The key for best shooting is to size cast bullets accordingly and open the throats if necessary. Most of these are custom, tuned and have accounted for several head of big game. Contest open to U.S. residents only. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, State Agency: Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, State Agency: His #452490GC was originally made for the 45 Auto Rim cartridge for use in the Smith & Wesson 1950 Target revolver, but I also use the Thompson design, which weighs around 255 grains, for heavy-duty loads approaching the energy of the 44 Magnum in the Ruger Blackhawk. The Freedom Arms Model 97 also is in this group. 5, No.7, No. I have been pleasantly surprised by the Marlin Trapper. 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. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, State Agency: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, State Agency: Failure to do so could result in severe personal injury (or death) and/or property damage. (NOTE: Sections marked Ruger Only are not for the New Model Blackhawk Flat-Tops or the New Vaquero!) So if one used 40 grains by weight of Pyrodex when the chart called for 40 grains of black powder, the result would be an overloaded charge. With my alloys this bullet runs around 280 to 285 grains while at the same time having a slightly shorter nose than the original Keith design so it fits in all Colt cylinders. I use WLP primers. Most are either .451 (jacketed) or .452 (lead) and Sierra even makes jacketed bullets for the Colt SAA that are .4515 splitting the difference. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: Minnesota Deptartment of Natural Resources, State Agency: Use a COL at 1.572". Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, State Agency: The powder is Herco. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. They often equal or surpass the accuracy from my carefully tailored hand-cast bullets. Pet Loads and Handloader are registered trademarks of Wolfe Publishing Company. By this time Winchester had changed its name to USRAC (United States Repeating Arms Co.) and the Trappers were offered in two versions, a blued receiver or a case-colored receiver. S.A.A.M.I. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. That is, until I tried IMR 4227 with Lymans #452424 and a 20.0-grain load, and that combination produced one-hole groups. The standard groove diameter for the .45 Colt is .451 inch minimum and .452 inch maximum. and how they grouped at ther yrds. Technical Specifications (based on the respective safety standard - see more details in tab "Datasheet" if available) Caliber: .45 Colt. There are many outstanding cast bullets for the .45 Colt. With these bullets sized .452" and cast of 16 parts lead to 1 part tin, try this loading with 19.0 grains of WW-296 or 19.5 grains of H-110 in Star-line cases with Fed 155 primers and Bubba lube, or Javelina or NEI pistol lube. top notch work!! Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. The older was slower Fast-burning in pistol calibers. The day of the percussion revolver would soon be over, and even Colt could see the future and began converting 1860 cap-and-ball sixguns to fire cartridges. Most manufacturers have recognized the need to offer revolvers with correct throat dimensions including Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Uberti, USFA and others, but not Colt. No data for RX7 and this bullet in the 1886 Winchester & 1895 Marlin section. I can not find any reliable load data for Blue Dot with cast bullets. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. Unique and Universal still dont fill the case up as much as a yet slower powder (like No.9, AA5724, H-110/W296, AA5744, and Alliant 2400). Before loading any ammunition for leverguns, I first make dummy rounds to be able to check both feeding through the action and chambering. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. For example, Lyman mould No. These black-powder guns should not be fired with smokeless powder loads. Survival, Banned, Training, Load, reloading, powder Collection folkscanomy_defense; folkscanomy; additional_collections Language English. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, State Agency: Join over1 million subscribers and get the latest deals from HunterHub, Winchester USA Ready Large Pistol Primers Box of 1000 (10 Trays of 100), Remington Small Pistol Primers #1-1/2 Box of 1000 (10 Trays of 100), Federal Premium Gold Medal AR Match Grade Small Rifle Primers #GM205MAR Box of 1000 (10 Trays of 100), Winchester Small Rifle Primers #6-1/2 Box of 1000 (10 Trays of 100), Federal Premium Gold Medal Small Rifle Match Primers #205M Box of 1000 (10 Trays of 100), CCI Primers #209M Shotshell Magnum Box of 1000 (10 Trays of 100), Federal Premium Terminal Ascent Great Accuracy and Performance, Large Pistol Primers Or Small Pistol Primers- Things To Know Before You Buy, Enlighten yourself with Vital Information about the top tactical medicine in USA. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. (I) Giveaway ends May 31, 2023. 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. 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. There are many good jacketed bullets for the .45 Colt. Notes: cases: Winchester; trim-to length: 1.275"; primers: Winchester WLP; primer size: Large Pistol; Lyman shell holder: No. Colt191145. The only 456 bullet I am aware of is a conical made for Ruger Old Armys, so Lyman saying that is the right bullet for 45 Colt makes no sense. The .45 Colt is rapidly approaching 150 years in existence, and it remains one of our finest, most useful, versatile and handloaded sixgun cartridges. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, State Agency: The 45 Colt rim is smaller than the rim on a 45 Auto Rim. The original loading was a bullet of approximately 255 grains with a muzzle velocity of somewhere around 850 to 900 fps. Quality 300-grain jacketed bullets are also offered by all three of these manufacturers. Lyman 49 says reloader 7 has been a long time favorite for .45-70. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. Because case capacity is large, trying to produce lighter loads with slow-burning powders can give very poor results. It would also be excellent for a defense load. 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. Knowing this measurement for a given revolver is critical to select the correct components to achieve accuracy. .449 inch to .460 inch, and Smith & Wessons from .451 to .458 inch. (NOTE: Sections marked Ruger Only are not for the New Model Blackhawk Flat-Tops or the New Vaquero!) 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. Rim Rocks 255-grain SWC with gas check is accurate and alleviates leading issues with revolvers (or barrels) that are prone to that. The key for best shooting is to size cast bullets accordingly and open the throats if necessary. Over the nearly 15 decades since its arrival, there have been many attempts to pronounce it dead. The Complete Reloading Manual For The 45 Colt Item Preview remove-circle Share or Embed This Item. Note: Powder Mfgs. This is a plain base bullet and I found out very quickly it was not very accurate in either rifle. 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. from virtually all manufacturers including Colt, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Great Western, USFA and Uberti. I load 7.5gr of HP38 in Starline brass and crimp in the crimp groove of each of these bullets. Additional evidence can be found in Colt-published specifications dated June 1924 that list the .45 Colt with a groove diameter of .451 inch minimum and .452 inch maximum (with bore diameter being .444 inch minimum and .445 maximum). El Hombre Sin Nombre Members 6.3k Gender:Male Location:Oakland, CA SASS# 101096 Richmond Roughriders, Coyote Valley Cowboys, Faultine Shootist Society,Two Rivers Posse, River City Regulators Posted February 18, 2017 It is an excellent compromise between the 250- and 300-grain cast bullets. Dropping down to 30 grains results in an easier-shooting 835 fps and a group of 1.13 inches. Stocky's Owner Don Bitz walks David Faubion through the company's new rifle stocks for 2023. N340 is a tubular powder type with grain dimensions of 1,0mm length and 0,8 mm diameter. The final level includes custom five-shot Rugers and the Freedom Arms Model 83. It didnt take long for manufacturers to offer heavier bullets, and two of the best came from NEI. These Smith & Wesson .45 Colts include a (1) Model 25-5 with 838-inch barrel, (2) Model 25-5 with 6-inch barrel, (3) Model 25-5 with 4-inch barrel and a (4) Model 625-6 Mountain Gun with a tapered 4-inch barrel. About the same time the Winchester Trappers arrived, Marlin had a very limited run of 500 each of .44 Magnum and .45 Colt Trappers. moderate recoil and substantially less muzzle report. When using bullets designed for the .45 ACP that dont have a crimp cannelure, a taper crimp applied after bullets are seated to the correct overall length is the best option. sets maximum standards for cartridges; this standard must be set at a level safely usable in the weakest common denominator. SAAMI pressures for STANDARD .45 Colt is 14,000 PSI MAXIMUM, but for Ruger Blackhawk and T/C, levels in the 20,000 to 25,000 range are considered more the norm. ok 45 long colt lovers,,ring out ,lets hear from you,,the more the merry. The charge weight is 9.2 grains. I soon added single-cavity molds for the .45 Colt and .38 Special. No purchase necessary. 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. State Agency: That is, if the loading table calls for 40 grains of black powder, then one uses a 40-grain volume powder measure for the same amount by volume of Pyrodex. Marlins from the era have Micro-Groove rifling which may or may not work with cast bullets. This prevents bullets from being sized down when seated into an overly tight case. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. Just about all loads shot the same . All entries must be received by giveaway end date. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. Elmer Keith was way ahead of his time in developing everyday working and hunting loads. Velocities in a test (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (when required) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. Deployed military should use stateside address. rifling. Contest open to U.S. residents only. Wolfe Publishing Company | 2180 Gulfstream Suite A | Prescott, AZ 86301. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: However, the first known commercial listing is found in the 1880 UMC catalog. While only sporadically available as a component, the Remington .456-inch 250-grain lead hollowbase bullet will obturate to minimize bullet tilting. South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, State Agency: 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. I have tested vintage loads that produced an honest 1,000 fps. flatpoint Keith-style bullets. Later production revolvers and lever action rifles are built with .451 diameter grooves., This statement has been repeated many times but holds very little truth. They are my choice for the heaviest loads especially with cast bullets weighing 300 grains and heavier. