.45 LC reloading

[lyman54]

Thinking of getting back into loading for the .45 Long Colt. I did reload for the .303 Brit and .308 but never for pistol. Always used the Lee Loader and will probably go back to that, having nothing but time and no life to speak of. Would most likely use Pyrodex P as I'm used to cap&ball. But open to suggestions on smokeless powders. With another mold I could cast my own. I would appreciate any help from people who reload this caliber. Thanks

 

[bearhunter]

There are hundreds, maybe thousands of loads available for the 45 Colt cartridge.

Many of them are only appropriate for strong, modern firearms and some specially made up for the rifles that are chambered for the case.

It's a very forgiving cartridge.

If you're shooting it from a handgun or rifle and casting your bullets, check your bore diameters and find an appropriate mold.

If you're going to purchase either cast or jacketed bullets, your choices are pretty good.

If you check online, you will see there are loads specific to individual makes and types of firearms.

Not trying to put you off but you've opened up an extremely wide subject.

 

[old303]

For .45 Colt the bottle of Unique seems to be the most popular.

For lightweight loads (cowboy action, or older firearms, or just for less recoil) Trail Boss is a good option.

 

[VICIOUS]

Red Dot is a nice load out, bulky and fast burning. UNIQUE is a brute for position sanative.

 

[salon_1928]

Love Unique for this caliber. It’s a dirty powder so has the right feel…

 

[emerson]

I use H110 in carbines. Titegroup for fun with cast, although I buy rather than cast myself.

 

[45C]

I’ve used TinStar ? Vihtavuori.

 

[BH45]

I usually use Trail Boss, I have used Unique as well. I find velocity is more consistent with Trail Boss as Unique is sensitive to powder position in case when fired.

 

[Dreaded Platypus]

+1 on Trail Boss although it is pretty hard to find these days :-(

I load 45LC with lead boolits for my Ruger Vaquero Bisley and Winchester 92 16" Trapper on my Dillon 750 with excellent results.

 

[Dreaded Platypus]

I’ve used TinStar ? Vihtavuori.

Do you have any load data?

Apparently Vihtavuori "walked back" TimStar for 45LC and load data has disappeared.

I can pick up a couple of pounds and would get them if I had data.

 

[45C]

View attachment 531014

Do you have any load data?

Apparently Vihtavuori "walked back" TimStar for 45LC and load data has disappeared.

I can pick up a couple of pounds and would get them if I had data.

It was about 8 years back, I used up about a lb in a Uberti El Patron, 45LC.
I don’t recall exact data, but I didn’t have any issues.
I found this, not sure if it helps you.

 

[4fifty8]

W296 works pretty good in my H&R Survivor 45 Colt / 410 except erratic in real cold temperature note 300 fps mv difference shot to shot. Picked up HSM Bear Load no issues good accuracy.

 

[Deathrawt]

I've been using Unique and have experienced the position sensitive issue and also I get a fair bit of blowback from my henry rifle
Looking to try a different load for it
A fellow i was talking to the other day suggested 6gr of red dot using a 250 grain bullet so I am going to try that

 

[Klondiker]

I use 7gr of Unique with 250gr cast and jacketed. Same load in my Winchester, Henry, Rossi, S&W Model 25, Uberti SAA.... with good results as a plinking load.

 

[4fifty8]

....

 

[alpining]

Thinking of getting back into loading for the .45 Long Colt....

It really depends on what you want to do - Handgun or long gun? Hunting or target? Heavy or light bullets?

I used Trail Boss for light loads, and H110 for heavies.

 

[lyman54]

Sorry to be late on this. Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions. I'm loading for a Pietta 1873 BTW. Going to start with 5.9 gr of Titegroup as it's not position sensitive but will also try Pyrodex P as I did love shooting the smoke of cap&ball. Those bear loads are wicked.

 

[VICIOUS]

250 RNFP; use of heavy bullet is to help stop blow back over the bolt, mainly happens in Marlin rifle.
Red Dot 6.0 grains is a solid load. I have used 5.9 grains with 250s for a solid load.

 

[Curtis264]

250gr RNFP, 8.5gr of CFE Pistol

 

[Dreaded Platypus]

I have been trying to find one load that works equally well in my Ruger New Vaquero Bisley and Winchester 92 16" Trapper...looks like 250gr LRNFP (Wolf) over 6.0gr of Trail Boss serves reasonably well in both at 14 yds..S&B Large Pistol primers...Starline cases

Vaquero


Win92