Contest open to U.S. residents only. Elmer Keiths custom Colt single action was used to develop his heavy 44 Special loads in the late 1920s, and for a long time the 45 Colt cartridge was accused of being weak. I usually select an expander ball that is at least .003 to .004 inch smaller than bullet diameter, which helps prevent bullets from jumping crimp and aids in achieving consistent powder ignition. It shoots VERY well, the recoil is tolerable, and it cuts a clean hole in both targets and small game. Cast RCBS 45-270-SAA bullets are generally loaded to an overall length of 1.650 inches to not over 1.655 inches, utilizing the full length of the Colt cylinder. Load up some Low Recoil handloads. The Complete Reloading Manual For The 45 Colt Item Preview remove-circle Share or Embed This Item. http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/ad.php?t=78528, http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi&id=1465047205, Vintage Boxes - Gear, Shell, Case, Primer, Group Buys Design, Active , Waiting and Archives, Closed Buys/Waiting for delivery/in shipment, If this is your first visit, be sure to During my early teenage years I acquired a beautiful pre-World War II Colt SAA .45 that was customized by one of the masters during the 1920s. Actually, we can divide 45 Colt sixguns into several reloading levels, and I have moderated these somewhat over the past several years, with the first two levels being very close together. The company also distributes IMR and Winchester powders as well as Goex black powder. I would think that the load you are using would be safe. Published .45 Colt rifle data tends to use the same medium burning powders as non Ruger .45 Colt revolver data, with 255 gr bullet velocities around 1100 fps - about 200 fps faster than in a revolver. The other problem, that of cylinder throat diameters, centers around the fact that they vary considerably. I certainly dont know of anything in the lower 48 that cannot be handled with this load. The performance level is pretty close to the original Black Powder load but far more effective due to the bullet I use. Sep 8, 2016 (Edited) Greetings, recently I received a quantity of .45 185 gr LSWC's. No substitutions or transfers to third parties allowed. The new 9mm suppressor can mount easily to any pistol barrel threaded x28 inches and doesn't compromise on sound suppression, gas blowback or recoil. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. These can be safely driven to 1,200 fps in the Ruger Blackhawk. Share to Facebook. Reddings excellent Dual Ring Carbide sizing die was used to prep cases as it works the case less, results in longer case life, seems to improve accuracy and eliminates the Coke bottle shape forward of the head. We were soon shooting 300-grain bullets at 1,200 fps from a 7.5-inch-barreled Ruger revolver. The 45 Colt also predates the 38 Special, the 44 Special, and the 45 ACP, and not only is it more than 80 years older than the 44 Magnum, but it also has more case capacity and in the proper sixguns can outrank the 44 Magnum. By the standards of the day when it arrived in 1873, and even to this day, the 45 Colt was and is a powerful cartridge. The other problem, that of cylinder throat diameters, centers around the fact that they vary considerably. It didnt take long for manufacturers to offer heavier bullets, and two of the best came from NEI. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM February 2023, P.O. Some time in the early part of the 20th century wadcutter bullets arrived. In addition to outstanding terminal performance and accuracy in guns with correct internal dimensions, it offers low pressures, mild muzzle report and controllable recoil, all of which make it especially practical for an outdoorsman who uses a sixgun daily. A gun with these internal dimensions offers a much fairer assessment of the accuracy potential of all data. The new-for-2023 lineup includes ultralight hunting stocks and a VGA 2-pound adjustable vertical-grip stock. When tactical lights first came out, we all thought the 50 lumens they offered was astounding and could never get better. A Modern rifle should handle these loads equally as well, such as the Winchester Model 94. All entries must be received by giveaway end date. Yes, these loads in this rifle could be stretched farther, however for feral pigs or white tail deer from a stand one would rarely have to shoot any farther than this. The top of the can says NOT FOR HANDGUN LOADS. Contest open to U.S. residents only. (See note on NEW Nitro 100 powder at bottom of page). Colt single actions are right around 0.454 inch. Today the throats of most Colt revolvers measure .457 to .458 inch, which is the same dimension used by Smith & Wesson during the late 1970s, Uberti and others. For the 45 Colt, I especially prefer the 250-grain RNFP and the 255-grain SWC. About 1200+ fps in the 7.5 SBH, 1150fps out of the 4" Redhawk. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. However, this approach causes some bullet deformation by being shortened, then sized down in the barrel, which still leaves accuracy potential on the table. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. Keith bullet, the Lee 452-255-rf 250gr bullet and the RCBS 45-270-SAA for .45 Colt. Weights in parenthesis are as-cast from wheelweights. