By this time Winchester had changed its name to USRAC (United States Repeating Arms Co.) and the Trappers were offered in two versions, a blued receiver or a case-colored receiver. These Lyman loads are conservative made for older guns. In actual weight, Pyrodex is lighter than black powder, being about 80 percent of the weight of black powder. Joe Kurtenbach and Caleb Giddings also look at the first-ever optics-ready carry revolvers with the new Taurus 605 and 856 T.O.R.O. His 45 Colt bullet was #454424 and was available for decades from Lyman. In slugging the barrels of later pre-World War II guns with wider flat lands, serial numbers 347xxx (1924) and 355xxx (1936), along with two factory. Using a 250-grain cast bullet, 37.5 grains by volume of Pyrodex P results in a very potent 987 fps and a five-shot, 50-foot group of 0.88 inch in my revolver. Pyrodex P is the equivalent of Triple-F or FFFg black powder. The on-line Hogdon load data shows the following for TiteGroup and a 255 gr LSWC: Starting load of 5.0 gr for an approx 716 feet per second and a pressure of 7.6K cup. In ranking the various 45 Colt sixguns now in production from the least strongest to that capable of a handling the heaviest loads, I would set the following order. If reliable expansion is desired, consider 230-grain JHP bullets designed for the .45 ACP or the Hornady 225-grain FTX, which can be pushed close to 1,000 fps while staying within pressure guidelines. For handloaders shooting modern Colt SAAs that feature oversized throats and want to use modern cast and jacketed bullets, the best option is to change cylinders with one that is chambered correctly. Over the nearly 15 decades since its arrival, there have been many attempts to pronounce it dead. The Hornady 225-grain FTX bullet should be loaded in cases trimmed shorter than the industry standard of 1.215 inches. The 45 Colt also predates the 38 Special, the 44 Special, and the 45 ACP, and not only is it more than 80 years older than the 44 Magnum, but it also has more case capacity and in the proper sixguns can outrank the 44 Magnum. The .44 Magnum is a great cartridge that offers a flatter trajectory and helps to make hits easier at longer distances; however, this added performance comes at the cost of greater pressures, heavier guns, increased recoil and muzzle report. Both of these are plainbased Keith-style bullets, and their numbers are #310.451 and #325.454, with the first three digits giving the approximate bullet weight. All Freedom Arms cylinders are held to very tight tolerances and whether using 45 Colt or 454 Casull brass, I size with a special 454 die. (I) Giveaway ends April 30, 2023. For the .45 Colt my standard load is 5.5 grains of Clays, which gives from 780 fps to 840 fps depending upon the sixgun used. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, State Agency: It is loaded not by weight, but by volume. The 9.2 got the best SD and EP, if that means much to you. 2021. I load 7.5gr of HP38 in Starline brass and crimp in the crimp groove of each of these bullets. Idaho Department of Fish & Game, State Agency: They are my choice for everyday use and also for hunting larger, tougher game. Balloonhead cases were discontinued around World War II but still show up regularly on handloaders benches. Jacketed bullets are also more difficult to push down the bore and therefore produce less velocity than a cast bullet of equal weight. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. The more powerful loads are only suitable for strong handguns like the Ruger Blackhawk and the Thompson Center Contender. These can be safely driven to 1,200 fps in the Ruger Blackhawk. 1,578 fps from a 24" universal receiver (all use rem brass and rem 9-1/2 primer). One problem inherent with the original #454424 was the fact that when sized to 0.451 to 0.452 inch, the crimping groove almost disappears. In ranking the various 45 Colt sixguns now in production from the least strongest to that capable of a handling the heaviest loads, I would set the following order. With the coming of Rugers Blackhawk chambered in 45 Colt in the early 1970s, we finally had a sixgun that could tap the tremendous potential of the 45 Colt cartridge. This one is from Lyman 48th addition Reloading book. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Contrary to what has been traditionally published, records indicate that early loads from Frankford Arsenal contained a copper case loaded with a 250-grain, roundnose flatpoint lead bullet pushed with 30 grains of black powder, with additional charge weights soon added. I prefer to use 250-grain jacketed bullets in conjunction with +P loads, which is a subject for another day. By the standards of the day when it arrived in 1873, and even to this day, the 45 Colt was and is a powerful cartridge. So if one used 40 grains by weight of Pyrodex when the chart called for 40 grains of black powder, the result would be an overloaded charge. I chose the Herco powder to utilize as much case capacity as possible. