CFE pistol and .45 LC? Update with a ?

[Brianma65]

Hey there folks, I have a question regarding this combo. I've found two load data for this . I'll post the the hodgens data so you can see for yourself. My issue is , I have 230 g LRN bullets and as you can see both these loads are for differents weights. I can't find a load for 230 g. So can I load my 230 g LRN , based off these data sheets?

 

[kg]

Use data for a heavier bullet (250 gr here).

A thing to keep an eye on is the C.O.L. For a given design, shortening it will increase pressures.

 

[Brianma65]

I got a lb of this , so I may as we'll use it. Thanks^^^^

 

[Andy]

Those loads are "powder puff" for an older, weaker design of revolver. Many modern firearms are chambered for 45 Colt. What are you shooting it in?

 

[Brianma65]

Those loads are "powder puff" for an older, weaker design of revolver. Many modern firearms are chambered for 45 Colt. What are you shooting it in?

a new uberti .45 LC El patron 5.5 barrel. The cases fill about a 1/2up with the starting load. Also was wondering about the lead pushing onto the case when I load them. Do I need to expand the case more or is this normal. Here's a pic of 2 cartridges I just made.. Edited to now working great . I expanded the cases more.

 

[Figure 11]

Bell the cases more!

 

[Brianma65]

Bell the cases more!

Yep , just did that , they're now fine. Thanks.

 

[Brianma65]

Are these guns rated for 14000 psi? And as long as I stay around 10000 psi , I should be fine , right?

 

[BCRider]

SAMMI pressure limit for .45Colt is up around 13K. So these are not powder puff loads by any stretch.

From a buddy that shoots his guns in cowboy action I can tell you that even the starting loads shown in your posted data are not weak loads. The starting loads listed in your first post will hit your hand about the same as a 1911 firing regular power 230gn loads. The full power loads would feel more stout.

I'd probably start at the 8.2gn load and see how you like it. It clearly won't be too light for a 230 bullet.

If you find that you'd like LESS power then things might get iffy. You would need to do some searching to see if anyone is using CFE Pistol for below book loads with any success. The issue is that the burn can become spotty with some powders if they can't develop enough pressure. Some, like Bullseye and Tightgroup, are fine with very low pressures. Others not so much.

When you bell your cases don't go crazy. The added working on the brass will just reduce the life of the cases. You want enough that the bullets seat into the flare neatly even in the shortest case. But no more than that.

 

[Brianma65]

SAMMI pressure limit for .45Colt is up around 13K. So these are not powder puff loads by any stretch.

From a buddy that shoots his guns in cowboy action I can tell you that even the starting loads shown in your posted data are not weak loads. The starting loads listed in your first post will hit your hand about the same as a 1911 firing regular power 230gn loads. The full power loads would feel more stout.

I'd probably start at the 8.2gn load and see how you like it. It clearly won't be too light for a 230 bullet.

If you find that you'd like LESS power then things might get iffy. You would need to do some searching to see if anyone is using CFE Pistol for below book loads with any success. The issue is that the burn can become spotty with some powders if they can't develop enough pressure. Some, like Bullseye and Tightgroup, are fine with very low pressures. Others not so much.

When you bell your cases don't go crazy. The added working on the brass will just reduce the life of the cases. You want enough that the bullets seat into the flare neatly even in the shortest case. But no more than that.

I loaded 10 rnds with the min load , and will try those. I would like to end up in the middle around 8.8 g but I may go with a 250 bullet , if these don't perform well. I was getting good results with the 250 g bullets , but when I ordered they had none in stock. So I only got 200 of the 230g,s.

 

[Brianma65]

I've adjusted seating die for a roll crimp and the reload looks the same as factory. Only one more issue maybe? When I remove the cartridge , there's a very fine ring of brass , cut off the case? Is that normal or over crimp? Finished product

 

[Figure 11]

You have too much crimp. I only get that ring of brass with 357 and jacketed bullets when I hit an especially long case. You just need enough crimp to keep the bullets from pulling out of the cases under recoil. To test: measure your rounds, load 6, fire 5 and take it out of the gun. If it grew, you need more crimp. Since you're not trying to hit max loads you can probably tone it down a lot. That is, if you need crimp at all. Your brass will last longer.

 

[Brianma65]

That's what I thought when I was crimping , but they do look identical to factory. I'll ease up a turn on the die. Thanks

 

[BCRider]

When you go overboard on a roll crimp you'll generally see a wave bulge in the side below the crimp. Up to that point it's a light or strong normal crimp. Your picture looks like a medium strong to strong crimp. A little less or even down to a very light crimp won't hurt for mid power loads at all.

Because the crimp is set by the coarse outer thread on the dies we're talking about a LOT less than a turn of the die. You're likely only 10 to 20 degrees of a turn away from being spot on.

For my own cowboy action rounds I crimp to where I can't really see it by eye easily. Instead I look for a line of reflected light to look a bit bent where the crimp is located.

 

[Brianma65]

I'll loosen up that crimp a little , Thanks for all the help everyone.

 

[Melnibonean]

I use 8.4gr of CFE Pistol in my Uberti SAA and it works fine.
Works even better in my Rossi 92 (I love lever guns)

 

[Brianma65]

I use 8.4gr of CFE Pistol in my Uberti SAA and it works fine.
Works even better in my Rossi 92 (I love lever guns)

I was trying to remember who had given me a CFE pistol recipe, I was thinking real hard the last couple of days , but couldn't remember. Until I seen your post. It was from an earlier thread , I started about a week ago. Lol thanks again. I went with the 8.4 g and a 230g bullet. Gonna use them up and then probably switch back to the 250g.

 

[Andy]

a new uberti .45 LC El patron 5.5 barrel. ..

You should not go higher than 9.2 grs with CFE Pistol - doing that with a 230 gr bullet will keep the peak pressure below 13K psi which is a suitable max for that gun. I have gone as high as 12.0 grs in my Ruger Super Blackhawk and Rossi M92 rifle, but they're much stronger than your Uberti.

 

[Brianma65]

You should not go higher than 9.2 grs with CFE Pistol - doing that with a 230 gr bullet will keep the peak pressure below 13K psi which is a suitable max for that gun. I have gone as high as 12.0 grs in my Ruger Super Blackhawk and Rossi M92 rifle, but they're much stronger than your Uberti.

I went with 8.4, I'll try those and then maybe move up a little, see if I can get the POA/POI the same as my 250g,s ?

 

[Brianma65]

Update , the 230 g bullet with 8.4 CFE pistol were shooting identical to the 250 g rem factory. The CFE powder is awesome. I'm gonna give the trail boss a try next. One question though, 5 out of a 100 cases were very black ( the metal actually changed color). Is this ok?