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. The powder that has the lowest velocities are produced by Trailboss which also has the advantage of filling up the 45LC case. Share to Reddit. The same load in a Jim Stroh custom 5-1/2 Bisley has the same accuracy with more . I also have been having good luck lately with 10.0 grains of HS-6 and 250- to 260-grain bullets, which duplicates the performance of the early black powder loads. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. In spite of the above factory loads featuring the old Government bullet profile with a relatively small meplat, they are still effective. I didnt think I could shoot this well! All Rights Reserved. Pyrodex P is the equivalent of Triple-F or FFFg black powder. The individual accessing this site assumes the risk of safe loading practices. Custom five-shooters built on the Ruger Blackhawk, the Ruger Redhawk, and the Freedom Arms Model 83 top the list. Others are the New Model Blackhawks, the Bisley Model, the Redhawk, and the Super Redhawk. By the standards of the day when it arrived in 1873, and even to this day, the 45 Colt was and is a powerful cartridge. I use the same industry measurement as the .45 ACP .470 inch. Then something dramatic happened in 1869: Smith & Wesson brought forth the 44 American sixgun that used fixed ammunition. For example, the most recent Speer Reloading Manual Number 15 states, Prior to 1945, most .45 Colt revolvers had a bore diameter of .454 inch. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. SWC), 853 (Powder UP see note) (Hi=872.5 Lo=827.5 Spread=45 fps)(some unburned powder), 802 (Powder DOWN see note) (Hi=809.2 Lo=792.6 Spread=16.6 fps). We are blessed to have many excellent cartridges and sixguns available to us, but it would be hard to find any cartridge that is as versatile as the old 45 Colt. Below you'll find some basic data for each cartridge to help get you started. Bad Idea! The accompanying standard- pressure handloads are within SAAMI guidelines of 14,000 psi, making them suitable for modern Colt SAA revolvers and all guns chambered in .45 Colt that are designed to fire smokeless powder ammunition. But keep in mind, both Lyman and Alliant publish only standard pressure loads for the 45 Colt. No substitutions or transfers to third parties allowed. Ruger's multi-role small frame autoloading rifle - Sear - combines AR-10 power with AR-15 Portability. I have used them to take big game, including mule deer and bears. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Because case capacity is large, trying to produce lighter loads with slow-burning powders can give very poor results. It is an excellent compromise between the 250- and 300-grain cast bullets. (II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. The final level includes custom five-shot Rugers and the Freedom Arms Model 83. In the large .45 case, a large difference has been noted in speeds. The more powerful loads are only suitable for strong handguns like the Ruger Blackhawk and the Thompson Center Contender. Moving up to 22.0 grains increases the muzzle velocity to 1,300 fps and then 24.0 grains is right at 1,400 fps with both putting three shots in at 45 yards. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, State Agency: flatpoint Keith-style bullets. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. (II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. If reliable expansion is desired, consider 230-grain JHP bullets designed for the .45 ACP or the Hornady 225-grain FTX, which can be pushed close to 1,000 fps while staying within pressure guidelines. Note that the Ruger New Vaquero uses a smaller frame and cylinder It is becoming more popular with the Cowboy Action Shooting since it is a mild load and can be shot in the guns chambered for the .45 Colt. There were no 45 Colt heavyweight bullets available at the time, so we sized down 300-grain 45-70 bullets in several stages, going from around 0.460 inch to 0.452 inch. Contest void where prohibited by law. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, State Agency: Before I discuss handloads for the 45 Colt, we have to acknowledge there exists such a wide range of revolvers accepting the 45 Colt that great care must be used in assembling loads and choosing which guns will safely accept them. Cast bullets can be sized to .455 inch (assuming the mould casts bullets large enough), which again helps to reduce bullet tilting in the throat. I use my Winchester and Marlin Trappers for relatively close-range shooting. Technical Specifications (based on the respective safety standard - see more details in tab "Datasheet" if available) Caliber: .45 Colt. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: For example, Lyman mould No. Guns with larger throats will usually produce improved accuracy when loaded with bullets that measure .454 to .456 inch. 11; firearms used: Universal Receiver & Ruger Blackhawk; barrel length: 7 1/2"; twist: 1-16"; groove dia. Make sure your gun can handle it before These two examples were produced in 1875 (left) and 1887 (below). Beginning in the early 1980s both Winchester and Marlin began offering .45 Colt leverguns. It is impossible to go wrong with the 45 Colt. HS7 is slowest of the group (Similar to 2400) I especially like the 260-grain Keith gas-check bullet which shoots exceptionally well using #4227, 20.0 grains is 1,115 fps for 5/8 and then it gets even better! This is a great all purpose load for the .45 Colt. The 45 Colt also predates the 38 