Loading my own .45ACP CONVERSION CYLINDER LOADS

[sirdutch]

Yeah, I said .45ACP conversion cylinder loads. Apparently they aren't readily available these day and that the 45 Colt is more popular with more cowboy reloading information out there.

I have one of these in stainless for a Pietta Remington 1858. 45ACP cowboy ammo is not only difficult to find but expensive, particularly in California as we have to have buy or have it shipped to a FFL to purchase. I want to roll my own. I've got the brass and primers along with some Laser-Cast brand 230g .452 sized hard cast lead bullets handy. I've decided to use smokeless powder at lower pressure loads. I do have a limited amount of BP.

Any advice as to my choice of boolits, (I happen to have them on hand) smokeless powder to use, pro or con on using smokeless vs. Blackpowder or Blackpowder substitutes and any other observations that might help me shoot safely is welcome. I'm retiring soon so I'm looking forward to getting back to having some fun with my much neglected target shooting hobby.

Thanks to all in advance.

 

[FROGO207]

If you can get your hands on some Trail Boss that would work well for what you want. The goal is a bulky propellant that takes up space in that big ole brass case. Lacking that there are a bunch of pistol/shotgun propellants that will work. When using small amounts be absoutly sure you do not double or more the charge!!! Also to help ignition with small amounts a bit of dacron filler to keep the propellant near the primer improves ignition. You could try Bullseye, Unique, Red Dot, etc. Just look for data for your weight and type of bullet in your reloading manuals. I like TB and RedDot/Promo in my low pressure 45 Colt ammo.

A softer lead bullet and one that weighs near to your BP loads will shoot close to what the pistol is regulated to.

 

[mdi]

I would use a classic bullet with a "classic" powder. A 230 gr. Cast lead or FMJ bullet over a starting load of Bullseye. Should be a light, easy shooting load in a revolver.

 

[sirdutch]

Soft lead vs. my hard cast. Okay!
FMJ I'm a tad doubtful on.
As I understand it it, Pietta blackpowder recommendations cautions against full metal jacket use. However, I've heard others say different.

Thank you for your input.

 

[sirdutch]

If you can get your hands on some Trail Boss that would work well for what you want. The goal is a bulky propellant that takes up space in that big ole brass case. Lacking that there are a bunch of pistol/shotgun propellants that will work. When using small amounts be absoutly sure you do not double or more the charge!!! Also to help ignition with small amounts a bit of dacron filler to keep the propellant near the primer improves ignition. You could try Bullseye, Unique, Red Dot, etc. Just look for data for your weight and type of bullet in your reloading manuals. I like TB and RedDot/Promo in my low pressure 45 Colt ammo.

A softer lead bullet and one that weighs near to your BP loads will shoot close to what the pistol is regulated to.

 

[sirdutch]

Thanks for your input. Softer bullets sound like great advise. I can always use the ones I have already with other firearms I have. Thanks for your powder and loading cautions.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Thanks for your input. Softer bullets sound like great advise. I can always use the ones I have already with other firearms I have. Thanks for your powder and loading cautions.

Look up some of the old .45 Auto Rim loads for shaved Webley revolvers. Same or close pressure limitations as the Pietta.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/reloading-question-for-shaved-455-webley.896441/