First reload 45LC

[wiiawiwb]

I am getting ready to order my supplies for my first reload. It will be for a 45LC. I have a Ruger SRH in 454 Casull/45LC and reloading will be for use at the range. When I order bullets, I was trying to decide between a cast RNFP with a crimp groove or a jacketed bullet with a cannelure.

http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=49&category=5&secondary=14&keywords=

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/776746/hornady-xtp-bullets-45-caliber-452-diameter-250-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-100?cm_vc=ProductFinding

Which is easier for a newbie to learn to crimp, a bullet with a cannelure or a crimp groove?

 

[336A]

Either of those will be easy enough to learn how to put a proper crimp on a bullet. Have you thought about using a swc bullet such these http://www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=71&products_id=260

 

[BigBore45]

i would start with the copper jacket. learn bout reloadig before you learn bout shooting lead. there is another thread going on right now about a guy that is frusterated with lead bullets causing leading in his gun.

 

[ljnowell]

For 45 colt I would probably start with the lead bullet and a moderately fast powder.

The 200grain RNFP is what I shoot the most of now in my 45 colt. Low cost, light recoil.

I also use 255 gr SWC and 300 gr TC from Missouri bullet.

What powders do you have?

 

[TimSr]

The 45LC was made for shooting lead bullets over Unique!

I love XTP bullets, but if you can afford to load them for range bullets, you're on a budget I can't identify with.

For light 45LC loads use these.

http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=69&category=5&secondary=14&keywords=


If you expect to be loading a lot of Ruger/Contender Only type loads use there which are the same but harder.

http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=115&category=5&secondary=14&keywords=

Lots of powders will work well for 45LC, Unqiue is probably most popular.



When you start doing full power 454 Casull loads, use XTP-MAG not XTP.

 

[wiiawiwb]

So far as powders go, I've gotten Unique, HS-6 and 700-X.

 

[BigBore45]

go with unique. and for just trying reloading go with the jacketed bullets, load a couple hundred then start on the lead.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

One consideration is cost. You can get 500 lead bullets for less than $52.00. The same amount of jacketed bullets will cost nearly $120.00. Lead will give you more shooting and more reloading.

 

[25-5]

I have been shooting 255 grain RNFP Missouri bullets with Titegroup powder for many a year. I do like the XTP as well, but not for blowin off at the range. Missouri Bullet has coated lead, but I have not tried them.

 

[USSR]

So far as powders go, I've gotten Unique, HS-6 and 700-X.

6.0 - 6.5gr of 700X with any 250 - 270gr lead bullet.

Don

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Go with coated lead. For hunting use a SWC that is on the heavy side. Keep the velocity below 1,200 fps and don't cut into the coating with the crimp.

 

[brutus51]

Lead SWC's and Unique are the way to go but Universal Clays provides the same performance using a little less powder.

 

[wiiawiwb]

Since this will be my first reload, I'd like to go the "easiest" route without concern for accuracy.

Which is easier to seat and properly roll crimp...a SWC or RNFP?

 

[ljnowell]

Since this will be my first reload, I'd like to go the "easiest" route without concern for accuracy.

Which is easier to seat and properly roll crimp...a SWC or RNFP?

No difference. Both will have a crimp groove if the are 45 colt bullets. I've loaded lots of 45 colt with 700x.

 

[TimSr]

Which is easier to seat and properly roll crimp...a SWC or RNFP?

Same. I only recommend the SWC because they are such a common, and almost the standard lead bullet for 45LC much like the 158gr SWC is for a .38SPL.

While coated bullets, and newer powders often work fine to those with enough experience to explore their usage, when you are just getting started, its much so much easier to learn using the cast 255SWC over Unique which has been around forever, and everybody has loaded, and standad recipes can be taken right out of the book.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

So far as powders go, I've gotten Unique, HS-6 and 700-X.

I've never used any HS-6 but both the Unique and the 700X are good for .45 Colt.

The 700X for light target loads and 8.5 grains of Unique and a 250-255 grain lead bullet has been the standard for a long time and rightfully so. It produces a mild recoiling load that hovers around the 1,000 fps mark, mimicking the original BP ballistics.

