Levergun Loads: .45 Colt Part II Cast Bullets - GUNS Magazine Caliber .45 Colt| Reloading Data It is becoming more popular with the Cowboy Action Shooting since it is a mild load and can be shot in the guns chambered for the .45 Colt. Again using 255-grain factory loads at 860 fps, the .45 Colt reaches a factor of 14.09, while select standard-pressure handloads containing 280-grain bullets pushed to 950 fps factor at 17.17. They include a (1) restored 1900 revolver with carved grips, (2) 1903 custom engraved, (3) 1901 with carved pearl grips, (4) 1899 with carved grips, (5) 1957-era custom, (6) custom 1901 with stag grips, (7) 1903 with custom carved grips and a (8) Colt New Frontier SAA with custom carved grips. When time is a problem, actually when sometimes my own energy is the problem, I look to Oregon Trail Bullets. .45 Colt Rifle Data (Lyman Reloading Handbook 49th Edition) reloading data with 0 loads. When crimped in its cannelure, the overall length still exceeds industry specifications at 1.652 inches. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. Yes, these loads in this rifle could be stretched farther, however for feral pigs or white tail deer from a stand one would rarely have to shoot any farther than this. I custom tailor my loads for the Trapper to match with the sixgun I am using alongside. I use the same industry measurement as the .45 ACP .470 inch. 11; firearms used: Universal Receiver & Ruger Blackhawk; barrel length: 7 1/2"; twist: 1-16"; groove dia. Be very careful using the loads for Ruger and T/C (Thompson Contender) as these are maximum loads, even for these strong guns. 2020, Lyman Products Corporation, printed in U.S.A. All other trademarks in this catalog are the property of their respective owners. For comparison the above .44 Magnum factory loads (which are admittedly conservative) have a TKO factor only slightly higher at 17.35. However, due to their heavier weights and increased barrel time, many fixed-sighted sixguns may group high. Incidentally, many jacketed bullet loads will produce higher velocities in revolvers with shorter barrels. This is a plain base bullet and I found out very quickly it was not very accurate in either rifle. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. The key for best shooting is to size cast bullets accordingly and open the throats if necessary. Reloader 7 - 37.0 grains start, 39.0 grains max. 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. check out the. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winners. The 9mm/.38 Lyman #356637 HP is nominally a 124 grain HP version of their excellent 147 grain RNFP for the 9mm Parabellum. Moving up to the second level, loads at around 1,000 fps with the same-weight bullet are used in the Colt New Frontier, Smith & Wesson Model 25/625, Ruger Flat-Top New Model, and the Ruger New Vaquero. - 9.4 grains Unique Lyman 452460 , 200 gr. Rifle Data Here you will find load data for some of the most recent cartridges on the market, with more being added each week. These figures correspond with the many other pre-World War II guns that I have slugged. Wyoming Game & Fish Department, State Agency: These can be safely driven to 1,200 fps in the Ruger Blackhawk. Handgun Data. In actual weight, Pyrodex is lighter than black powder, being about 80 percent of the weight of black powder. Keith bullet, the Lee 452-255-rf 250gr bullet and the RCBS 45-270-SAA for .45 Colt. It is impossible to go wrong with the 45 Colt. Quality 300-grain jacketed bullets are also offered by all three of these manufacturers. 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. Treat it like one. It is my most used powder both in cap-and-ball and cartridge-firing sixguns when black powder loads are desired. All entries must be received by giveaway end date. Ben Voss FN Product Manager talks about the new FN SCAR 15P ultra-compact rifle-caliber pistol at SHOT Show 2023. FWIW Dale53 #Permalink 1 0 Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. I have been pleasantly surprised by the Marlin Trapper. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, State Agency: Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. A gun is like a parachute: If you need one and don't have one, you won't be needing one again. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, State Agency: Idaho Department of Fish & Game, State Agency: As I have gotten older and my hands have become more tender, I find myself moderating my everyday shooting loads. . It takes at least two rounds to be able to see if the rounds are too long to accomplish both operations. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, Altor Pistols, P.O. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. If your Hornady book says 45 Colts use a 458 bullet, they are wrong. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. The Lyman bullet 452651 GC will cast 20-1 at about 325 grains including gas check. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. 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. It is also noteworthy that many dies manufactured prior to around 1980 fail to size cases adequately to correctly hold .451/.452-inch bullets. 