scenarios through my head. Buy the derringer and buy a box of ammo. Find someone reloading .45acp to pull the bullets and reduce the charge. I will shoot a few for familiarity and save the others. Maybe one day I could pick up a 45acp or 45lc/410 barrel. I can't imagine the barrels are cheaper than $150 though.

[roverboy]

Would a .45 ACP chamber and fire in it? A .45 Mag. looks a lot like a lengthened ACP. If that would work, it would solve the ammo problem. At least if it was mine anyway.

[Dolomite_supafly]

The 45 ACP headspaces on the rim so the longer chamber of the magnum will allow the ACP to go too deep to fire.

 

I would grab it and just chamber it in 45 LC.

[Mykltn]

I'd buy ammo and pack it as a back up. But seeing as I already have an American Derringer DA38, a Bond Arms Snake slayer with the 45colt/410 and 45acp barrels, I really don't need another big bore derringer. But damn it would be fun to shoot.

[Patton]

I have completely decided against it. Replacement barrels are $260 so I would have to rechamber it or find brass and reload for it. That means finding large primers and 45acp rounds. If I could get it rechambered for $100 I would be sitting in it good.

[Kevo]

Where is it? :) Do they have lay-a-way?

[Mike.357]

_{sounds like a good deal for the seller.  you could buy a Hi Point in a normal caliber for less.}

[Guest warhwkbb]

I have a supply of 45Win Mag cases you could "borrow".  I would use 45acp load data and see how they shoot.  Starline normally stocks 45Win Mag cases, so if you wanted to borrow some until a backorder gets filled, let me know.  Standard 45acp dies work just fine.  Midway is expecting new stock of Starline 45WM this week.  http://www.midwayusa.com/product/941426336/starline-reloading-brass-45-winchester-magnum

Edited March 30, 2013 by warhwkbb

[Caster]

230g cast boolit over a couple or three grains of Bullseye.  No worries of a squib.  I'd keep working up until I find the point where it starts to become uncomfortable and/or inaccurate.....if accuracy and derringer can ever actually go together.

[Patton]

After passing on that American Derringer I have thought about it ever since. I stumbled across a well used American Derringer m-7 at a fair price the other day. The M-7 is an all aluminum model weighing 7.5oz, this one was in 380. I almost passed because it wasn't a larger caliber. I am glad I got it and the .380 doesn't bother me, it recoils a lot. I would say it recoils considerably more than my NAA mag and is still a hair bigger but still smaller than my LCP.

[JAB]

After passing on that American Derringer I have thought about it ever since. I stumbled across a well used American Derringer m-7 at a fair price the other day. The M-7 is an all aluminum model weighing 7.5oz, this one was in 380. I almost passed because it wasn't a larger caliber. I am glad I got it and the .380 doesn't bother me, it recoils a lot. I would say it recoils considerably more than my NAA mag and is still a hair bigger but still smaller than my LCP.

 

Because of the Kel Tec P3AT, Ruger's Little Copied Pistol and other pocket .380s a whole lot of ammo R&D has gone in to creating .380 ammo that will 'work' from a short barrel in the last, few years.  I imagine you'll be able to find something that suits your needs in the Derringer.

[Guest Lowbuster]

I have a 38 derringer and it's defiantly got a kick. Accurate to about 10-15 ft and it won't hold shot shells. But for last resort is what I got it for.

[Caddy096]

On 3/26/2013 at 7:58 PM, Mykltn said:

I'd buy ammo and pack it as a back up. But seeing as I already have an American Derringer DA38, a Bond Arms Snake slayer with the 45colt/410 and 45acp barrels, I really don't need another big bore derringer. But damn it would be fun to shoot.

Still have the snake slayer? I’ve purchased 2 of them and a grizzly recently and would love another. 413 537 5543 thanks!

[JustEd]

Think for display or as a conversation starter