Has anyone loaded 45 colt (long colt) with the leverevolution bullets, and if so what did you think? I ordered some Hodgdon Longshot to go with my 225gr Leverevolution bullets, I am shooting these in a Rossi SS leveraction M92 Rifle. I am hoping to use this gun for deer hunting and maybe some hog hunting this fall. I have both the Hornady and the Lyman reloading manuals plus the Hodgdon annual book is coming with the powder tomorrow. Just looking for any advice on what to look out for and what not to do. Thanks alot
LeveRevolution 45colt
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ArchAngelCD
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I haven't loaded the FTX bullet in the .45 Colt yet but I can tell you with other bullets I have gotten outstanding accuracy using HS-6. (W540) I have not tried Longshot because I feel it's too slow a powder for the .45 Colt. If you looking for velocity alone sure Longshot is a tick higher than HS-6 but when it comes to accuracy I have to stick with HS-6.
Please don't forget the range report with Longshot and the FTX bullet from a long gun...
Please don't forget the range report with Longshot and the FTX bullet from a long gun...
According to Hornady's 8th Edition I can get more velocity with the long shot without going to the max than I can the HS-6 that is why I wanted to try it...Lymans latest edition didnt list the FTX and getting loading data for a 45colt long gun is sketchy at best. I will provide all the data I can. I am hoping for this to be a good solid knockdown cartridge.
If it is the FTX bullets you have to trim down your brass for those.
I would have no need for them (don't hunt) but if I did I still would not use them. I would not want my 45 Colt brass at different lengths and try to keep track of.The regular XTP's are fine by me.
http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ftx_load_data/45ColtFTXHandgun.pdf
http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ftx_load_data/45ColtFTXRifle.pdf
I would have no need for them (don't hunt) but if I did I still would not use them. I would not want my 45 Colt brass at different lengths and try to keep track of.The regular XTP's are fine by me.
http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ftx_load_data/45ColtFTXHandgun.pdf
http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ftx_load_data/45ColtFTXRifle.pdf
Maximumbob54
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Buy a box of them, shoot them, then reload them.
ArchAngelCD
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Like listed above, Hornady had data on their site for those bullets.
As for additional velocity, a .45 Colt bullet traveling at 900 fps will do the same job than if it were moving an additional 100 fps. The animal it hits won't be any deader but accuracy is important.
The latest Hornady edition has the bullet travelling at almost 1200fps, that will probably be a shoulder thumper. Because I can I am going to load up 20 of them and see how they work. Having a box of 100 bullets I can do this 5 times. I had already seen where I had to trim the cases but wanted to see how they work. The Bullets were a gift and so was the powder. I just think it will be fun to try and if I can get improved ballistics for hunting doing it I havent lost anything.
The high velocity is a byproduct of the light weight (for caliber) bullet. The FTX bullets are a solution in search of a problem. You will not level out the trajectory of a 45 Colt to make it a long range deer or elk caliber. In short, FTX is a gimmick, designed to increase Hornadys sales. I'd be concerned about the fast expanding bullet on close range shots, and there are a number of complaints on some of the hunting boards about following up wounded deer that were hit solidly with the flex tip, but only left shallow wounds. Some of the complaints seem perfectly credible, and are coming from seemingly experienced hunters. The 45 "Swift" isn't possible, something needs to give. Hornady does make some very capable bullets. I'd suggest XTPs for most handgun calibers, even in carbines.
thank you thats why I came here, was to learn from people who do more reloading and thinking about it than I do!!
OH and I dont have a carbine I have a rifle, you know with the longer barrel.
OH and I dont have a carbine I have a rifle, you know with the longer barrel.
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The data may claim 1,200 fps but you will never see those velocities from your handgun on the range. We all know the numbers claimed in the manuals can't be duplicated...
tappedandtagged
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For wht its worth, the 240 grain XTP has a higher BC than the 225 grain FXT. A difference of .160 for the XTP and a .145 for the FXT.
I just ran the two bullets through my ballistics calculator. I plugged in 1150 fps for the heavier XTP and 1200 fps for the FXT. With that entered in with the respective weights and BC, the FXT was 0.17 inches flatter shooting across 100 yards. The XTP peaked at 3.15 inches high at 60 yards whereas the FXT peaked at 2.98" high.