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. The 45 Colt rim is smaller than the rim on a 45 Auto Rim. It is clear why the .45 Colt had such a stellar reputation as a man stopper and for its effectiveness on game. Again, a groove diameter of .451 to .452 inch remains standard by all manufacturers. of blackpowder, the .44-40 . Do Pistols Benefit From Popular Aftermarket Modifications? A favorite pastime of many dedicated sixgunners is sitting around a campfire arguing the merits of their particular choice of caliber. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, State Agency: However, there are two problems associated with it: case capacity and cylinder throat diameters. Lyman has a 255 grain .45 Colt gas-checked bullet, #454490GC, that was designed by Ray Thompson who also brought forth the .357 Magnum #358156GC and the .44 Magnum #431244GC. Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance. I would conclude this powder is much more consistent in speeds than others that I have tried in the .45 Colt. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM Old West 2023, PO Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. Cartridge Type: Pistol/Revolver. Jacketed bullets are also more difficult to push down the bore and therefore produce less velocity than a cast bullet of equal weight. These can be safely driven to 1,200 fps in the Ruger Blackhawk. Lyman Reloading Handbook 49th edition. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. 45 Colt Load Data - HunterHub The .45 Auto Rim | Cast Bullet Association | Online Forum | Bullet A pair of Old Model Blackhawks with 4-5/8 and 4-3/4 barrels put five rounds in 1 at 20 yards while traveling at about 800 fps. I would think that the load you are using would be safe. When using a revolver with large throats, there are solutions to improve accuracy. No substitutions or transfers to third parties allowed. Ruger's multi-role small frame autoloading rifle - Sear - combines AR-10 power with AR-15 Portability. N340 handgun powder - Vihtavuori (I) Giveaway ends December 31, 2022. 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. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Lyman Reloading Handbook 48th Edition 2002 Ocr Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. Additional evidence can be found in Colt-published specifications dated June 1924 that list the .45 Colt with a groove diameter of .451 inch minimum and .452 inch maximum (with bore diameter being .444 inch minimum and .445 maximum). Instead of being overly large, Rugers have been way too tight, with some measuring around 0.449 inch, but now Ruger is cutting all cylinder throats at 0.451 to 0.452 inch. A Modern rifle should handle these loads equally as well, such as the Winchester Model 94. Exactly the same grain size as with powder N320, N330 and N350 - only the porosity of the powder changes.The burning rate of the N340 is at the medium scale of Vihtavuori handgun powders - and as with powder N320, with N340 extremely clean burning and . : .451" Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data. Because case capacity is large, trying to produce lighter loads with slow-burning powders can give very poor results. Others are the New Model Blackhawks, the Bisley Model, the Redhawk, and the Super Redhawk. A bullet with a copper gas check or copper plating is best for INDOOR ranges to keep lead vapors out of the air. Lyman now offers it as #452424, and it is a 255-grain bulletor thereabouts, depending upon the alloy used. Taurus Marketing Manager Caleb Giddings highlights the features of the new Taurus Raging Hunter 460 Magnum, a purpose-built revolver with a 10.5-inch barrel and an effective recoil-taming brake, with Guns & Ammo Executive Editor Joe Kurtenbach. Then something dramatic happened in 1869: Smith & Wesson brought forth the 44 American sixgun that used fixed ammunition. .45 Colt - Published Manufacturer Loading Data Shellholders: Lee #11 Lee #14 Lyman #11 RCBS #20 Recipe Type: Pistol Ruger, Freedom Arms & Thompson / Center only 30,000 PSI-HIGH PRESSURE LOADS 14000 PSI-STANDARD LOADS Ruger and Contender Only Cowboy Bullet Weight: ALL 135 gr 160 gr 180 gr 185 gr 200 gr 210 gr 215 gr 225 gr 230 gr 240 gr 250 gr However, in those long-gone days I was able to find two Winchester Trappers both in .45 Colt and the Marlin versions in both calibers mentioned. Also slugged were guns 121xxx (1887) and number 134xxx (1890) that measured .4515 inch and .451 inch, respectively. Smith & Wesson revolver throats have varied significantly. I'll be a nice to you as you'll let me be, or as mean as you make me be. Over the nearly 15 decades since its arrival, there have been many attempts to pronounce it dead. The Colt SAA .45 Colt with a 4.75-inch barrel ranks as one of Brians favorite handgun configurations. The accompanying data was developed using Starline cases that are strong, offer long life and are available factory direct. 