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. www.hodgdonreloading.com Broc NES Member Rating - 100% 15 0 0 Joined Sep 18, 2010 The same load in a Jim Stroh custom 5-1/2 Bisley has the same accuracy with more . These two bullets in a custom five-shot Blackhawk or Freedom Arms Model 83 five-shooter can be driven to 1,450 fps with W296 or H110. In his classic 1955 book Sixguns by Keith, Elmer Keith stated, As one grows older and his hair starts to turn grey, his respect for this grand old load increases. When tactical lights first came out, we all thought the 50 lumens they offered was astounding and could never get better. It takes at least two rounds to be able to see if the rounds are too long to accomplish both operations. The top of the can says NOT FOR HANDGUN LOADS. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM Old West 2023, PO Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. Universal is an excellent powder for the 45 Colt with 8.0 grains under a 250-grain bullet duplicating the old black powder load. The Judge has been promoted! Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, State Agency: 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. Cast bullets in both plain-based and gas check versions are available from 260 grains to 325 grains. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: The final level includes custom five-shot Rugers and the Freedom Arms Model 83. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. Bullets from RCBS mould 45-270-SAA, which usually weigh around 280 to 285 grains, are designed to maximize powder capacity, are accurate and an excellent choice for hunting big game. I chose the Herco powder to utilize as much case capacity as possible. Contest open to U.S. residents only. .45 Colt Keith bullets: Lyman #454424 (264 gr. However, when using versions that weigh 250 grains, it is sometimes difficult to reach high enough velocities to achieve reliable expansion while staying within industry pressure guidelines. SCCY DVG-1 Sub-Compact Striker-Fired Pistol: Full Review, Buyer Beware: Buying 'Bargain' Guns Can Be Risky. 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. It is loaded not by weight, but by volume. Lyman Reloading Handbook 49th edition. 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. But keep in mind, both Lyman and Alliant publish only standard pressure loads for the 45 Colt. With the 45 Colt, IMR 4227 is almost magical in being able to provide excellent accuracy when other powders will not. Discussion: The old Western Style COLT normally uses big, heavy and slow lead bullets. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. I found the following heavyweight bullets all would work through both the Winchester and Marlin actions: NEI 310 Keith, NEI 325 Keith, Lyman #454629GC 300-grain FN, RCBS #45-270 SAA weighing around 284 grains with my alloy, and I also checked the #454490GC design by Ray Thompson, which is a 255-grain Keith-style gas-checked bullet. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. However, it cannot be approached the same as smokeless. 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. The individual accessing this site assumes the risk of safe loading practices. models. Wyoming Game & Fish Department, State Agency: Sam Colt became a millionaire producing percussion revolvers. Bullet is .452 diameter. For example with the 4-5/8" Ruger Blackhawk, I use the NEI 310-grain Keith bullet over 21.0 grains of WW296 or H110 for 1,125 fps in the sixgun and 1,445 fps from the Trapper Barrel. Lyman now offers it as #452424, and it is a 255-grain bulletor thereabouts, depending upon the alloy used. But in guns with large throats, dont expect top accuracy from any bevel-base bullet. 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. * which is just a little over maximum Colt loads (but mild for Ruger) shot an average of 880.2 fps pointing up and 708.0 fps pointing down, but the spread between shots was 146 fps and 235 fps respectively. When crimped in its cannelure, the overall length still exceeds industry specifications at 1.652 inches. 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. Bullseye, Unique and 2400 are products of Alliant (formerly Hercules) Powders. Want to practice more with that big-bore hunting rifle or enjoy that magnum pistol more at the range? Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. With the coming of Rugers Blackhawk chambered in 45 Colt in the early 1970s, we finally had a sixgun that could tap the tremendous potential of the 45 Colt cartridge. Western Powders (Accurate and Ramshot) are about the only ones publishing higher pressure 45 Colt cast bullet data. 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. 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. It is clear why the .45 Colt had such a stellar reputation as a man stopper and for its effectiveness on game. Colt single actions are right around 0.454 inch. Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance. When he died in 1862, the company was dedicated to producing the same percussion revolvers. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Guns with larger throats will usually produce improved accuracy when loaded with bullets that measure .454 to .456 inch. Contest void where prohibited by law. Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, State Agency: The more powerful loads are only suitable for strong handguns like the Ruger Blackhawk and the Thompson Center Contender. It has many additional virtues, primarily its big-bore performance and reliability. - 9.4 grains Unique Lyman 452460 , 200 gr. (Note: These are near maximum loads, you should use 10% less to start, unless it is lesser of several loads or other indications like mild or cowboy etc.) Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, State Agency: Ruger's multi-role small frame autoloading rifle - Sear - combines AR-10 power with AR-15 Portability.