If it were me, I'd use the XTP for the higher weight, better BC and cheaper price. ($7 difference per 100 around here).
I just ran the two bullets through my ballistics calculator. I plugged in 1150 fps for the heavier XTP and 1200 fps for the FXT. With that entered in with the respective weights and BC, the FXT was 0.17 inches flatter shooting across 100 yards. The XTP peaked at 3.15 inches high at 60 yards whereas the FXT peaked at 2.98" high.
If it were me, I'd use the XTP for the higher weight, better BC and cheaper price. ($7 difference per 100 around here).
Thank you very much, I am shooting these through a 24" barreled rifle will that make a difference? All I am trying to do is make it an efficient 100 yard or less brush gun. The hype on the FXT's is pretty enticing, but the information pretty much makes it seem like I messed up and I hate it when I mess up!
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How did you mess up?? The Hornady new #8 tested the bullets in a Rossi with 20" barrel. You get to try out the new bullets, something new and different, If you do not like them no big loss. Have fun.
You have some, trim some cases (mark them with a Sharpie) and load them up. The difference in velocity between Longshot and the other powders is only 50 FPS under test conditions. I doubt it makes much difference.
http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ballistics/2012CatalogCenterSpread.pdf
I haven't loaded with the Leverrevolution bullets, but I have shot the 44 mag factory ones from my 10" Contender. Absolutely the greatest accuracy I have ever seen from a pistol bullet.
See the picture. This is 5 rounds at 25 yards, 4X Leupold scope, from a sandbag rest.
See the picture. This is 5 rounds at 25 yards, 4X Leupold scope, from a sandbag rest.
I went ahead last night and put a bullet in an empty case and did a small crimp in the cannalure because when I checked my chamber depth it was plenty long enough for an untrimmed case. Anyhow it fed and chambered like it was supposed to and didnt leave any marks on the bullets, so why would I have to trim the brass? just wondering
Cause "they" say so
"The data below has been developed specifically for loading these advanced
bullets. Please take note that when loading FTX® bullets, the cartridge
cases require a bit more trimming than when loading conventional bullets.
This is so the Cartridge Overall Length can be maintained at a length that
will allow proper function in lever guns and revolvers."
You are only talking .015" so it may not make a difference in your gun (1.230-1.215)
Was is your loaded COL??
"The data below has been developed specifically for loading these advanced
bullets. Please take note that when loading FTX® bullets, the cartridge
cases require a bit more trimming than when loading conventional bullets.
This is so the Cartridge Overall Length can be maintained at a length that
will allow proper function in lever guns and revolvers."
You are only talking .015" so it may not make a difference in your gun (1.230-1.215)
Was is your loaded COL??
My overall length was 1.684. This is the only firearm I own in the 45colt caliber. I have 2 pistols 1 in 45acp and the other in 9mm. My rifle will actually cycle and chamber a 454casull but I have never fired one but I have a friend who has in in 454 and he shoots 45colts in it all the time. I was thinking (thats dangerous) that the bullet wouldnt have as far to jump in the leade would be the only difference, but I know that bullet and ammo manufacturers tend to go to the light side of things. I am not trying to build a long distance flat trajectory rifle but I would like one that doesnt feel like a .410 when I shoot it. I thought I would start by loading 5 rounds and then taking them out back to my range and chronographing them on a 50 yard target. Depending on which Reloading manual you read depends on whether you see LongShot powder used or not but the ones that show it also show it to be pretty accurate.
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From the Hornady #8 manual"
A regular 45 Colt case max is 1.285, their load data uses a trim length of 1.275 for regular bullets.
For the New FTX the trim length is 1.215
Their OAL loaded for their tests with Longshot is 1.645 which gives the best velocity with the least amount of powder.
So you are over their recommend length. In a revolver this may jam up the cylinder. In a tube Magazine you may have feeding issues.
They Highlight the trim length in BOLD RED. Hornady being a excellent, accurate company would only do so if they had a reason.
I have no experience with the bullet, I only load LSWC in 45 Colt and shoot in a revolver, so I can only give you what the manual says.