Special, the 44 Special, and the 45 ACP, and not only is it more than 80 years older than the 44 Magnum, but it also has more case capacity and in the proper sixguns can outrank the 44 Magnum. For clarification, the above three, revolvers are completely original with barrels featuring the small rounded bead-type. about 175 fps and from 7 1/2 by 50 fps. For the 45 Colt this is the Single Action Army revolver. I did find a 225 grain jacketed bullet. sets maximum standards for cartridges; this standard must be set at a level safely usable in the weakest common denominator. No purchase necessary. I shot all kinds of bullets and powders from my 45 colt from 200gr to 350 gr trying to find something that was better than the other. Handgun Data. Lyman has been an important name for shooters for well over 100 years. The .45 Colt is rapidly approaching 150 years in existence, and it remains one of our finest, most useful, versatile and handloaded sixgun cartridges. Pyrodex is cleaner burning than black powder and results in less fouling of the barrel. Note that the "Ruger New Vaquero" uses a smaller frame and cylinder like original Colts. Contest void where prohibited by law. His 45 Colt bullet was #454424 and was available for decades from Lyman. When he died in 1862, the company was dedicated to producing the same percussion revolvers. Moving up to the second level, loads at around 1,000 fps with the same-weight bullet are used in the Colt New Frontier, Smith & Wesson Model 25/625, Ruger Flat-Top New Model, and the Ruger New Vaquero. For example, No. It basically started in the early 1870s as a round-nosed bullet given a slight flattened nose. Exactly the same grain size as with powder N320, N330 and N350 - only the porosity of the powder changes.The burning rate of the N340 is at the medium scale of Vihtavuori handgun powders - and as with powder N320, with N340 extremely clean burning and . I have measured Colt revolvers with throats that run from. I have found 5.0 grains of Clays under a 250-grain bullet delivers a very pleasant-shooting load at 725 fps and will group all its shots in 0.63 inch at 20 yards. My powders of choice are Clays, HP-38, HS-6, Universal, Trail Boss, H110, IMR 4227, W296, and W231. Before loading any ammunition for leverguns, I first make dummy rounds to be able to check both feeding through the action and chambering. The Lyman family of brands including Pachmayr, Mark 7 Reloading, TacStar, A-Zoom, Trius, Butch's, and Targ-Dots offers products to meet the needs of shooters and reloaders. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. John with the Winchester Trapper in .45 Colt; the neckerchief is My loading dies are from Lee, Lyman, and RCBS, and all of them give excellent service. As I have gotten older and my hands have become more tender, I find myself moderating my everyday shooting loads. For a heavier bullet with #4227 I use 22.0 grains with the 305-grain Lyman #454629 gas check at 1,315 fps while grouping in 5/8 for three shots. It was submitted to the U.S. Army in 1872 and would become known as the Colt Single Action Army, Model of 1873, Peacemaker, Model P, Thumb Buster and a host of other affectionate names. When crimped in its cannelure, the overall length still exceeds industry specifications at 1.652 inches. I load 7.5gr of HP38 in Starline brass and crimp in the crimp groove of each of these bullets. Instead of being overly large, Rugers have been way too tight, with some measuring around 0.449 inch, but now Ruger is cutting all cylinder throats at 0.451 to 0.452 inch. The Oregon Trail 250-grain RNFP bullet should be seated with an overall cartridge length of 1.570 to 1.580 inches, depending on case length. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. No substitutions or transfers to third parties allowed. This revolver and cartridge proved to be a great teacher as I learned how to shoot a big-bore single-action sixgun accurately. There are some excellent jacketed bullets available for use in the 45 Colt, including the Sierra 240-grain JHP, Hornady 250-grain XTP-JHP, and the Speer 260-grain JHP, all of which I prefer for deer-sized game. Rifle Data Here you will find load data for some of the most recent cartridges on the market, with more being added each week. I seat and crimp just over the bullet radius. A pair of Old Model Blackhawks with 4-5/8 and 4-3/4 barrels put five rounds in 1 at 20 yards while traveling at about 800 fps. Cartridge Filter By Bullet Weight Powder Type Recipes Members 4.5k Gender:Male Location:Dolores, Colorado Interests:All types of shooting, hunting, fishing, camping. All right are Reserved Reload Ammo, Reloading The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), Hi=670, Lo=521, ES=148 (too slow, wide spread), Hi=677, Lo=594, ES=8.3 (too slow, but good spread), Hi=673, Lo=594, ES=80 (too slow)(old formulation), 833 Hi=873, Lo=783, ES=90 (old formulation), 866 Hi= 890 Lo=855 ES=35 (good Cowboy load), 836 fps (powder pointing UP) (Hi=877.7 Lo=803.0 Spread=74.7 fps), 771 fps (powder pointing DOWN) (Hi=783.1 Lo=760.3 Spread=22.8 fps), Hi=622, Lo=491, ES=131 (WAY too slow-stuck bullet possible)(old formulation), Hi=750, Lo=735, ES=15 (good spread, should have used more powder), use 6.1 to 6.8 for normal Colt 45 loads (old formulation, use 7.7 to 8.6* for +P Ruger and T/C Only (old formulation, 871 Hi=938 Lo=797 ES=141 (Colt Anaconda 6), 1024 MAX+ (Actual in 7 1/2 bbl 250 gr.