|
|
06-18-2018, 04:43 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 899
Liked 2,804 Times in 897 Posts
|
|
New member needs advice on 45 Colt reloads
First post, but been around awhile in the shadows learning. You guys are indeed amazing with your knowledge. I am planning on reloading some 45 Colt for hog-in-the-trap solutions. I got a box of Hornady XTP MAG, 240 gr .452 dia bullets, without noticing they were the MAG version. I only want to load them in a 45 SAA Clone, mid-pressure, and am not concerned about expansion issues. Have ample Unique, so that is what will be used - unless you tell me otherwise. Will the reloads be adequate, and safe ?. Also, my Hornaday reloading book is ancient - like first edition, 1967 vintage, so there are no listings for that weight bullet or powder. ??? Time for a major upgrade for sure. Thanks in advance !!
|
06-18-2018, 05:02 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida
Posts: 10,579
Likes: 3,066
Liked 22,559 Times in 5,844 Posts
|
|
Welcome to the Forum
You fail to mention what the firearm is that this load will be shot from
The MAG version of the projectile is designed to begin mushrooming at higher velocities than the standard version. Like in a 454 Casull or the 460 S&W Magnum cartridges
Both projectiles are equally safe as far as the load goes.
Since expansion is not an issue for you, I can see no reason to change the projectiles
Unique would not necessarily be my first choice for that projectile/cartridge combination, but it is what you have on hand
8 grains of unique should push that projectile to just over 900 FPS in a 4"-6" barrel and keep within standard SAAMI pressure for the 45LC cartridge
A modern Smith and Wesson revolver could even be safely loaded to pressures above that
Last edited by colt_saa; 06-18-2018 at 05:06 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
06-19-2018, 04:08 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Cecil County, MD
Posts: 300
Likes: 218
Liked 245 Times in 121 Posts
|
|
Welcome. The latest Hornady manual wouldn't be of any help to you. Data for the 240 gr XTP Mag is only shown for Ruger and Thompson firearms and has no data for Unique. If you haven't broken the box, see if you can return and get the 250 XTP which has data for Unique.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
06-20-2018, 02:53 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N.E. OKLA.
Posts: 6,484
Likes: 5,882
Liked 9,328 Times in 3,495 Posts
|
|
No reason you can't load the HDY 240gr bullets using the HDY 250gr XTP data. It's a lighter shorter bullet that seats shallower in the case when seated to it's cannelure. They'll present no problems when properly loaded for your revolver.
.
__________________
Waiting for the break of day
Last edited by BLUEDOT37; 06-20-2018 at 02:56 AM.
Reason: .
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
06-20-2018, 06:27 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 10,146
Likes: 14,193
Liked 12,746 Times in 3,482 Posts
|
|
Welcome from North Dakota
__________________
John
|
06-20-2018, 07:02 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: South Florida
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 3,482
Liked 4,241 Times in 1,900 Posts
|
|
8 gr of Unique is prudent as per Lyman 49 and Colt SAA.
Last edited by Imissedagain; 06-20-2018 at 07:05 AM.
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
06-20-2018, 07:12 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
Posts: 30,983
Likes: 41,642
Liked 29,234 Times in 13,820 Posts
|
|
And a.......
And a Hound Dawg Howdy from SC!
Yeah, it's time to get a new reloading manual and there is also good data on powder manufacturer's websites.
For shooting lead there's nothing like a Lyman manual, but websites have some lead data now, too.
I had a long layoff from reloading and when I got back I realized that a lot of methods and philosophies have changed. It wouldn't hurt to brush up with a new 'how to' manual.
The way I see it, new data has a larger safety factor, but unless old published data was know to damage guns, I don't see why they would blow up a strong, modern gun now. An exception to this was the Speer number 8, which had some loads that made even liberal reloaders wary.
Anyway, to me old data is good data. Not necessarily for getting the 'hottest' load, but gives me some more versatility especially in things like much reduced loads that modern data is scarce on.
__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
06-20-2018, 08:58 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: S.E. Iowa
Posts: 679
Likes: 288
Liked 731 Times in 309 Posts
|
|
I use H-110 for my 45 colt loads. It's not as 'dirty' as Unique.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
06-20-2018, 09:40 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 452
Liked 668 Times in 359 Posts
|
|
Welcome to the forurm, MRB1. You should be just fine with your bullet. MAG version is just "tougher" bullet capable of withstanding 55K PSI produced by 460 Mag. If you, as you've said, don't care about expansion it would work just fine. Hodgdon reloading site has a number of recipes for 250gr bullet they all would work for your 240gr. If you're new to reloading I'd suggest you stay away from fast powders because with minuscule charge it'd be very hard to notice double or triple charge in this big case.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
06-20-2018, 10:09 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Harlem, Ohio
Posts: 14,424
Likes: 23,427
Liked 26,302 Times in 9,119 Posts
|
|
When it comes to loading Unique, the "best ever manual" was/is Lyman Number 45. It has Unique loads for every cartridge Americans loaded in the early 70's, The listed velocity is something you can count on, and it has "Accuracy Loads" that are accurate in just about any gun they fit!
There are older manuals via PDF files on the internet, Find a couple you like and make hard copies for on the loading bench.
My recommendations for current manuals are 1) the latest Lyman currently Number 50. 2) any issue of Lyman cast bullet Handbook, and 3) either edition of Lee's Modern Handloading.
