Can get Unique or Bullseye, but would like something that really fills that big case. Just looking to load lead 200 or maybe 255gn practice loads.

Anyone with experience with TB in the .45 Colt?

Thanks.

I've used it. The stuff meters much better than you'd think.

It ain't my cup of tea, but it works.

Universal ain't likely any easier to find than Unique, but it's my choice for the .45 Colt.

__________________
GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

TB is my absolute favorite for mild 45 LC Cowboy match loads.

Clean, accurate, pleasant all-day-long comfort even on max loads.

I've used it on everything from 200-250 g cast lead. Prefer RN 200 that gives me around 800fps for plinking.

Love it in 44 special too. Not a fan in 44 mag as I prefer more kick in my Big loads....while TB seems to meander....

41 mag works pretty good in moderate recipes.

I don't like it in the 38/357 class stuff but some folks seem to think it's fine.

__________________
Dum vivimus Vivamas

I like TB in the 45 Colt. Shoots very well with cast bullets. Cases come out a little sooty.

I have used it also and it is an excellent choice for the big 45 Colt case. It meters very well as mentioned by Cdog above. I have loaded it under lead bullets weighing from 240 to 260 grains using published load data.
It's good for light to moderate loadings, ie: 5.8 grains w/250 grain lead bullet will get you around 750 f.p.s. and 5.2 w/260 grain bullet will get you around 690 f.p.s from a 5 1/2" barrel.

I've loaded a LOT of 250gr RNFP over a very poodle fart feeling 5.5 gr of TB. I've not had the greatest luck with it metering well though and have had lots of +/- .2 gr and even some +/- .3 gr but even at that it's not over or too under and you don't really feel it unless you shoot one short and then one heavy back to back. But it's so fluffy it does fill the case rather well. I've never shot it with lighter bullets though. I know I've LOVED it in rifle cases for reduced loads. A 150gr plated FP in a .30-30 just sings along down the range for all day long fun shooting and is very accurate. I would imagine it might make a good short range varmint hunting load as well if you are looking to not damage a pelt.

Thanks for the info folks. For some reason, my LGS had quite a bit of TB on the shelf today.

TB is so great stuff for light to medium lead loads.........
it works in my 2-6" revolvers.

If you want to fill that case.............
Red Dot will fill it in a hurry over Unique. Found this out while loading 9mm. In the 9mm with a 124 fmj seated the powder is near its base with:
4.5grs of Red Dot vs 5.2grs of Unique.
Just don't know if you want to use that powder though.

I was amazed at how bulky red Dot was. Now I understand why my 12 Ga. loads call out the data, which I thought was off.
Never know what you will learn, when reloading.

Good luck.

I still use the old original Hercules Unique in my 45 Colt loads. Don't know what I will do when I use up the remaining 6 pounds I have in stock.

^^^ Just buy some more.

Trail Boss and 45 Colt seem like they are made for one another... especially if you like a a high volume powder to fill the casing. But then isn't that what FFFg blackpowder is for? Anyway, TB is used heavily with SASS shooters in this area of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

I think that is exactly why TB was developed.

Of course the other high volume powder for the 45 Colt is the original...Black Powder!! Now your are having some serious fun!!!

I got some of the new stuff. Its not the same. Smells different, doesn't have those extra blue flaming pieces spit out when you shoot. I don't like it as well as the original Unique.

TB works great for lead bullets in any of the larger magnum cases, but don't expect anything but target vel. I like it but find it a bit pricey, those are NOT 1# jars but 9oz.

__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I don't know about that... You will find the new stuff performs exactly the same as the old.

Just noticed something today going over my loads for the snub nose 38 special.

Not some, but ALL my BEST accuracy "Lead" loads with a 125 RN -TC, 148 HB and 158 RN- WC for all my target loads came with..........

Trail Boss or Bullseye.

Lots of good loads in the 6" barrels also.

6 grains of Trail Boss under a 200 gr LSWC makes for a light, accurate, clean burning load.

TB works alright, it's a bit dirty and like said above, only expect target velocities. I could live with all of they but what I can't live with is inaccuracy. I just can't find an accurate load in the 45 Colt with Trail Boss. Along with TB I have used Universal, AA#5, W231/HP-38 and HS-6 in the .45 Colt and my current favorite is HS-6 and behind that W231 works just fine. If you like Unique I would suggest trying Universal.

Yes, I know powder is hard to find and if this ammo is for Cowboy Action shoots it will work just fine with TB especially on those large plates where small groups are not necessary.

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Thanks for the continued replies! Plenty to consider.