Now that is a possibility and of course a much wiser choice. I have a number of 45 Colt revolvers, one I just shot yesterday, a 1939 Colt New Service, using an old Elmer Keith load of 9 grains of Unique powder under a 260 grain cast 454 bullet. I would have no problem dropping a deer or elk if the bullet was placed in the right place. Another I shot yesterday was a Freedom Arms Model 97 lightweight 5 shot, also in 45 Colt. I have shot that one with some 300 grain cast bullets and would feel comfortable using it if necessary on a charging bear. It does not handle those cartridges well though due to a very heavy recoil. Those 300 grain bullets are more likely to be used in either one of two Ruger Bisley 45 Colt revolvers I have. Those bullets would give great penetration but of course would have to be placed well on a charging bear. Even a shot from a heavy rifle would have to be placed correctly on a charging bear.

I like your terminology of 45 Long Colt. Many say it is not a proper name for the old 1873 Colt cartridge but I think it is properly named. The shorter 45 cartridge of the time would have been the 45 Schofield, shorter than the Long Colt and used in the Smith and Wesson top break revolver.

We really need to get together to do some shooting and fishing.

One more comment is my personal 1911-A1 series 70 45 ACP has Smith and Wesson adjustable rear sights installed by an old gunsmith in the 1970's, James Hoag. It was somewhat common at the time and was a great addition to a 1911 giving it target sights but very low on the slide. I carried it off duty most of the time back in the 70's.

Dennis