45 colt bullets

[asevans]

Hi
I am getting supplies together to reload some 45 colt rounds.
These will be for range use through a new single action revolver.
I would like to get some 250 grain bullets but was wondering if I can use 230 grain acp bullets?
I’m not planning on doing that but it’s a question i need answered.
Thanks.

 

[red_zr24x4]

45ACP = .452
45COLT = .454

 

[Leadeye]

I've used Lee .452 TL round nose bullets for light 45 Colt loads. No issues.

 

[Whip_McCord]

I use a lot of 200gr RNFP lead bullets for cowboy action. Lighter loads were better since my wife also shoots the same guns/loads. Guns are original version Ruger Vaqueros.

 

[Michigan Slim]

The old guns were 0.454. All the newer ones take 0.452 lead bullets. 200 grainers recoil less than the 250's. Yes, you can use your ACP bullets in a pistol.

 

[Whip_McCord]

The old guns were 0.454. All the newer ones take 0.452 lead bullets. 200 grainers recoil less than the 250's. Yes, you can use your ACP bullets in a pistol.

I slugged the bores of my Vaqueros and my Marlin Cowboy lever gun. They all measured 0.4515".

 

[asevans]

Ok thanks for the replies.
I have gotten a new uberti smoke wagon single action. I haven’t gotten bullets yet. So I might try a couple different weights.
I will be trying titegroup powder.

 

[Michigan Slim]

Ok thanks for the replies.
I have gotten a new uberti smoke wagon single action. I haven’t gotten bullets yet. So I might try a couple different weights.
I will be trying titegroup powder.

Anywhere near Fort Wayne? I cast my own and have a couple or three different weight and styles you could try.

 

[2in1evtime]

I use the Elmer Keith style 452 bullets from missouri bullet for my revolvers when reloading, they have them coated now so less smoke!

 

[asevans]

Anywhere near Fort Wayne? I cast my own and have a couple or three different weight and styles you could try.

Thanks for the offer. I’m in Indy though.

 

[asevans]

Ok so maybe I don’t want 250grain.
I’m open to other options. Just thought those were kind of standard weight. I have a box of factory that are 250g.
So as long as they are .452 I’m good?
Thanks

 

[Whip_McCord]

Ok so maybe I don’t want 250grain.
I’m open to other options. Just thought those were kind of standard weight. I have a box of factory that are 250g.
So as long as they are .452 I’m good?
Thanks

That size should be fine. The bullet depends on the purpose of the load. For hunting 250 thru 300+ grains would most likely be best. For range use and plinking, lighter loads are all that is really needed. No sense in punishing yourself. There is a pamphlet from Hodgdon out on the web (PDF for downloading) that listes their cowboy action loads. Great loads for plinking. There are bullets as light as 160gr for 45 Colt for light cowboy loads. I use 200gr RNFP swaged bullets from Zero.

Also, there was some mention above about hard cast bulets. Bullet hardness should be dependant on the load's pressure. Lighter, low-pressure loads will require softer lead than hotter high-pressue loads. Actually, too hard an alloy can cause leading in low-pressure loads. This is especially true when if the bullet diameter is not optimal for the bore size.

Here is the formula for BHN, dependant of pressure:
Maximum bullet hardness (BHN, Brinnel Hardness Number) = PSI/1422.

Ideal bullet hardness (BHN, Brinnel Hardness Number) = PSI/1920.


Here is a good article. That site has a lot of great info.
http://www.lasc.us/FryxellCommentsCBAlloys.htm

 

[Mgderf]

If you want some really fun light load .45Colt go find yourself some Trailboss powder.
You can thank me later.

 

[Michigan Slim]

If you want some really fun light load .45Colt go find yourself some Trailboss powder.
You can thank me later.

Love the stuff. Not currently being manufactured. Rumor is 2023 though. I'm going to buy many pounds of it.

 

[asevans]

Has anybody reloaded black powder loads?
Thought that would be cool with all the smoke.

 

[Michigan Slim]

Has anybody reloaded black powder loads?
Thought that would be cool with all the smoke.

Thousands. Getting ready to load several hundred .44's and like amount of .38 Special. I'm thinking of shooting a BP CAS match this summer. Need to do a hundred 12 gauge also.

 

[Leadeye]

BP in the Colt 45 is loud smokey and powerful. I shoot it in my Colt 1878 revolvers.

 

[Michigan Slim]

BP in the Colt 45 is loud smokey and powerful. I shoot it in my Colt 1878 revolvers. View attachment 246243

I run it in my 44 mag Blackhawks and Rossi 92. Rather, I run APP because it's easier to clean up after. They are no joke out of the rifle.

 

[asevans]

Thanks for all the help. I ordered 500 - 200 grain LRN.

 

[Aszerigan]

I prefer the 250s in my Redhawk and Cimarrons. I like a little more recoil in my revolvers and they really swing steel. Just my personal preference.