Looking for second, third opinions

[infidel29]

So I have an 1876 dated Colt model P, also called a single action army. I had Peter @ Rusty Wood swap out all the internals with a trigger job and rechamber from 455 mk 2 to 45acp ergo, new cylinder as well. The barrel is not original, but an older rebarrel. This gun is a shooter grade, not collector grade as I don't have much of the original parts other than the frame. (Unless the previous internals are original, don't know). I doubt the previous 455 mk II cylinder is original just by how rare the SAA was in that caliber. But she's still priceless to me.

Anyway, my plan is to buy modern 45acp, and simply swap the smokeless powder for 20 grains BP. My question is does anyone forsee any issues using copper jacketed bullets in place of cast? I can easily use cast bullets but if I don't have to start casting and/or buying from bullet barn or jet bullets then I'd rather not. Copper is still softer than steel, but I don't want to inadvertently put pressure on the iron framed old girl.

Thoughts? Good idea or stupid idea?

 

[Cocked&Locked]

First, it would be a shame to butcher perfectly good 45 ACP. Get some fired brass to load with your black powder, not too hard to find.

Second, you say the barrel is "older". I'd say that if it's from the 1920's or earlier, it would not be well suited to jacketed bullets.
The only reason is the steel was softer and less wear resistant a century+ ago, and the rifling would wear a lot faster.

 

[infidel29]

First, it would be a shame to butcher perfectly good 45 ACP. Get some fired brass to load with your black powder, not too hard to find.

Second, you say the barrel is "older". I'd say that if it's from the 1920's or earlier, it would not be well suited to jacketed bullets.
The only reason is the steel was softer and less wear resistant a century+ ago, and the rifling would wear a lot faster.

The factory loaded ammo is much easier to find than primers are, which is why I decided to go that route. It is just ammo, after all.

While I have no way of knowing the age of the barrel, I DO know it's not original because it looks almost new. There's a very small nick on it but otherwise in excellent condition. I know that earlier steel is softer but I still think it would take upwards of 10k jacketed bullets through it before it became worn, as opposed to the 20k it would take on a modern barrel, no?

I just wonder if it changes anything with pressures on the frame?

 

[Moe]

I can relate. I too have an antique SAA and it was converted to 38 Special. I do use smokeless powder in my loads for it but mild use of Unique or Trail Boss. I don't sweat it too much but then I am only shooting 38 Special not a 45 like you are. I would definitely not use factory 45 ACP in that black powder frame. I think frame stretch could happen in that case. As I use copper plated Berry's or Campro but my barrel was made in the 1950's. For an old barrel like you seem to have I would stick to cast. You can get them at any Cabelas or Bass pro easy enough.

If it were my gun I would just use the existing 455 cylinder. Use any 45 lead projectile you want and the brass and dies are easy to get. Besides 45 ACP would need to get proper seating depth from the case mouth. Any error in case length, crimp, brass thickness and seating depth issues could result in a jammed cylinder or miss fires. Such issues are unlikely with a rimmed caliber like 455 Webley.

Cheers
Moe

 

[DEZ]

with black powder cast bullets with proper lube is a must
the fouling will get extremely hard with copper jacketed bullets and bp
and pressures will rise and accuracy will be non existent

 

[infidel29]

with black powder cast bullets with proper lube is a must
the fouling will get extremely hard with copper jacketed bullets and bp
and pressures will rise and accuracy will be non existent

That seems to be the general consensus I'm hearing.