400+ Grain .45 Colt...

[Gun-adian]

Hey Gang.

I just picked up a Lyman 420 grain mould for my .45/70.

After my casting and lubing/sizing at .458 dia, I shoved a couple of bullets through my .451 sizer. They came out really nice. I then made up a few dummy loads to see if they would fit in the .45 Colt cases. They bulged a bit about half way down, where the case wall starts to thicken, but still chambered fine in my Blackhawk.

Has anyone ever tried a load with a bullet this heavy?

Should I even bother?

I'm using Starline brass and was thinking of using H-110 powder.

Any suggestions from the super-experienced would be great.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[ckid]

I have pondered the same question for quite some time. I haven't found any data published for such a venture anywhere. But I have come to the conclusion that the loss of case capacity from stuffing a 400gr slug into a .45 colt case would result in a huge velocity loss, even with a Ruger using H110. I've stuck with a 300gr gas checked roundnose flatpoint (LEE) and had good results with H110 (1450 fps from a 5.5" Bbl). I am looking forward to hearing what other people think.

 

[Levi Garrett]

454 maybe , but the LC is a bit short , no room for powder. I use the 300 gr cast from a lee mould and would not go any heavier in that caliber.
Frank

 

[Ike]

I load a 390 grain Frontier jacketed bullet in my SRH in 45 LC and 454, they work fine without any problems. I have a mold for a 405 grain bullet but haven't cast it yet.
If you want maximum velocity you will be better to stick with the lighter 300 grain or go to a 454, but if you are not looking for maximum kinetic energy and want the enjoyment of lobbing an ounce of lead downrange then the heavy bullets work fine. I don't think the paper can tell any difference between 900fps and 1200 fps

I haven't spent any time working up a 45 Colt load yet so can't help out much in that dept, I am using H-110 though.

Cheers

 

[Gun-adian]

Thanks for the info, so far, gents.

I'm not looking for super duper thumpers here. If it turns out that way, great.
But I'm more interested in just tossing something really heavy. High velocity isn't all that necessary.

I already shoot a Lee 300 Gr. RNFPGC as my fast heavy hitter.

This little experiment is just for the fun factor.

Sorry for not being clear in what I was after.

Please keep the suggestions coming.

Thanks.

 

[Big JD-From the hills]

The blackhawk has quite a bit of room, you could probably seat it further forward than standard loads to gain case capacity(only problem would be crimp)?