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. Taffin Test the .45 Colt I chose the Herco powder to utilize as much case capacity as possible. (II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. In addition to outstanding terminal performance and accuracy in guns with correct internal dimensions, it offers low pressures, mild muzzle report and controllable recoil, all of which make it especially practical for an outdoorsman who uses a sixgun daily. 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. When loaded in the Colt Single Action Army at around 850 fps, it is a most powerful everyday working load. It didnt take long for manufacturers to offer heavier bullets, and two of the best came from NEI. It was outfitted with adjustable sights, a 5.5-inch barrel, one-piece checkered walnut stocks and was timed precisely with an outstanding trigger pull. I shoot the .44 and .45 in rifles and pistolas, but I have only a rifle in .38-40. Members 4.5k Gender:Male Location:Dolores, Colorado Interests:All types of shooting, hunting, fishing, camping. In his classic 1955 book Sixguns by Keith, Elmer Keith stated, As one grows older and his hair starts to turn grey, his respect for this grand old load increases. Its also a good choice for hunting. His 45 Colt bullet was #454424 and was available for decades from Lyman. This one is from Lyman 48th addition Reloading book. This Colt SAA .45 was manufactured in 1893 and saw extensive use on the frontier prior to being professionally restored. When the new 454 Magnum revolvers (as they were first called) arrived, however, the brass was lengthened so it could not be used in standard 45 Colt sixguns. Camp Guns: Sometimes Perfect, Other Times Not But Often Essential! I soon developed an appreciation for reliable performance on game using. As always there are occasional exceptions, including two guns manufactured in 1900 and 1902 that slugged .458 and .453 inch, respectively, but they seemed to be more out-of-spec than the normal. The availability of all of these bullets is dependent on how much time I have to cast my own. All Guns and Ammo subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. And about 1450+fps out of the 20" 454 Puma Levergun. Oregon Trails 250-grain RNFP over 8.0 grains of W231 clocks out just under 1,100 fps with three-shot groups of 1" or less. It has many additional virtues, primarily its big-bore performance and reliability. Most manufacturers have recognized the need to offer revolvers with correct throat dimensions including Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Uberti, USFA and others, but not Colt. The vast majority of my 45 Colt handloads over the last 60 years, however, has been put together with cast bullets. RCBS also offers an excellent bullet of standard weight with the #45-255KT that has a better crimping groove than the Keith bullet. Use a COL at 1.572". The Freedom Arms Model 97 also is in this group. Dropping down to 30 grains results in an easier-shooting 835 fps and a group of 1.13 inches. Not only do the Hodgdon folks offer excellent powders, but also they are simply some of the nicest folks in the industry. Lyman now offers it as #452424, and it is a 255-grain bulletor thereabouts, depending upon the alloy used. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. It is a good choice for self-defense, long-range shooting, hunting everything on four legs, and just plain fun shooting. When the new 454 Magnum revolvers (as they were first called) arrived, however, the brass was lengthened so it could not be used in standard 45 Colt sixguns. 275 grain 45 colt load - The Firing Line Forums His 45 Colt bullet was #454424 and was available for decades from Lyman. Lyman: Meeting the needs of shooters and reloaders For clarification, the above three, revolvers are completely original with barrels featuring the small rounded bead-type. (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 (top) Model 25-5 has .458-inch throats while the (bottom) Model 25-5 has .451-inch throats and is far more accurate. A favorite pastime of many dedicated sixgunners is sitting around a campfire arguing the merits of their particular choice of caliber. 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. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: Deployed military should use stateside address. [See page on powder location in case affecting FPS elsewhere on pages] However, it cannot be approached the same as smokeless. For several reasons they should not be used. Cast bullets in both plain-based and gas check versions are available from 260 grains to 325 grains. Quality 300-grain jacketed bullets are also offered by all three of these manufacturers. The Judge has been promoted! The larger diameter ring that sizes the lower half of the case provides longer case life and eliminates the typical swaged bulge just ahead of the solid head. Although far from perfect, the old Taylor Knock Out (TKO) formula, which is caliber x bullet weight x velocity 7,000, is far more accurate. I have used them to take big game, including mule deer and bears. A huge hit among hunters, it remained popular in deer camps long after the .30-30 Win. I soon added single-cavity