Loading 45 Colt for an 1858 Factory Conversion

[NoirFan]

Hello, I am working up loads for my new Uberti 45 Colt 1858 Conversion, this model here:
https://www.taylorsfirearms.com/han...ton-conversion/1858-remington-conversion.html


I know to stick with low end loads with these cowboy repros, and I have HS-6 powder and large pistol magnum primers on hand. My manuals show a range of 9.0 to 10.5 grains powder with a 250gr RNFP cast bullet. My plan is to work up in increments of .2 from starting, so 9.0, 9.2, 9.4, 9.6, 9.8, 10.0. A couple questions:

1. Can I work up to the max of 10.5gr in this gun?
2. I'm using mag primers because the large case volume might need it for better ignition, is this accurate?
3. Any other issues loading for cowboy repros that I'm not aware of?

Thanks

 

[PapaG]

Where did you get your data? Every conversion cylinder I've seen/used says "cowboy level loads". I stick with loads that produce 700 or so fps with a 200 grain button nose bullet and the poi is the same as rb loads in the c&b cylinder in my ROA.
If the data you provided fits that criteria you are ok. You don't need magnums primers.

 

[25-20 WCF]

Hodgdon lists a max load of HS-6 at 10.5 grains with a 250-grain cast bullet. But, why do you want more than a moderate load? Will you hunt with the revolver? Shoot long range silhouette? If you obtain decent accuracy at 9.5-10.0 grains, go with that. This from a guy who has loaded the .45LC since 1972.


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[Goneshoot'n]

I've got one with the two piece cylinder that has the built in firing pins. It was my understanding that you need to keep the velocity of a 250 grain bullet under 800fps. I've always stuck to this and had no issues. There never was a funner gun!

 

[Jbird45]

Nice choice on the new piece!

One would assume your cylinder should be rated for 14,000 CPU, but I would check the manual or contact the manufacturer if in doubt. If it is rated for 14,000, max standard pressure loads should not be a problem. I personally use Winchester primers in my .45 Colt loads, and they claim they work for magnum or standard loads, but I have not had a misfire. One suggestion I would make, I load my cowboy loads with trail boss powder and I am a fan. It burns clean in my vaquero, I don't have leading problems, and I get great accuracy when used with .452 250 grain LRNFP cast projectiles. It's a very bulky powder too so it takes up some case room and gives a good burn. Obviously try what you have, but in the future if you are looking for a different powder, it is worth a try.

 

[CraigC]

It is a factory made .45Colt. Not a percussion gun converted to fire cartridges. They are made of better steels and proof tested to European standards. Treat it like any other .45Colt suitable for standard pressure loads. There are no limitations as there are with aftermarket conversion cylinders in factory percussion guns.

As for primers, follow your data. Primer choice is usually dictated by powder selection, not case capacity.

I'm unsure what "geometry" issues would be present in a cartridge conversion.

 

[NoirFan]

Where did you get your data?

I got the data from Lyman #50 and the Hodgdon Website.

Hodgdon lists a max load of HS-6 at 10.5 grains with a 250-grain cast bullet. But, why do you want more than a moderate load? Will you hunt with the revolver? Shoot long range silhouette? If you obtain decent accuracy at 9.5-10.0 grains, go with that. This from a guy who has loaded the .45LC since 1972..

Nope, just shooting paper. I just wanted to know what charge weight ranges were safe to test.

Thanks all for the good info. I have loaded up several batches of rounds in charge weights ranging from 9.0 to 10.5 grains HS6. I'll do my accuracy testing Sat morning and get back to the forum with a range report.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

I've got a Pietta 1858 and a Taylor 2-piece conversion cylinder that I haven't shot yet. Was hoping this week, but too busy.

I'm going with 7.8 gr. Of Unique behind a 230 gr. Cast lead bullet. If memory serves, brinell hardness is 12 for that bullet. The books say this combo should be around 750 fps, which is as fast as I'll push it.

Looking forward to your range report.

 

[NoirFan]

So after testing several batches in charge weights or 9.0 to 10.5gr HS6 with 250gr RNFP, I got by far the best result with an even 10 grains. I'm not the best pistoleer around, and also please excuse the flyer. This is at 25 yd, off a rest.


Accuracy is OK, but this gun does have quite a bit of side-spray. I feel a stinging on my face after each round, and the lead splashback doesn't just form rings round the chambers; it extends to the outside surface of the cylinder. Is this normal for single actions and/or cowboy replicas? I hope it's not a timing or a load issue.

 

[tcj]

So after testing several batches in charge weights or 9.0 to 10.5gr HS6 with 250gr RNFP, I got by far the best result with an even 10 grains. I'm not the best pistoleer around, and also please excuse the flyer. This is at 25 yd, off a rest.
View attachment 843410

Accuracy is OK, but this gun does have quite a bit of side-spray. I feel a stinging on my face after each round, and the lead splashback doesn't just form rings round the chambers; it extends to the outside surface of the cylinder. Is this normal for single actions and/or cowboy replicas? I hope it's not a timing or a load issue.

Are you sure it isn't unburnt powder? I have some SAA revolvers as well as modern revolvers and I get that when shooting indoors (with dividers between shooters) and low velocity rounds. But I know for certain mine is unburnt powder and not lead.

 

[mdi]

I would think a modern manufactured gun will be safe with factory level loads, but for how long? I too would consider "Cowboy loads". No need to try and make a Magnum out of a conversion replica or shoot 'Ruger only" loads! I believe your replica fits in the "fun gun" category, no need for hunting or self defense velocities. Does the manufacturer have any suggestions?. Most gun manufacturers will say no reloads, but Uberti might make an exception for a replica...

 

[Jbird45]

Are you sure it isn't unburnt powder? I have some SAA revolvers as well as modern revolvers and I get that when shooting indoors (with dividers between shooters) and low velocity rounds. But I know for certain mine is unburnt powder and not lead.

I second this. Did you notice the spray with loads with less powder? Also, how did you crimp them? Also, are you sure it is lead residue on the front of the cylinder? My Ruger gets carbon burns on the front of the cylinder which is completely normal.

 

[Old Stumpy]

Accuracy is OK, but this gun does have quite a bit of side-spray. I feel a stinging on my face after each round, and the lead splashback doesn't just form rings round the chambers; it extends to the outside surface of the cylinder. Is this normal for single actions and/or cowboy replicas? I hope it's not a timing or a load issue.

Try to find a close fitting and flat-faced bore diameter rod and slide it down the bore and into each chamber. If it is stopped by the chamber mouths then there is an alignment issue. Otherwise it's probably something else.