A New Cartridge For Me - 45 LC - Any Advice?

[cfullgraf]

45 Colt is somewhat position sensitive of the powder in the case, at least with Unique.

Powder against the primer when firing will yield a higher velocity than powder against the bullet.

Fortunately, for shorter ranges, it does not make a difference in accuracy.

At one time, I had to press my Model 25-5 into service for an IHMSA handgun silhouette match.

Out to 150 meters (turkeys), I had enough sight adjustment. For the 200 meter rams, I needed to aim about 20 ft above the target for a reliable hit. Once I figured the appropriate Kentucky windage, if I hit the 200 meter ram, it fell.

Yes, a 44 Magum revolver would have been a better, flatter sooting choice, but I did not own one at the time.

 

[41 Mag]

I lucked into a really nice Redhawk a few years back. It matches my 7.5" 41 and 44 except for the dovetails on the rib.

I shot my grandpa's old Colt as a youth but we mostly use half-moon clips and 45acp for ammo. He use 255gr flat nose cast.

As has been mentioned the ol girl has been the bell of the ball for over a century and there is no shortage of data. Pick a pressure range, and bullet weight, and go forth into the light.

I started out with 500 new Starline cases, and a Lee 255gr RF mold. I ran 20 cases through around 9 different powders before just going with a medium pressure load with HS-6. My hunting at the time, a LOT of the time, was specifically for feral hogs in thick river bottoms. Shots were sometimes hair burnt from the muzzle flash to as far as you felt obligated across cotton fields. I already had the 41, 44, and 454, this just iced the cake. I'm running a Accurate Molds 45-280C over 13.0gr of the HS-6, as listed in a writeup John Linebaugh's "Disolving the Myth". He also explained that his son and wife used the 850'ish FPS loads to dispatch several big game critters just fine. I just wanted the added umph for big hogs in tight quarters. Also as previously mentioned, I have not recovered any of mine from game either.

 

[bigpower491]

I'm a huge fan of the 45 Colt. I started loading it as a practice round for my Super Redhawk 454, but unfortunately that revolver doesn't shoot 45 Colt lead well. The only fix for it was to find a 45 Colt revolver, and I happened upon a nice Bisley Blackhawk a couple yrs after I got the SRH.
Lots of propellants will work just fine some much better than others, but you'll get acceptable results from most. My favorite in the Blackhawk these days is True Blue, under a Hunters Supply 255 SWC. 8.1gr does the trick.
The one thing I will mention concerning the Ruger revolvers is chamber size. Cannot speak for anything past 2002, but my Bisleys chambers were all over the place. A couple as small as .449, the largest, .451. I shoot only lead out of it, so I had the chambers all honed to .4525. It became a much improved shooter after that. Thought about changing the forcing cone angle, but it shoots plenty good enough to not bother with it. Again, mines from over 20 yrs ago, and it was not an uncommon issue with some of the revolvers back then, at least in all my internet searches on the subject.

 

[Anchorite]

Easily one of the most definitive essays on the 45 Colt:

Writings | linebaughsixguns

www.johnlinebaughcustomsixguns.com

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Easily one of the most definitive essays on the 45 Colt:

Writings | linebaughsixguns

www.johnlinebaughcustomsixguns.com

“AGAIN, ALL THE INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT PERTAINS ONLY TO NEW MODEL RUGER SINGLE ACTION BISLEY OR BLACKHAWK REVOLVERS.”

Words to keep in mind.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

LOL!!! This is definitely the forum to ask about loading the .32H&R black powder cartridge in older top break revolvers - if you’re looking for advice on .327Magnum +P+ overloads.

 

[Anchorite]

“AGAIN, ALL THE INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT PERTAINS ONLY TO NEW MODEL RUGER SINGLE ACTION BISLEY OR BLACKHAWK REVOLVERS.”

Words to keep in mind.

Uh oh. Are there any other 45 Colt revolvers worth shooting than the modern ones?

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Uh oh. Are there any other 45 Colt revolvers worth shooting than the modern ones?

Ruger isn’t the only modern .45 on the market. And Linebaugh specifically excluded the smaller framed versions of the Vaquero line revolvers. Since the OP is specifically looking at the Vaquero and Peacemaker reproductions I thought it would be a good idea to reinforce the authors warning.

 

[Anchorite]

Ruger isn’t the only modern .45 on the market. And Linebaugh specifically excluded the smaller framed versions of the Vaquero line revolvers. Since the OP is specifically looking at the Vaquero and Peacemaker reproductions I thought it would be a good idea to reinforce the authors warning.

Excellent point and well taken. I should have read the OP, and not just the headline/thread title.