molds for the .45 Colt and .38 Special. Bob Meinert, FN Marketing Director, introduces FN's first commercial pistol suppressor, the FN Rush 9Ti. .449 inch to .460 inch, and Smith & Wessons from .451 to .458 inch. Two other powders for standard loads include W231 and HP-38. I especially like the 260-grain Keith gas-check bullet which shoots exceptionally well using #4227, 20.0 grains is 1,115 fps for 5/8 and then it gets even better! After a long days work on our remote cattle ranch, I would cast bullets and handload ammunition in the evening so that I could continue shooting the next day. With my alloys this bullet runs around 280 to 285 grains while at the same time having a slightly shorter nose than the original Keith design so it fits in all Colt cylinders. (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: Elmer Keith was way ahead of his time in developing everyday working and hunting loads. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. On the other end are the Ruger Only loads. 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. Heavy loads that are safe for use in the Ruger Redhawk would destroy a fine Colt SAA. No purchase necessary. This lets it feed in many cowboy-action guns and use common 45 ACP load data. Not only do the Hodgdon folks offer excellent powders, but also they are simply some of the nicest folks in the industry. The availability of all of these bullets is dependent on how much time I have to cast my own. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM February 2023, P.O. I found the following heavyweight bullets all would work through both the Winchester and Marlin actions: NEI 310 Keith, NEI 325 Keith, Lyman #454629GC 300-grain FN, RCBS #45-270 SAA weighing around 284 grains with my alloy, and I also checked the #454490GC design by Ray Thompson, which is a 255-grain Keith-style gas-checked bullet. The minimum load for a 200 gr cast SWC in 45 Colt is listed as 8.6 gr Unique for 918 fps. Then comes the Freedom Arms Model 97, the original Ruger Vaquero, Ruger Blackhawk, Ruger Redhawk, and the Ruger Super Redhawk. so when i find my gun,,i can get busy asap with this . The original .45 Colt bullet profile is known as a truncated cone or round nosed flat point (RNFP). The proud tradition and history of Lyman Products began simply in the late 1800?s when William Lyman, an avid outdoorsman and inventor, created a product that resolved problems with gun sights of his day. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Nitro 100, No.2, No. (NOTE: Sections marked Ruger Only are not for the New Model Blackhawk Flat-Tops or the New Vaquero!) Contest open to U.S. residents only. When the Marlin and Winchester Trappers first arrived in the early 80s, the #1 45 Colt bullet was still Elmer Keiths #454424 weighing about 260 grains from my alloy. 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. LYMAN Reloading Products A trusted Brand since the 1800?s. ), RCBS #45-270SWC (284 gr.). Contest open to U.S. residents only. No purchase necessary. (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (if required) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. 45 LC load with Titegroup? | Ruger Forum Bullet is .452 diameter. .45 Colt Keith bullets: Lyman #454424 (264 gr. It would also be excellent for a defense load. Use 10% UNDER any values you see here for N-100. More than 45 years of shooting and slugging the barrels of hundreds of Colt SAAs suggests differently. Deployed military should use stateside address. When Ray Thompson was designing his line of bullets, he did not neglect the 45. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, State Agency: and how they grouped at ther yrds. Bullseye is a bit fast for this big cartridge and I dont especially recommend it, but it will work. 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. Arizona Game & Fish Department, State Agency: Most of the accompanying handloads are within industry overall length guidelines at 1.600 inches or less; however, a few loads exceed that length (including Hornadys FTX factory load). They are my choice for the heaviest loads especially with cast bullets weighing 300 grains and heavier. A Redding Dual Ring Carbide sizing die was used to develop handload data. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. im leaning towards the ruger blackhawk bisley 45 long cot 5.5 barrel. 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. When tactical lights first came out, we all thought the 50 lumens they offered was astounding and could never get better. That is black powder loads or Black powder level only. Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide It also is a most versatile powder as it can be used for standard loads for the Colt SAA and heavy loads for the Blackhawk. SCCY DVG-1 Sub-Compact Striker-Fired Pistol: Full Review, Buyer Beware: Buying 'Bargain' Guns Can Be Risky. This was achieved with 40 grains of black powder. Contrary to popular belief, the Mason patented spring-loaded, cylinder-pin release catch first appeared in 1896 around serial number 164,000, which were still black powder guns.