Need help with .45LC

[tango2echo]

I'm not new to reloading but pretty new to the .45LC. I am having trouble with this load. This is a starting load.

New Win brass
Wolf LP primer
5.8gr TrailBoss
Missouri Bullets 200gr HCL RNFP .452 (Cowboy #4)

All the Win brass was sized and checked at 1.25, which is short of the suggested 1.28 trim length, but only by .03. It was then primed and slightly belled.

Problem is, the suggested COL is 1.6. If I seat the bullets that far out then the crimp would be in the wax groove. If I seat them to the cannellure, they are way short.

How much "too short" is too short with this bullet in the .45LC? How much will seating the bullets to the cannellure raise the pressure of this load? Does it matter that much since this is a 8000-9000cup Cowboy Load? Should I just load them to the cannellure?

Thanks a bunch!

t2e

 

[Walkalong]

Crimp into the cannelure and that is your O.A.L., period. It will not be "too short".

Yes, load them to the cannelure.

 

[tango2echo]

Got it. When I'm working with "new" stuff I start thinking about the what ifs. No pressure issues with TrailBoss then?

t2e

 

[Walkalong]

It is not a Trailboss thing.

The powder makers know lead bullets will be seated to the cannelure and crimped, and that is how they test.

That said, Trailboss is one of the most forgiving powders just due to its bulk. It is still a powder with data that should not be exceed. Do not compress Trailboss.

 

[tango2echo]

Thank you Walkalong. You always give good advise.

T2E

 

[FROGO207]

Good advice above. I use Trail Boss exclusively in the 45LC now with excellent results.

 

[five.five-six]

isn't 200 grain kinda small for a .45 colt?

OT: because I have some .45LC to load up once I figure out what charge to use, why did you pick trail boss? I was thinking 2400 or unique

TIA

 

[tango2echo]

200 gr works well in slow-twist blackpowder conversion revolvers, which is what these are for. You can find bullets as light as 160grs or lighter for the LC, and as heavy as 405grs, but 250-255grs is the norm. The "Old Standby" is the extra hard cast 255gr SWCFB with a hefty charge of 2400.

The loads I am loading are slow, mild recoiling, cheap, fun-shooting stuff. They are "Cowboy" loads that duplicate the original blackpowder loads from 100 years ago, just with modern powders. TrailBoss is designed just for this type of load, but can do well with "most" .45LC loads.

If you are loading "hot" loads for the LC I would suggest 2400 or a similar powder.

I'm also pretty new to the LC. Some of the other guys that posted in this thread are better suited to help you.

t2e

 

[five.five-six]

no, I pretty much want to get the fun slow "push" recoil from my LC, I mostly just shoot it for kicks.... I am trying ..... trying ... to keep life simple with fewer powders.... I was hoping to find one for both LC cowboy and .44mag hot loads...

aw crud, my wife was right, reloading IS more expensive


Sigh, I need to work up a load for 9MM, 38spc, and .357 mag.... that's going to be a lot of jars in the cabinet

 

[rcmodel]

I was thinking 2400 or unique

2400 simply will not work for light .45 Colt loads.

Unique is the old standard powder for it.

2400 is a slow burning Magnum class powder best left to "Ruger only" barn burner loads.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

AA #2 is excellent for light .45 Colt loads. 250/255 Gr bullets at 600 to 650 FPS. Just a little popcorn fart going off, with recoil to match. The kids like shooting that one in my 25-5. It's like a .22 in a Redhawk.

It is very position insensitive, even in that big ol' .45 Colt case. (I can't say that about 90% of the powder out there) I see no reason why it would not work well with the 200 gr bullets.

The next step up is standard .45 Colt loads, and there is where Unique shines.

Then come the Ruger only stuff, where 2400, AA #9, H-110, etc go to work.

 

[SASS#23149]

was hoping to find one for both LC cowboy and .44mag hot loads...

not likely,Pilgrim

 

[five.five-six]

not likely,Pilgrim

yea, I just picked up a bottle of trail boss for the LC and a 2400 to build a Keith load for the .44

 

[five.five-six]

I like the trail boss, it's like loading cartridges with Cheerios