 

[GW Staar]

I bought a .45ACP/L.C. Ruger Blackhawk convertible many years ago.....and never got to shoot the Colt side of it.....being stolen out of my master bedroom closet during a home break-in while we were out of town. (Yep, that's when I bought a too late gun safe). I remember that my reloading manual had a Colt .45 section, and a separate Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt section, the Ruger was built so well that people were approaching .44Mag loads, and that was intriguing to think about, but I never got the chance to buy dies to try it with.

I did however see a 45 Colt derringer in action when a friend and I took a conceal carry course. He qualified with it, a 45 ACP 1911, and a .357 Python.......me a .45ACP 1911 and a Ruger Security Six.
What I most remember about the experience is my friend's cringes and watering eyes, while qualifying with the Derringer. Made me not want to emulate, as it obviously hurt like hell to shoot it as often as needed to quality. (he did have big hands....maybe that was a factor....don't really know)

My state's CC law makes you have to qualify for pistol, revolver, and derringer separately. And you can only carry the qualified with caliber size or less in each type. OMG! That was 40 years ago this month! Time flies when you are having fun!

 

[.45Coltguy]

.45 Colt is a very straight forward cartridge to load for. As easy as a .38 spl., just bigger. 8.0-8.3gr Unique, 250gr rnfp coated bullet and you're off to the races.
Annnd, as others here have alluded to, you're gonna just have to get a lever rifle! The .45 Colt simply sits on top of the world. Just look at my avatar!

 

[3sport]

.45 Colt is a very straight forward cartridge to load for. As easy as a .38 spl., just bigger. 8.0-8.3gr Unique, 250gr rnfp coated bullet and you're off to the races.
Annnd, as others here have alluded to, you're gonna just have to get a lever rifle! The .45 Colt simply sits on top of the world. Just look at my avatar!View attachment 1202327

I hear you. I wish I had not pulled the trigger on that Rossi Stainless 357 lever 18 months ago, but it's too late now. Oh well, I can get a BLUED Colt 45 lever at some point later this year to round out the lever collection. Right now, I am focused on obtaining a Colt 45 revolver. I'm going to keep the Rossi. A 357 stainless lever is always handy. But I will get a Colt 45 lever as well. That's a definite.

 

[3sport]

I just checked, and my Hornady 45 C dies will be here Wednesday, along with my order from Midway for all the 45 components I need. I may chew on data and this thread's recommendations for a while (over the following weekend) and start reloading Monday the 8th. No rush, I want to enjoy this new cartridge, not rush into it.

What an incredible thread so far. Thanks to everyone for the contributions. Lots to consider, but the education has been spectacular.

 

[Soonerpesek]

Excellent point and well taken. I should have read the OP, and not just the headline/thread title.

Kuddo’s to both of you…!!

 

[41 Mag]

“AGAIN, ALL THE INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT PERTAINS ONLY TO NEW MODEL RUGER SINGLE ACTION BISLEY OR BLACKHAWK REVOLVERS.”​

Words to keep in mind.

Absolutely wise words to heed.

In keeping with that train of thought, the OP might consider the 45-270 SAA bullet to load.. My version come from MP molds as a plain base. It can cast several different HP's and the solid. There are several commercial sellers who have it or a really similar one listed. There is also GT Bullets 45 Cal who carry a 250'ish grain HP that shoots well. I use standard 250gr load data and work up for accuracy. Usually though they are pretty good from the start.

Brian Pierce wrote a couple of articles in Handloader magazine touting the effectiveness and accuracy of them in the lighter framed revolvers. He listed loads with quite a few of the newer powders as well as the old reliable ones like Unique.

 

[CraigC]

The .45Colt practically loads itself. I don't think I've ever used anything but Unique, 2400 or H110. A good 200-260gr cast bullet over 8.0-9.0gr Unique will handle 90% of what needs doing.

“AGAIN, ALL THE INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT PERTAINS ONLY TO NEW MODEL RUGER SINGLE ACTION BISLEY OR BLACKHAWK REVOLVERS.”

Words to keep in mind.

Actually the "Ruger only" data would specifically include the Old Model Blackhawk, Vaquero and Redhawk. The New Vaquero did not exist when that data/article was written.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

The .45Colt practically loads itself. I don't think I've ever used anything but Unique, 2400 or H110. A good 200-260gr cast bullet over 8.0-9.0gr Unique will handle 90% of what needs doing.




Actually the "Ruger only" data would specifically include the Old Model Blackhawk, Vaquero and Redhawk. The New Vaquero did not exist when that data/article was written.

Not to be a stickler for details but, Linebaugh edited and updated the article in 2017, “Copyright © 2017 Linebaugh Custom Sixguns. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED”
You have to read to the end of the article. John Linebaugh is not one to rest on his laurels or leave faulty data hanging in the breeze.

