Black powder .45 colt loads
- Thread starter jamiejaf
- Start date
I don't usually shoot Holy Black.
I'm too old, lazy and tired after a match to clean my guns.
On the occasions I do load black, I fill the case to a line I have marked on a small dowel, tamp it a bit, and seat the bullet to the top of the charge and crimp.
I don't recall what the weight is or if I ever weighed it.
Getting back to your TB load however, it seems pretty stout for TB.
What are you shooting it from?
I'm too old, lazy and tired after a match to clean my guns.
On the occasions I do load black, I fill the case to a line I have marked on a small dowel, tamp it a bit, and seat the bullet to the top of the charge and crimp.
I don't recall what the weight is or if I ever weighed it.
Getting back to your TB load however, it seems pretty stout for TB.
What are you shooting it from?
You need to make sure the case is full and slightly compressed under the boolit you choose to load, also petroleum based boolit lubes usually aren't the best for BP.
Lyman BP Handbook #2 says:
32-34gr of Goex ffG for various 250-255gr .452" 45Colt loads
34-35.5gr Goex fffG for the same
1.570-1.600" OAL
These measurements are by volume, but you can find what works for you and just load by actual weight.
In my experience primer type (magnum or standard) has not been an issue.
Lyman BP Handbook #2 says:
32-34gr of Goex ffG for various 250-255gr .452" 45Colt loads
34-35.5gr Goex fffG for the same
1.570-1.600" OAL
These measurements are by volume, but you can find what works for you and just load by actual weight.
In my experience primer type (magnum or standard) has not been an issue.
Pudelpointer
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lethbridge, Alberta
JJ, make sure you are seated right into the powder, i.e. NO AIR SPACE, when using BP. Air is bad, and their is no such thing as a light BP load in a cartridge gun. The powder must fill the case to the bullet.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
I've been loading B.P. in my 45 for a while now. I bought some B.P. lubed bullets from a user on this site (Ben Hu??? if you need to know I will look it up). They are 250Gr Soft cast lead.
As for the powder I have been using mostly FFg I tried FFFg but noticed very little difference. The amount of compression seems to make a big difference on how clean the powder burns. At first when I was loading too light of pressure my friends said they could see buring grains of powder comming from the barrel.
I later determined that a .44 magnum case filled completely with FFg when dumped into my .45 left just enough room too seat the bullet and compress the powder the right amount.
Since then I bought one of Lymans #55 Black Powder measures, it works like a charm.
Oh another thing I suppose you already know you have to put a heavy crimp on them too keep them from getting into the action under recoil.
Nic
No I don't put grease in the cylinder
I use magnum large pistol primers
As for the powder I have been using mostly FFg I tried FFFg but noticed very little difference. The amount of compression seems to make a big difference on how clean the powder burns. At first when I was loading too light of pressure my friends said they could see buring grains of powder comming from the barrel.
I later determined that a .44 magnum case filled completely with FFg when dumped into my .45 left just enough room too seat the bullet and compress the powder the right amount.
Since then I bought one of Lymans #55 Black Powder measures, it works like a charm.
Oh another thing I suppose you already know you have to put a heavy crimp on them too keep them from getting into the action under recoil.
Nic
No I don't put grease in the cylinder
I use magnum large pistol primers
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Well the best I can do ... really isn't that good. I shoot about 18" groups at 30 yards. Sometimes even worse.
I'm sure in more capable hands and better sights one could do better.
I love the lube you use though it scrubs up really easy.
Nic
Oh if you want to know ... Ruger New Vaquero 7.5" Stainless
I can't find my loading books for TB right now, but I recall 5.8 gr of TB being the recommended limit for a 250 gr lead bullet.
I don't know what the numbers might be for a 230 grain jacketed bullet, but I think 7 grains of Trail Boss in a Pietta may be too much.
You might give IMR a call at the number listed on the container.
I did when TB first came out and got some good info and brochures from them.
I don't know what the numbers might be for a 230 grain jacketed bullet, but I think 7 grains of Trail Boss in a Pietta may be too much.
You might give IMR a call at the number listed on the container.
I did when TB first came out and got some good info and brochures from them.
I used a weighed charge, 40gr. of FFG or FFFG. I've even tried FG, but 40gr. of that really soots up the gun. I usually use FFG, the FFFG almost seems too powerful. There is quite a difference. In my Winchester brass, I find that 40gr. is almost too light. The powder could do with a bit more compression.
To lube your bullets, simply lay a whole bunch base down in a disposable tin pie plate. Melt 50/50 beeswax and Crisco in a pyrex measuring jug, in the microwave. Watch it, do not over cook! Stir well, then pour it over your bullets. Let the lube harden, then poke the bullets out. With mine, I shoot as cast, no sizing. They come out the right size for my revolver, but remember, not all moulds and guns are the same!
I use standard Federal LP primers. I can shoot all 60 rounds at the range with no binding, but it's hard to hit anything at close range, since the revolver shoots much higher with BP. I found that 40gr. of FG matched the POI of smokeless loads, and FFFG was about 16-18" high at 25 yards.
It's really simple to load good BP ammo, no need for all the witches brews like "moosemilk", etc. If you live in a cold climate, you can add some olive oil to the lube, but it isn't really necessary. BP gets the revolver so hot, that really runny lube will melt before you even fire the gun! Here is a video of my loads in use. I also use BP in my New Service .38-40.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHjHZ8D6_TA
To lube your bullets, simply lay a whole bunch base down in a disposable tin pie plate. Melt 50/50 beeswax and Crisco in a pyrex measuring jug, in the microwave. Watch it, do not over cook! Stir well, then pour it over your bullets. Let the lube harden, then poke the bullets out. With mine, I shoot as cast, no sizing. They come out the right size for my revolver, but remember, not all moulds and guns are the same!
I use standard Federal LP primers. I can shoot all 60 rounds at the range with no binding, but it's hard to hit anything at close range, since the revolver shoots much higher with BP. I found that 40gr. of FG matched the POI of smokeless loads, and FFFG was about 16-18" high at 25 yards.
It's really simple to load good BP ammo, no need for all the witches brews like "moosemilk", etc. If you live in a cold climate, you can add some olive oil to the lube, but it isn't really necessary. BP gets the revolver so hot, that really runny lube will melt before you even fire the gun! Here is a video of my loads in use. I also use BP in my New Service .38-40.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHjHZ8D6_TA
You can have a light load but you need to take up the air space with a filler. Real felt wad, corn meal, grits, cream of Wheat and such.
One of my Colt 2nd Generation revolvers love black powder, felt wad, grease cookie, bullet. Very light load and exceptional accuracy.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Is there a dicernable crimp? Lack of crimp contributes to scattered shots IIRC.
Yeah I put a really good crimp on them. At first I didn't have enough crimp to keep them from moving under recoil but they are really tight now. When I get back out to the range I will have to play with the loads some more.
Others above were mentioning they use 40gr of B.P. I've been loading a little less than that, about 38gr. I measured a few just too see.
Nic
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Pudelpointer
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lethbridge, Alberta
Absolutely, and great additional info for newer loaders!
I personally like things to be as simple as possible, so BP loads are full case.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Heck Mercury, it appears you have good loads there!Yeah I put a really good crimp on them. At first I didn't have enough crimp to keep them from moving under recoil but they are really tight now. When I get back out to the range I will have to play with the loads some more.
Others above were mentioning they use 40gr of B.P. I've been loading a little less than that, about 38gr. I measured a few just too see.
Nic
I have nothing to add here, as your handloads look perfect to my eyes.
Good luck to you buddy.....