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. The Colt fanciers had .45's, usually in the New Service model, unless they were cowboy fans who had SAA's. The guys that worked in the paper mills and machine shops had 1917's. If you want-ed a handgun with power, the GI surplus .45 ACP in the 1917 was the only thing you could afford to shoot as reloading "ca'tridges" was unknown. Two other powders for standard loads include W231 and HP-38. Pennsylvania Game Commission, State Agency: Factory warranties may apply in some cases. I have found HS-6, Universal, and W231 powders work very well for standard loads, while IMR 4227 bulks up nicely in 45 Colt brass. I shoot the .44 and .45 in rifles and pistolas, but I have only a rifle in .38-40. I have yet to find any levergun or sixgun that does not shoot this Dick Casull-designed bullet exceptionally well. | References: Accurate Arms Co. 1996 Reloading booklet Alliant Powder Co. Reloaders Guide (1995) Hodgdons Basic Reloaders Manual (1996) Speer Reloading Manual, #12 Winchester Reloading Components Manual, 14th edition Lyman Piston & Revolver Reloading Handbook, 2nd edition. SCCY DVG-1 Sub-Compact Striker-Fired Pistol: Full Review, Buyer Beware: Buying 'Bargain' Guns Can Be Risky. Handgun Reloading Data .45 Colt 9mm Luger .32 Smith & Wesson Long .32 ACP .357 Magnum .44 Magnum .41 Remington Magnum .460 S&W Magnum .38 Special .327 Federal Magnum .357 SIG .25 Automatic 10mm Auto .500 Linebaugh Powder Data Accurate 5744 Hodgdon Extreme Powder Alliant Reloder 15 Norma Powder Ramshot Powder Accurate Powder Vihtavouri Powder 9, #5744, #2230, and #2460 are products of Accurate Arms Company. The Colt Single Action Army, Colt New Frontier, Ruger New Model Flat-Top, Ruger New Vaquero, and Smith & Wesson Model 25/625 are all very close strength-wise. This is a plain base bullet and I found out very quickly it was not very accurate in either rifle. that charge was increased to 38 grains by 1898. ), RCBS #450255KT (258 gr. Actually, we can divide 45 Colt sixguns into several reloading levels, and I have moderated these somewhat over the past several years, with the first two levels being very close together. What has varied significantly is the throat diameter (ball end, chamber mouth, etc.) While only sporadically available as a component, the Remington .456-inch 250-grain lead hollowbase bullet will obturate to minimize bullet tilting. And about 1450+fps out of the 20" 454 Puma Levergun. What the John Wick is 9mm Major, Anyway. South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, State Agency: The charge weight is 9.2 grains. With Accurates 5744 the speeds with 17.0 were 853 fps UP and 802 DOWN, but spreads were much better at 45 fps and 16.6 fps respectively. Exactly when the .45 Colt factory load containing 250-grain bullets propelled by 40 grains of black powder was first offered is unknown, but it was probably assembled at the Colt factory. We are blessed to have many excellent cartridges and sixguns available to us, but it would be hard to find any cartridge that is as versatile as the old 45 Colt. With the 45 Colt, IMR 4227 is almost magical in being able to provide excellent accuracy when other powders will not. Due to different barrel lengths, type of bullet, seating depth, primer type and other factors, you may not . Weights in parenthesis are as-cast from wheelweights. I soon added single-cavity molds for the .45 Colt and .38 Special. Unique and Universal still dont fill the case up as much as a yet slower powder (like No.9, AA5724, H-110/W296, AA5744, and Alliant 2400). about 175 fps and from 7 1/2 by 50 fps. Bullseye is a bit fast for this big cartridge and I dont especially recommend it, but it will work. With the coming of Rugers Blackhawk chambered in 45 Colt in the early 1970s, we finally had a sixgun that could tap the tremendous potential of the 45 Colt cartridge. IMR Trail Boss, 4227, IMR 3031 and IMR 4895 are products of IMR (formerly DuPont) Powder Company. ), RCBS #45-270SWC (284 gr.). By the standards of the day when it arrived in 1873, and even to this day, the 45 Colt was and is a powerful cartridge. RNFP), 1007 MAX+ (Actual in 7 1/2 bbl 255 gr. The other problem, that of cylinder throat diameters, centers around the fact that they vary considerably. Velocities in a test from virtually all manufacturers including Colt, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Great Western, USFA and Uberti. His #452490GC was originally made for the 45 Auto Rim cartridge for use in the Smith & Wesson 1950 Target revolver, but I also use the Thompson design, which weighs around 255 grains, for heavy-duty loads approaching the energy of the 44 Magnum in the Ruger Blackhawk. Quality 300-grain jacketed bullets are also offered by all three of these manufacturers. SAAMI pressures for STANDARD .45 Colt is 14,000 PSI MAXIMUM, but The Lee bullet works well in my Winchester (Miroku) 1873. If I had to shoot only one factory ammunition the rest of my life, I would. Elmer Keiths custom Colt single action was used to develop his heavy 44 Special loads in the late 1920s, and for a long time the 45 Colt cartridge was accused of being weak. For testing I go with three shots at 45 yards. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, State Agency: Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. When using a revolver with large throats, there are solutions to improve accuracy. It is clear why the .45 Colt had such a stellar reputation as a man stopper and for its effectiveness on game. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, State Agency: Reddings excellent Dual Ring Carbide sizing die was used to prep cases as it works the case less, results in longer case life, seems to improve accuracy and eliminates the Coke bottle shape forward of the head. I have been surprised by the fact the Marlin feeds Keith-style bullets perfectly. Quality 300-grain jacketed bullets are also offered by all three of these manufacturers. The individual accessing this site assumes the risk of safe loading practices. Stocky's Owner Don Bitz walks David Faubion through the company's new rifle stocks for 2023. This database has 6400 loads for cast bullet loads. One problem inherent with the original #454424 was the fact that when sized to 0.451 to 0.452 inch, the crimping groove almost disappears. His 45 Colt bullet was #454424 and was available for decades from Lyman. But the 45 Colt is a survivor. I usually select an expander ball that is at least .003 to .004 inch smaller than bullet diameter, which helps prevent bullets from jumping crimp and aids in achieving consistent powder ignition. However, Dick Casull started with the 45 Colt single action and the weak 45 Colt case to come up with his cartridge, which eventually became the 454 Casull. Make sure your gun can handle it before 310 Tong Tool. and other smokeless cartridges were introduced. No purchase necessary. (WC= WadCutter, SWC= Semi-WadCutter, HP= Hollow Point, RN= Round Nose, FMC= Full Metal Case, FMJ= Full Metal Jacket, JHP= Jacketed Hollow Point and if GC indicated, means Gas Check at bottom of lead bullet), Loads for .45 Colt: Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM April 2023, P.O. N340 is a tubular powder type with grain dimensions of 1,0mm length and 0,8 mm diameter. You find load data for cartridges in caliber .45 Colt with all common powders and bullets by clicking the "Loads in this caliber" button above. Meet the all-new Taurus Judge Executive Grade, a revolver featuring a hand-polished satin finish, presentation-grade wood grips, a brass rod front sight and an exceptional hand-tuned trigger. Before loading any ammunition for leverguns, I first make dummy rounds to be able to check both feeding through the action and chambering. Lyman 49 says reloader 7 has been a long time favorite for .45-70. SAAMI pressures for STANDARD .45 Colt is 14,000 PSI MAXIMUM, but for Ruger Blackhawk and T/C, levels in the 20,000 to 25,000 range are considered more the norm. Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, State Agency: Alaska Department of Fish & Game, State Agency: Contest open to U.S. residents only. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, State Agency: It follows Keiths original idea of three equally sized driving bands, one forming the base, the middle one serving as the top of the grease groove, and the front driving band helping true up the bullet in the cylinder and is located above a generous crimping groove. However, it cannot be approached the same as smokeless. For several years Smith & Wesson cut throats at 0.455 inch or even larger, but now they seem to be running at a more proper 0.451 to 0.452 inch. i even just recieved an awsome holster rig new,lined,scroll work, you name it , looks fantastic quality for only 40.00,,,got hooked up with this awsome lady on ebay,whos selling them for a friend who makes them. It is just a guide and the reason you should start under these charges and work up. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. Published .45 Colt rifle data tends to use the same medium burning powders as non Ruger .45 Colt revolver data, with 255 gr bullet velocities around 1100 fps - about 200 fps faster than in a revolver. Before I discuss handloads for the 45 Colt, we have to acknowledge there exists such a wide range of revolvers accepting the 45 Colt that great care must be used in assembling loads and choosing which guns will safely accept them. However, when using versions that weigh 250 grains, it is sometimes difficult to reach high enough velocities to achieve reliable expansion while staying within industry pressure guidelines. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, State Agency: Then comes the Freedom Arms Model 97, the original Ruger Vaquero, Ruger Blackhawk, Ruger Redhawk, and the Ruger Super Redhawk. These two bullets in a custom five-shot Blackhawk or Freedom Arms Model 83 five-shooter can be driven to 1,450 fps with W296 or H110. Here is what Lyman #4 has to say on 45 Colt, maximum Unique , standard pressure loads: Lee 452-200-RF , 200 gr. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. The availability of all of these bullets is dependent on how much time I have to cast my own. Again, a groove diameter of .451 to .452 inch remains standard by all manufacturers. Lyman now offers it as #452424, and it is a 255-grain bulletor thereabouts, depending upon the alloy used. I also have been having good luck lately with 10.0 grains of HS-6 and 250- to 260-grain bullets, which duplicates the performance of the early black powder loads. (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (when required) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. selected. The 45 Colt brass could handle the pressures, but standard sixguns could not. I didnt realize how many different powders from Hodgdon I use in loading the 45 Colt until I began putting this article together. If cast soft enough they can also slug up to create a gas seal, which helps reduce fusion and barrel leading. Most are either .451 (jacketed) or .452 (lead) and Sierra even makes jacketed bullets for the Colt SAA that are .4515 splitting the difference. Colt single actions are right around 0.454 inch. Using bullets from . All entries must be received by giveaway end date. (Note: These are near maximum loads, you should use 10% less to start, unless it is lesser of several loads or other indications like mild or cowboy etc.) The 1894 Winchester Trappers have a long, strong action and even though the chambers are somewhat over-size, they will handle any load you can normally load in a .45 Colt case for use in sixguns with six-shot cylinders. Everything really starts with our Vision, which is:To be the best-run business in America, and the most successful, most respected business in our industry, for the benefit of our Customers. This is a pretty bold Vision, but its absolutely real. Pyrodex is cleaner burning than black powder and results in less fouling of the barrel. Subscriber Services. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, State Agency: (I) Giveaway ends September 30, 2021. For the 45 Colt this is the Single Action Army revolver. When Ray Thompson was designing his line of bullets, he did not neglect the 45. In 1935 we entered the Magnum Sixgun Era with the arrival of the 357 Magnum; however, long before that we had the 45 Colt. .45 Colt Handgun Data (Lyman Reloading Handbook 49th Edition) Warning! Soon after smokeless powder came into use, throats were increased to .4555 inch (according to Colt specifications), which worked fine with .456-inch lead hollowbase bullets contained in Remington and Winchester ammunition. The original Winchesters, whether chambered in .44 Rimfire or .44-40, all used cast bullets as jacketed bullets did not start appearing until the early part of the 20th century. Contest void where prohibited by law. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: The .45 Colt was developed in 1872 and first chambered for the Colt Single Action Army revolver in 1873. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. Addeddate 2019-02-26 16:21:01 Identifier Heavy loads that are safe for use in the Ruger Redhawk would destroy a fine Colt SAA. Purchase A PDF Download Of The GUNS Magazine February 2021 Issue Now! Bullet is .452 diameter. The Lyman family of brands including Pachmayr, Mark 7 Reloading, TacStar, A-Zoom, Trius, Butch's, and Targ-Dots offers products to meet the needs of shooters and reloaders. The day of the percussion revolver would soon be over, and even Colt could see the future and began converting 1860 cap-and-ball sixguns to fire cartridges. This prevents bullets from being sized down when seated into an overly tight case. My loading dies are from Lee, Lyman, and RCBS, and all of them give excellent service. Heavy loads that are safe for use in the Ruger Redhawk would destroy a fine Colt SAA. (NOTE: Sections marked Ruger Only are not for the New Model Blackhawk Flat-Tops or the New Vaquero!) Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, State Agency: Marlin and Winchester 1894s will both handle heavier-than-standard .45 Colt loads but 1860, 1866 and 1873 replicas are for standard loads only! RCBS also offers an excellent bullet of standard weight with the #45-255KT that has a better crimping groove than the Keith bullet. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winners. Most manufacturers have recognized the need to offer revolvers with correct throat dimensions including Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Uberti, USFA and others, but not Colt. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. It has never failed me. Energy in foot-pounds (ft-lbs) is not a good method to measure a straight-walled cartridges effectiveness, particularly when using nonexpanding bullets. However, a tight-chambered 45 Colt cylinder may require tolerances offered by a 454 Casull full-length sizing die. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, State Agency: John makes up dummy loads using available cast bullets to make Lyman now offers it as #452424, and it is a 255-grain bulletor thereabouts, depending upon the alloy used. It is impossible to go wrong with the 45 Colt. The weight would more properly be closer to 32 grains. This brings us to powders, and I use a lot of Hodgdon powders. The top of the can says NOT FOR HANDGUN LOADS. Share to Reddit. I soon developed an appreciation for reliable performance on game using.
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