Got some questions about my Underhammer

[Murphinator]

I recently picked up and 1853 Enfield (Original 1862) and a Hopkins and Allen Underhammer. The .577 Enfield is old and will most likely be expensive to shoot with and hunt with so I decided to try out the Underhammer. The H&A is a .45 caliber rifle with 2 barrels. One is 24" and one is 31", I will use the 31" for deer hunting. I picked up some .440 hornady round balls and some .015" patches and its a real pin gun. I am constantly hitting the target in at least a 2-3" group out to 100 yards. My concern is its knockdown power. I will be hunting on Maryland's eastern shore so the deer dont really get heavier than 150lbs. My question is will the .45 caliber 128gr round ball be enough to humanely take a deer at say 50 or 60 yards ? I know people do it and .45 was the rifle back in the 1700s and early 1800s but is it worth takin this rifle out there or should I find a .50 cal or take out the Enfield ?

 

[R Ellis]

It is plenty enough gun and then some will penetrate completely through

 

[nit wit]

. 45 was not as popular as you think in the 17 and early 1800's. .38 cal was common and they used less powder than we do today. Lung/heart shots are key.
Nit Wit

 

[sheriff john]

Plenty good for accuracy & power for whitetails. Good gun for a rainy day hunt and ambidextrous to boot. 50 year H&A owner/shooter.

 

[hanshi]

I've killed deer up to 75 yards with my .45 H&A Heritage model underhammer I bought over 55 years ago.

 

[sheriff john]

You mentioned having two barrels. Be aware the pin that holds the barrel to the receiver is tapered. It is possible to put it back the wrong way (well, partially). Confess to doing that. Just creating an awareness so others don't make the same mistake.

Also, the wrist of the stock can be cracked/broken if too much force is used seating a ball. Not many spare parts around these days. Lesson learned the hard way. Simple, accurate rifles. I like 'em.

 

[Murphinator]

I've killed deer up to 75 yards with my .45 H&A Heritage model underhammer I bought over 55 years ago.

Good to know thanks for sharing your experiences with the rifle. I was kinda worried .45 wasnt gonna be enough. All the people I hunt with were tellin me .50 cal was the smallest that could ethically knock down deer. But my state (Maryland) allows as low as a .40 caliber.

 

[trader82325]

Just read your old post..5 antelope with my UH Hopkins and Allen..45 cal. round ball. 3 recovered on the offside skin when cleaning. 60-70 yds, just sayin'

 

[BS]

It's all about shot placement!

 

[Bad Karma]

I recently picked up and 1853 Enfield (Original 1862) and a Hopkins and Allen Underhammer. The .577 Enfield is old and will most likely be expensive to shoot with and hunt with so I decided to try out the Underhammer. The H&A is a .45 caliber rifle with 2 barrels. One is 24" and one is 31", I will use the 31" for deer hunting. I picked up some .440 hornady round balls and some .015" patches and its a real pin gun. I am constantly hitting the target in at least a 2-3" group out to 100 yards. My concern is its knockdown power. I will be hunting on Maryland's eastern shore so the deer dont really get heavier than 150lbs. My question is will the .45 caliber 128gr round ball be enough to humanely take a deer at say 50 or 60 yards ? I know people do it and .45 was the rifle back in the 1700s and early 1800s but is it worth takin this rifle out there or should I find a .50 cal or take out the Enfield ?

Yes the 45 is enough gun. The enfield wouldn’t really be expensive to feed or hunt with. Of course it will use more lead but the charges would probably be similar. If it’s in shooting condition I would shoot it. At least once!

 

[stubshaft]

Absolutely nothing lacking with a 45 PRB! I have taken a number of Deer, Sheep and hogs with it.

 

[smokepolehall]

While i have not owned n shot an UnderHammer, i am building one from a kit. My barrel will be a 7/8" in a .40 with a 1:24 twist. I do have several .45's n have killed some tick toters with them n prb's with 3 f black 50-70 gr loads. I feel a .45 is decent out to the 75 yard area