The 45LC was made for shooting lead bullets over Unique!

Actually it was made for shooting lead bullets over black powder, but I know what you mean. Unique easily produces the same velocities safely and with mild recoil.

I haven't shot very many jacketed bullets at all through my Blackhawk. There's just something about the big bores, especially .45 Colt that cry out for lead. It almost seems sacriligious to me to shoot jacketed.

 

[wiiawiwb]

Final question. With the easiest in mind, should I get the 255 SWC in cast

http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=115&category=5&secondary=14&keywords=

or coated?

http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=210&category=5&secondary=14&keywords=

 

[ljnowell]

I am a fan of plain cast. Others will tell you different.

 

[Dudedog]

I don't load 45LC but I have used a bunch of MBC bullets both coated and non coated in 9mm, .357, .45 APC and have been happy with all of them.
I did not have leading issues but I still prefer the coated ones for the few extra $.
MBC has some .45 bullets in both BHN12 and BHN18 hardness, don't know which would work better in 45LC but others can probably answer that for you.

I like Midway and order a lot of stuff from them but it costs quite a bit for them to ship bullets if you order very many.

I have been ordering most of my .45 APC bullets from RMR or MBC.
RMR shipping included in price, MBC $14 to ship 2000 .45s
Both use USPS flat rate boxes which is the cheapest way to ship things IMO, if they are heavy and they fit in the box.
BDS has a 5% discount code for both of them at the start of his PIF thread.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=760272

 

[ljnowell]

I don't load 45LC but I have used a bunch of MBC bullets both coated and non coated in 9mm, .357, .45 APC and have been happy with all of them.
I did not have leading issues but I still prefer the coated ones for the few extra $.
MBC has some .45 bullets in both BHN12 and BHN18 hardness, don't know which would work better in 45LC but others can probably answer that for you.

I like Midway and order a lot of stuff from them but it costs quite a bit for them to ship bullets if you order very many.

I have been ordering most of my .45 APC bullets from RMR or MBC.
RMR shipping included in price, MBC $14 to ship 2000 .45s
Both use USPS flat rate boxes which is the cheapest way to ship things IMO, if they are heavy and they fit in the box.
BDS has a 5% discount code for both of them at the start of his PIF thread.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=760272

Even at Ruger only level loads in 45 colt the 15 BHN is more than hard enough. In these big old cartridges throat size and bore fit is much more important than hardness.

 

[TimSr]

I am a fan of plain cast. Others will tell you different.

I'm of the belief that if you see leading, it is telling you something needs to be dialed in, and that coated bullets cover up those indicaters and leave you settling for mediocre.

As you are shooting these from a 454 Casull, I would opt for the 18 BRN 255 SWC as you may want to shoot these in lower end Casull loads as well.

 

[wiiawiwb]

I ordered both the RNFP and SWC. I am someone who does not proceed quickly down the path of the unknown until he has oodles of confidence from prior experience. As I start out loading the 45LC, my loads will all be light until I can complete the process from filling to fitting to firing in my sleep, figuratively of course.

I won't dare attempt reloading a 454 Casull for a while. Too powerful a round to monkey around with until I can say to myself, with complete confidence, that I know what I'm doing. Who knows...I may never be able to say that!

 

[Rule3]

I ordered both the RNFP and SWC. I am someone who does not proceed quickly down the path of the unknown until he has oodles of confidence from prior experience. As I start out loading the 45LC, my loads will all be light until I can complete the process from filling to fitting to firing in my sleep, figuratively of course.

I won't dare attempt reloading a 454 Casull for a while. Too powerful a round to monkey around with until I can say to myself, with complete confidence, that I know what I'm doing. Who knows...I may never be able to say that!

Sure you will. There is really no difference. One just makes a bigger boom!

A 45 Colt can make a very big boom also.

Probably more folks have issues with high pressure rounds and fast powders than the big boys and slow powders.

I use both regular lead and the coated. They work equally well if sized right for your barrel no leading with the lead, the coated does not lead but leaves a deposit of coating (easy to remove with any solvent) The coating is really just a different form of lube rather than the waxy messy stuff.