45 Colt Round Ball Load?

[ArchAngelCD]

I came into possession of a box of 45 Cal round balls and I want to use them in some 45 Colt ammo. All the older manuals I have that list a round ball in the 45 Colt list either Unique or powders that are long gone. (SR-80, RSQ, TopMark)

I looked all over the NET and checked my load manuals from 1937 to today but by the time the newer powders came out they were no longer listing round ball loads in the 45 Colt.

I have no Unique and can't find any. Maybe I can substitute Universal? Trail Boss maybe? Anyone know of a load data source using more modern powders for round ball 45 Colt loads or should I just go with a Black Powder substitutes?

Thanks for any insight you can provide...

 

[ReloaderFred]

Here's one link: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...alls-Stuck-Inside-Die&highlight=.45+Colt+ball

I'll see if I can find another one.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[ReloaderFred]

Here's one on "ball & shot" loads: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...lt-Ball-and-Shot-Load&highlight=.45+Colt+Ball

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[ReloaderFred]

And this one has some "how to" information and loads:

http://www.castpics.net/LoadData/Round Ball Loads.pdf

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[rcmodel]

From Speer #10 manual.
.454", 141 grain lead ball.

HS5 - 5.7
SR4756 - 5.0
SR7625 - 4.5
Unique - 4.5
231 - 4.0
700X - 4.0
Bullseye - 3.2
Red Dot - 3.2

No starting loads shown.
Use these loads just as printed.
Velocity is around, 600 with all of them.

rc

 

[Steve2md]

Another option is a full case of BP or pyrodex using the ball to compress the load, light roll crimp to help hold the ball in.

 

[BullRunBear]

If you go the BP or Pyrodex route, remember to clean both the revolver and the cases once you get home. I like loading 45 Colts with BP. Once home, I decap the fired cases (Lee universal decapper in a hand press) and put them to soak in hot, soapy water while I clean the gun. I use a 45 caliber nylon bristle brush glued into a short piece of dowel to scrub the interiors. (I do the same with 45-70 cases.) Rinse in clean water and let them air dry. Haven't lost a case to corrosion this way.

Jeff

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thank you everyone, you have been a big help...

Now to get to the shootin part! lol