A regular 45 Colt case max is 1.285, their load data uses a trim length of 1.275 for regular bullets.
For the New FTX the trim length is 1.215
Their OAL loaded for their tests with Longshot is 1.645 which gives the best velocity with the least amount of powder.
So you are over their recommend length. In a revolver this may jam up the cylinder. In a tube Magazine you may have feeding issues.
They Highlight the trim length in BOLD RED. Hornady being a excellent, accurate company would only do so if they had a reason.
I have no experience with the bullet, I only load LSWC in 45 Colt and shoot in a revolver, so I can only give you what the manual says.
tappedandtagged
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Nah, you didn't mess up
The long barrel won't makea difference. The velocity difference between the two will though. I only guessed at the velocities and may be off quite a bit.
The way I see it, you said you were given the components as a gift, so you are out no money. If you find a load your rifle likes and get good groups, you may deide you eant to stick with the FXT bullets. Gotta admit the look cool.
It may be worth it to try the XTP's later when you use up your free 100 FXT's. Only your gun will be able to tell you that. If you get outstanding accuracy with the FXT's, then stik with it. But if accuracy is just average, I would try the cheaper XTP's.
Either one will thump a deer with enough energy to put meat on the table. It just depends on if your rifle likes 'em.
The long barrel won't makea difference. The velocity difference between the two will though. I only guessed at the velocities and may be off quite a bit.
The way I see it, you said you were given the components as a gift, so you are out no money. If you find a load your rifle likes and get good groups, you may deide you eant to stick with the FXT bullets. Gotta admit the look cool.
It may be worth it to try the XTP's later when you use up your free 100 FXT's. Only your gun will be able to tell you that. If you get outstanding accuracy with the FXT's, then stik with it. But if accuracy is just average, I would try the cheaper XTP's.
Either one will thump a deer with enough energy to put meat on the table. It just depends on if your rifle likes 'em.
I want to thank everyone for their input!!
Yeah I had been saying that I wanted to try them and my Birthday was the 4th and lo and behold someone (wife and M-I-L) remembered. If the rifle will cycle 454 casull with no problems I figure it will cycle these. I dont understand the case trimming unless it is just so someone doesnt try to stick them in a firearm that wont accept the longer length. So being as I only have to walk about 75 yards to my range (behind my house) and have unlimited distance I will set up my Jammit and my Chrony and shoot the 5 I load up just to test them, If they dont work I can always pull them and trim the cases and try again. If they do work then I dont have to worry about trimming the cases, I just might not be able to stick as many in the mag. I know that Hornady doesnt do things for no reason but sometimes things are different. The 454 casull calls for an overall length of 1.765 and my COL would be 1.684 so I am thinking I should be good. I will report on this. I know that the 1.684 wouldnt work in a 45colt pistol but it would work in a Judge, and I am not filling the cases with powder I will start at a lower charge for safety sake but I would really like to get 1050 to 1100 fps hunting rounds ohh in all their advertising they dont mention that you have to trim your case length back...or I wouldnt have asked for them.
Yeah I had been saying that I wanted to try them and my Birthday was the 4th and lo and behold someone (wife and M-I-L) remembered. If the rifle will cycle 454 casull with no problems I figure it will cycle these. I dont understand the case trimming unless it is just so someone doesnt try to stick them in a firearm that wont accept the longer length. So being as I only have to walk about 75 yards to my range (behind my house) and have unlimited distance I will set up my Jammit and my Chrony and shoot the 5 I load up just to test them, If they dont work I can always pull them and trim the cases and try again. If they do work then I dont have to worry about trimming the cases, I just might not be able to stick as many in the mag. I know that Hornady doesnt do things for no reason but sometimes things are different. The 454 casull calls for an overall length of 1.765 and my COL would be 1.684 so I am thinking I should be good. I will report on this. I know that the 1.684 wouldnt work in a 45colt pistol but it would work in a Judge, and I am not filling the cases with powder I will start at a lower charge for safety sake but I would really like to get 1050 to 1100 fps hunting rounds ohh in all their advertising they dont mention that you have to trim your case length back...or I wouldnt have asked for them.
