first time 45 colt

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Bartojc

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I'm about to attempt my first try at 45 colt. I've loaded 9mm for a semi-auto pistol, and I load 4 different bottle-necked rifle cartridges. The 45 Colt will be for a revolver, a Ruger Blackhawk. I've not loaded for a revolver before.

I bought some projectiles from Berry's recently. I threw them in an order a while back that I was making for some other stuff. The bullets are 250gr plated, with no crimp groove. I made up a couple test rounds last night, and after ruining a couple I think I have something acceptable with a tight taper crimp. Wondering if this is good enough, or should I just go get some lead bullets with a crimp groove as my first reloads in 45 Colt ? I've searched and see that everyone has a different opinion of these bullets. Some roll crimp into it which worries me that I would tear the plating. Some say a tight taper crimp is good. What does everyone here say?

Using a Lee Die set if it matters, and planning to load around 7gr of Unique as a start. I just want a light target load. I also have Titegroup, W231, and WSF on hand as well.

Any other things to watch for as I start this ? When I get a few test rounds I would plan to fire one, load one more fire, then load a couple and fire one at a time watching to make sure they do not jump the crimp.

Thanks,

-Jeff
 
If you're using a plate or jacketed bullet with no crimp groove a taper crimp would be better. Most cast bullets have a crimp Grove the exception is the standard 250 gr rnfp. That bullet is seated so the edge of the upper driving band is 1/16" or flush with the case mouth your choice.
 
Sounds like your bullets are these
https://www.berrysmfg.com/item/bp-45lc-452-250gr-fp

With 38 spl, 357, 44 spl, 44 mag, and 45 LC I have not tried a taper crimp and don't know how to do it with my dies. I could put a light rolled crimp on my bullets with the seating dies.
In the case of this bullet I would bet it is .452 diameter and the case will hold it a bit tighter and just an ever so light roll crimp should work.
I wouldn't use these bullets and I use cast or at least bullets with a cannelure or groove.
I also use a factory crimp die on all my revolver loads.
I'd rather have a slight crimp on a plated bullet than a jammed up gun.

I do like your approach to checking for the bullets moving with recoil.
I would load two and shoot the second round with the loaded cartridge in the cylinder on the swing open side of the revolver to check for movement if it's a DA style.
That way if it does, you don't have to figure out how to get it past the barrel.
On a SA like a Uberti, I would set it up so the unfired second cartridge ends up at the loading gate.
You could probably roll the cylinder out easier if the bullet moves forward.
 
As long as your loads are of modest recoil, a light crimp on the plated bullets is OK.
Where the heavier roll crimp in a groove is needed is to:
1. Keep the bullet from jumping the crimp under recoil of firing, and tying up the cylinder.
2. Maintain compression on black powder loadings to ensure proper ignition.

With 7.0 Unique, you'll be ok if cases are sized sufficiently giving good bullet tension.
I use a .45acp die set to load my .45Colt, so I get LOTS of case tension. Never had any issues with bullet jump.
With a .44mag in 327 PD, or Mod69 with magnum loads and 255gr SWC, FREQUENT bullet jump!
Sold the 327 PD, dug out the .44S&W brass for the 69.
 
The link in #3 is the correct bullet. I know now that those are likely not ideal. Wish I would have known that 6 months ago when I purchased them. I have a couple hundred that I'd like to use. Maybe I'll load a few and try them. Probably stick with a tight taper crimp and see how it goes.

I'll likely go to lead with a crimp groove next time around. Seem like almost everyone shoots lead in their 45 Colt.

-Jeff
 
MBC coated 230gr over 7gr of W231 gives plenty of oomph without tearing up my 2nd Gen Colts. Start a tad lower to see what your gun likes. :)

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With a 250-255 grain plated bullet and 7 to 8 grains of unique, a taper crimp will be more than adequate. Mostly, you want to remove the mouth belling on the case. 8.0 grains of Unique is the 45 Colt load that I use almost exclusively.

This assumes that you have good neck tension. I've had issues with some 45 Colt die sets that leave the case mouth expanded too much, like for .454" diameter bullets. Then .452" diameter bullets almost fall in the case.

If you begin to load for more performance, a taper crimp and plated bullet may begin to jump under recoil so you may need to go to a bullet with a crimp groove. Either a cast bullet or a jacketed one.

Hope this helps.
 
Most cast bullets have a crimp Grove the exception is the standard 250 gr rnfp. That bullet is seated so the edge of the upper driving band is 1/16" or flush with the case mouth your choice.
That is correct, and it's pretty common with "cowboy" revolver loads.

Take a look at how these .44 Spl. bullets were roll crimped.

44splWincb_c.jpg
 
Use a 45 acp die set and you won't need to worry about neck tension. After loading a round with either, press the round into your loading bench. If it's tight, it won't move. I also like seeing a slight indent at the base of the bullet in the loaded round. plenty tight if you see that.
 
Why limit yourself to powder puff loads by not being able to properly crimp? Get yourself some proper bullets that are not plated and have a crimp groove and open yourself up to a world of fun.

Don
 
Good advice so far. You can use a taper crimp but with revolver ammo a roll crimp is best. (as you already know) Like,Saud already, you can apply a light roll crimp on plated bullets. Once you shoot those bullets lead bullets are probably your best bet. Some shooters are worried about leading for no good reasonbut if you do get leading try coated lead bullets. They work great, even better than plated bullets IMO.

Did you actually buy a 45 Colt taper crimp die?
 
I love loading and shooting .45 Colt - makes me feel like an AMERICAN!!!

I even made up a bunch of .45 Colt dummys recently for necklace pendants and key FOBS, powdercoated in different colors.
 
Good advice so far. You can use a taper crimp but with revolver ammo a roll crimp is best. (as you already know) Like,Saud already, you can apply a light roll crimp on plated bullets. Once you shoot those bullets lead bullets are probably your best bet. Some shooters are worried about leading for no good reasonbut if you do get leading try coated lead bullets. They work great, even better than plated bullets IMO.

Did you actually buy a 45 Colt taper crimp die?



Thanks. I made up a few rounds to test this weekend and all went well. With limited testing they seemed relatively accurate too. Plenty good for plinking. Already planning for a proper lead bullet next.

I have both taper and roll crimp dies. At least I believe I do. I think the Lee 4 die set does roll crimp with the seating die ?

Jeff


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Yes, the 4th die seems to be a separate FCD and the crimp seems to be a roll crimp that is separate from the seating/crimp die. You can crimp in a separate step. I should have been more clear in my last reply.

I did end up using a slight roll crimp. It leaves an impression in the bullet but does not pierce or cut the plating. Seemed to work well with 7gr of Unique which is on the low end for 45 colt and 250gr.

-Jeff
 
This is my load. I cast the lead from wheel weights. I do give a slight roll crimp. Fired from Ruger Vaquero and Winchester lever action. Medium recoil and great accuracy.

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I have a lee 452-252 swc mold. 20/1 lead/tin bullet shoots well over 30 gr volume of 3f blackpowder and .5cc of cream of wheat filler.
10.5 gr of blue dot works well also.
 
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