45LC loaded with Red Dot w/250 gr bullets coated or un-coated?

[Dane R. Marley]

I have never loaded 45 LC before. I have 2 1/2 lbs of Red Dot so I am going to go wit RD.

My LGS has 250 grain lead bullets coated with poly and un-coated. I will be shooting these bullets through my S&W Mountain Pistol that I bought NIB back in the 90s. I have never fire it before. I believe the barrel is 4".

My question is, should I go with coated or uncoated 250 gr bullets? I plan to load up to 6.5 grs of RD starting at 6.0 grs.

My dies are Hornady Titanium.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Polymer powder coated will be easier and cleaner to deal with when loading. For the same, or nearly, price get the cleaner, easier option. I wouldn’t pay more than a 5% premium for the convenience factor, though. JMO/YMMV

 

[MEHavey]

I have never loaded 45 LC before. I have 2 1/2 lbs of Red Do

Since Alliant doesn't list Red Dot for heavier-bullet 45 Colt,
what are you going to use for load data ?

.

 

[Starter52]

6.0 grains of Red Dot is a good load IMO. I've used it in my SAA. Be sure to crimp your bullets.

 

[Charlie98]

At the speeds those bullets will likely be going, I wouldn't bother with coated.

I've used RedDot in .45 Colt, in my 5.5" Ruger, but I don't list any notes with it.

what are you going to use for load data ?

Lyman has data, I'm sure there is other data available.

 

[Crunchy Frog]

I’m a cowboy action shooter. SASS rules require lead bullets. Coated are also legal and they are very popular. I don’t see a huge advantage so I won’t pay a higher price for coated. My supplier now charges the same price for coated and uncoated so I use both. With some bullet/die combinations I get a little shaving or scraping of the coating.

 

[45Bink]

I've been running 5.8gr Red Dot under 250gr lead with good results (could go hotter I think), this was the starting charge in Lymans 50th if I recall correctly.

 

[Dane R. Marley]

I bought my 45lc brass and dies from an estate sale so I don't know how many times they have been reloaded. I cleaned the dies and brass yesterday. About 45% of the brass is Star Line and it is very shiny.
I am going to load the 45LC on my Redding T7. It will be the first time I ever used my T7. I have the Sizing Die and Flaring Die all set up. I am waiting for a Lee Crimp Die that I purchased on Ebay several days ago. When that arrives I will set my Seating Die and Crimp Die.

I did stop over at my LGS yesterday. They make their own bullets there (Rogers Better Bullets) and I picked up 500 240 gr bullet for the LC. While I was there I also saw some 4198 so I bought a pound and picked up 500 405 gr bullets for my 1884 45-70 Trapdoor Cadet Rifle. The 45-70s will be my next project. I can't find any Blue Dot or AA#9 for my 10mm brass.

After I get my 45LC loaded up I will finally get to shoot my S&W 625 Mountain pistol that I bought new back in the early 90s.

 

[Rule3]

After I shoot up all my regular lead bullets, I will never buy anymore regular lubed
Coated a re So much easier on the clean up and no smoke in your face!

 

[.45Coltguy]

As mentioned above, Lyman #50 has .45 Colt handloading data for both handgun and rifle. You'll like that 6.0gr RD load.
I also shoot plain cast and coated. Prefer coated. Enjoy!