You should also make a record of what you loaded, and note your impressions. I made notes in my copy of Lyman 46, but 40 years later it is falling apart, and will be of no use to my kids when they take over the reloading in another 10 or 15 years! So much good and bad experience will be lost!
Ivan
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
06-20-2018, 10:54 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
|
|
No need to shoot expensive jacketed bullets in a revo. None of my revos see anything but lead or coated lead. In 45colt, probably doesnt get much better than 250-255gr bullets over 8gr of unique for plinking loads.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
06-20-2018, 10:57 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jake1945
I use H-110 for my 45 colt loads. It's not as 'dirty' as Unique.
|
Wrong powder for low pressure 45colt loads.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
06-20-2018, 01:21 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: South Florida
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 3,482
Liked 4,241 Times in 1,900 Posts
|
|
That’s what I’ve been told.
H110 for heavy loads.
|
06-20-2018, 08:23 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SW MT
Posts: 6,725
Likes: 10,489
Liked 6,017 Times in 2,963 Posts
|
|
I would avoid carbide dies for the 45 colt. SAAMI specs show it is a tapered cartridge and carbide dies leave you with a straight wall that has expansion issues.
__________________
Front sight and squeeze
|
06-20-2018, 09:31 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 733
Likes: 1,314
Liked 714 Times in 273 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtgianni
I would avoid carbide dies for the 45 colt. SAAMI specs show it is a tapered cartridge and carbide dies leave you with a straight wall that has expansion issues.
|
Not sure where you're getting this. SAAMI cartridge drawing for the .45 Colt shows it to be cylindrical and .480 diameter. I've loaded thousands of .45 Colt with carbide dies over the years with no problems.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
06-20-2018, 11:27 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N.E. OKLA.
Posts: 6,484
Likes: 5,882
Liked 9,328 Times in 3,495 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jake1945
I use H-110 for my 45 colt loads. It's not as 'dirty' as Unique.
|
. The OP said he's looking for load data to use "in a 45 SAA Clone, mid-pressure". Wrong powder for that!
Unique's fine in any reasonable 45 Colt load.
.
__________________
Waiting for the break of day
Last edited by BLUEDOT37; 06-20-2018 at 11:28 PM.
Reason: .
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
06-21-2018, 12:47 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 830
Likes: 962
Liked 902 Times in 444 Posts
|
|
Another fan of Unique. 255 Keith bullet with 8 grains of Unique is a good all around load.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
06-21-2018, 01:45 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: E. Washington State
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 1,325
Liked 10,594 Times in 3,225 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Benchrest1
Another fan of Unique. 255 Keith bullet with 8 grains of Unique is a good all around load.
|
And unless your shooting something big as a grisly bear it should do.....
__________________
Only difference Fool/Mule-ears
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
06-21-2018, 01:04 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: South Florida
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 3,482
Liked 4,241 Times in 1,900 Posts
|
|
^^^ That’s might be why the 460XVR DA/SA has evolved.
With a bite proof 8.375” barrel I can leave the shark proof glove at home.
|
06-24-2018, 09:52 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
Liked 153 Times in 88 Posts
|
|
For killing hogs, he old standby lead 250 - 255 grain RNFP will do the job nicely. I load for my Uberti Cattleman 7 1/2" 45 Colt using the cast bullet from the old Ideal/Lyman 454-190 mold - the traditional 45 Colt bullet. I cast 'em, tumble lube them in paste wax / alox and load them over 6.5 gr. of Red Dot. Extremely accurate with good results on paper out to 50 yards (the max distance I could shoot at my backyard range on the farm).
You can buy pretty much the same lead slug from a number of suppliers - .452 - .454 will work fine. I tried the traditional Unique load but had better results with RD - a lot less dirtier than I was getting with the Unique. Every revolver is different and every one has their likes / dislikes.
I cast all of my projectiles for pistol/rifle and haven't bought a "store bought" round in years. Everyone has their own preferences - but why buy high priced jacketed when a lead slug has done the job for many years.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
06-24-2018, 11:49 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Antonio Texas
Posts: 410
Likes: 109
Liked 321 Times in 151 Posts
|
|
For a hog IN A TRAP any 45 Colt load should do fine. Shoot at the bottom of the ear. Ive seen a lot of trapped hogs dispatched w a 22LR.
Unique is good. Use a 250LSWC bullet. For actually hunting hogs same advice. Work uo load for your handgun. Current Lyman or Lyman Cast Bullet manuals are both good references. Gunwriter Brian Pearce seems to be big on Power Pistol. Final advice for tasty pig get it gutted and skinned and on ice ASAP! The faster you get a wild hog cooled down the better it will taste.
|
06-25-2018, 02:44 AM
|
|
Moderator SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jake1945
I use H-110 for my 45 colt loads. It's not as 'dirty' as Unique.
|
H110/W296 is way too slow a powder for standard pressure 45 Colt loads. H110 does not download well and prefers to be at the upper end of the pressure range. It's a magnum powder.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
|
06-25-2018, 02:55 AM
|
|
Moderator SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
|
|
MRB1, now that you know your powder choice is fine and you can use the bullets let's discuss the next bullet buy. For killing hogs I see no reason to use a jackets bullet, a 250/255gr LSWC bullet will work just fine and fire you less. I like the bullets from the Missouri Bullet Company.
Missouri Bullet Company
Welcome to the forum.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|