Any New Vaquero the OP found would have the thinner cylinder walls and any original model Vaquero built on the New Model Blackhawk/New Model SuperBlackhawk would need to be checked for throat dimensions before running with Tier III handloads. The chamber dimensions were not well regulated, as JL points out in the update to the article.

Bottom line though, if the OP is looking for a western style horse pistol, the New Vaquero, Pietta, Uberti, and Armi San Marco remakes of the 1873 are the best ticket there. If he wants .454, .460 or .480 Thunderboomer wrist snappers, he’s not going to get anything close to that cowboy experience.

I had a chance to shoot an 1847 copy that had been reworked for .45Colt and it was great. But that sucker was HEAVY!! No recoil but 10 rounds was enough.

 

[CraigC]

Not to be a stickler for details but, Linebaugh edited and updated the article in 2017, “Copyright © 2017 Linebaugh Custom Sixguns. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED”
You have to read to the end of the article. John Linebaugh is not one to rest on his laurels or leave faulty data hanging in the breeze.

Any New Vaquero the OP found would have the thinner cylinder walls and any original model Vaquero built on the New Model Blackhawk/New Model SuperBlackhawk would need to be checked for throat dimensions before running with Tier III handloads. The chamber dimensions were not well regulated, as JL points out in the update to the article.

Bottom line though, if the OP is looking for a western style horse pistol, the New Vaquero, Pietta, Uberti, and Armi San Marco remakes of the 1873 are the best ticket there. If he wants .454, .460 or .480 Thunderboomer wrist snappers, he’s not going to get anything close to that cowboy experience.

I had a chance to shoot an 1847 copy that had been reworked for .45Colt and it was great. But that sucker was HEAVY!! No recoil but 10 rounds was enough.

I didn't know there was an update. By that time, I had already memorized it and disregarded some of it as outdated.

 

[cfullgraf]

I'm a huge fan of the 45 Colt. I started loading it as a practice round for my Super Redhawk 454, but unfortunately that revolver doesn't shoot 45 Colt lead well.

I have an S&W 460XVR which will shoot 45 Colt ammunition but not well as you have found with your 454.

I found some 45 Colt level loadings for the 460 S&W Mag cases that do very well in my 460XVR. The powder charges are greater than a conventional 45 Colt load, but the larger case volume and the stronger action makes it work.

They allow me to plink some with my 460.

I’m sure there are some 45 Colt level loadings in 454 cases out there.

 

[bigpower491]

O for sure. I've been working with those types of loads in the Casull case.....I call it 454 "Casual"

 

[OS/N]

I have a uberti and a ruger nv. The ruger has proper throats and a perfect forcing cone. The uberti throats are .007 oversized and the forcing cone looks like it was cut with a drill bit about a 1/2" up the barrel with zero leade in. I did recut the cone so it wouldn't shave lead but you can forget tight groups.

I use the uberti for birdshot loads and double ball loads - thats the only way I can hit with it. Don't know if all are that way or maybe just the one I have.

 

[StrawHat]

I have a uberti and a ruger nv. The ruger has proper throats and a perfect forcing cone. The uberti throats are .007 oversized and the forcing cone looks like it was cut with a drill bit about a 1/2" up the barrel with zero leade in. I did recut the cone so it wouldn't shave lead but you can forget tight groups.

I use the uberti for birdshot loads and double ball loads - thats the only way I can hit with it. Don't know if all are that way or maybe just the one I have.

They are not all that way. Mine has harvested a bunch of Ohio white tails with a 240 grain wadcutter at 850 fps.

Kevin

 

[.45Coltguy]

They are not all that way. Mine has harvested a bunch of Ohio white tails with a 240 grain wadcutter at 850 fps.

Kevin

Agree. No problem like that in my Uberti or Pietta. They shoot just fine. Forcing cones are good as are the cylinder throats. I guess lemons pop up once and a while.

 

[dcarr]

.45 Colt is a very straight forward cartridge to load for. As easy as a .38 spl., just bigger. 8.0-8.3gr Unique, 250gr rnfp coated bullet and you're off to the races.
Annnd, as others here have alluded to, you're gonna just have to get a lever rifle! The .45 Colt simply sits on top of the world. Just look at my avatar!View attachment 1202327

yep , levergun (marlin in my case) in 45 colt is fun and easy to reload and shoot. I use red dot , clays or 244 cause it's what I have. Wouldn't hesitate to use unique if i had it. I don't shoot 45 colt in the black hawk because of recoil but shoot 45 acp all day in it.

 

[.45Coltguy]

dcarr, actually, 7.5-8.0gr unique/250gr rnfp in a revolver is rather mild. less snappy than a .357 and no where near a .44 mag. You could use 6.0gr Red Dot with same bullet and you would be pleasantly surprised. I load those for my wife. As long as she can hit something in the desert, she's happy.