•••why no 45 colt rifle loads•••?

[Choctaw]

The issue with '.45 Colt Rifle' loads is... they exceed the pressure limits established for the .45 Colt, period. Walkalong is correct... it's the same load, it just goes faster out of the rifle barrel. There is some debate over running Ruger-only .45 Colt loads in some lever-actions, I've raised it myself. If you are trying to get to .45 Colt Magnum loads, do yourself a favor and just buy a .44 Magnum.

The 1892 action will handle Ruger-only loads all day long without a hiccup. I have Rossi 1892s in barrel lengths of 24", 20" and 16". The 45 Colt properly loaded absolutely sings from these rifles and will handle any critter in the Lower 48.

 

[Charlie98]

The 1892 action will handle Ruger-only loads all day long without a hiccup. I have Rossi 1892s in barrel lengths of 24", 20" and 16". The 45 Colt properly loaded absolutely sings from these rifles and will handle any critter in the Lower 48.

It's true the 1892 action is stronger than, say, the Marlin 1894 action, or the Winchester 94 action for that matter. I would not want to run Ruger-only loads through my 1894... and that needs to be emphasized. Just because you can chamber it, doesn't necessarily mean it should be done. I still stand by my statement that if you are looking to hot-rod the .45 Colt, you should really be looking at the .44MAG.

 

[Choctaw]

I completely understand your point, Charlie, and it is a good one. I wouldn't run them in a '94 action either or in any handgun that doesn't at least meet the strength of a Ruger. However, my Rugers and Rossis are made to safely handle such loads and the 45 Colt is a wonderfully diverse round to handload for. My handloads don't approach the "magnum" range, but they do exceed the sadly anemic commercial ammo which is designed for a much weaker firearm.

 

[Jessesky]

I know people took the old model Ruger vaquero’s and would push the 45 colt to 300gr at 1200fps or so. The new model is a smaller frame and not recommended.

I’m sure this load would perform well out of a rifle, being that they used magnum pistol powders. I’d guess you could get 1500fps in the rifle.

I own a rossi 454, and I cannot tell any difference between it and the 45colt model. They claim it’s a different heat treat but I’d think all models should get the most adequate of heat treatment. I shoot a 400gr at 1630fps in that. And a 300 at 2000fps. Same action, same locking bars, same bolt.

 

[Charlie98]

I have an old model Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt... I've loaded some brisk loads for it in the past and it just yawns, but I am very careful not to mix those loads destined for my brother's Winchester Trapper. I actually use nickel brass for the Ruger loads as an identifier.