.45 Colt

flundertaker · #1 08-07-2014, 04:31 PM

Is this a caliber I need to get into? I have guns in .45acp, .357, .41, .44, .460.other than being able to shoot it out of my .460 is there a gap in my caliber line up that I need .45 Colt to fill ballistically?

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robertrwalsh · #2 08-07-2014, 05:50 PM

Not really. That being said, what does NEED have to do with it?

ISCS Yoda · #3 08-07-2014, 05:53 PM

.45 Colt is just about one of my favorite calibers in the world. Sadly, I only have three guns chambered for it, two Vaqueros and a Winchester 92 replica from Navy Arms (cowboy action guns). So, if you're a caliber collector, yep, it's a gap you should fill. Need to/want to/have to/ought to, one of those excuses should work for you.

I basically collect S&Ws in .38 and .357 but someday I'll find a Model 25 in .45/c and I'll buy it JUST BECAUSE!

***GRJ***

BruMatt · #4 08-07-2014, 06:37 PM

45 Colt is just a fun caliber to reload and shoot. There are so many options in bullet and powder selection. Highly recommended.

Watchdog · #5 08-07-2014, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flundertaker

Is this a caliber I need to get into?

Putting it as simply as I can...yes, it is.

zonker5 · #6 08-07-2014, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

I basically collect S&Ws in .38 and .357 but someday I'll find a Model 25 in .45/c and I'll buy it JUST BECAUSE!

***GRJ***

That is exactly what I did. I still collect the k-frames but that big old n-frame is the one that usually goes to the range with me.

ArchAngelCD · #7 08-08-2014, 02:23 AM

Since you own a .460 Magnum I see no reason not to shoot .45 Colt and 454 Casull ammo in it too.

alwslate · #8 08-08-2014, 05:08 AM

If you already own 44 Magnums then there is really nothing to be
gained by going to 45 Colt. Maybe if you want to shoot 320 gr + cast
bullets out of strong revolvers at maximum pressure but no, not from
a practical standpoint. The 44 Magnum is very flexible, great accuracy
with light or heavy loads.

ironhead7544 · #9 08-08-2014, 07:40 AM

Had an 8 and 3/8 Bl M25-5. Would like to have it back. Get one.

jack the toad · #10 08-08-2014, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flundertaker

Is this a caliber I need to get into?

Need??? Probably not but it is a fun caliber in both SA and DA models.

Dump1567 · #11 08-08-2014, 09:25 AM

.45 Colt is becoming my favorite caliber. I just like the idea of the big .45 cal bullet. Light cowboy loads up to the +p stuff. If only S&W would re-release a Model 25 or 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt.

Go buy a Single Action in .45 Colt and you'll have to get into it.

NYlakesider · #12 08-08-2014, 09:38 AM

I have a Smith 25 and a carbine that will fire that .45 ammo.

Not sure if this is typical or unique to my area (upstate in People’s Republic of NY) but most gun shops and big box stores normally have .45 Colt on hand. Noticed that since the last wave of ammo grubbing started. Yes I realize it cost more than the almost totally unavailable .22LR ammo but it’s in stock.

Being I shoot 9 different pistol calibers I can usually find ammo for sale that will fit something I own if necessary.

ColbyBruce · #13 08-08-2014, 10:03 AM

Once upon a time my S&W 25-5 .45 Colt, stuffed with Winchester Silvertips, helped convince three heathens to turn over a new leaf. I don't know if they became Christians that day, but they certainly became Believers. A .45 Colt is a great gun to have.

Cal44 · #14 08-08-2014, 10:46 AM

For some reason, I just like the old-time calibers.

45 colt, 44 special, 45-70, 32 s&w long.

I'd like to add 38 s&w to that list. A lgs has a Colt banker's special in 38 s&w for sale and I'm tempted.

I guess I just like preserving the past.

badge · #15 08-08-2014, 01:42 PM

A great caliber. You can carry everything from mild " cowboy " loads to 300 grain Corbon Plus P monster stoppers. As a Lawmans weapon I always found it way more than adequate when deployed as a young man out west. Back then we only had the 255 grain lead rounds but they worked. You wouldn't be disappointed.

pharmer · #16 08-08-2014, 02:12 PM

It's the only "oddball" caliber in my house that survived the "caliber "downsize" I did a few years back. I have this one that had 3 charge holes fired when I got it (but no acc's!?) and an old model Vaquero convertible. Very pleasant to shoot. Factory ammo is spendy. Joe

DR505 · #17 08-08-2014, 02:23 PM

Yes you need to get into .45 Colt. BUT, you have to handload to get the most out of this cartridge. Here is a great article by John Linebaugh...he prefers the .45 Colt to the .44 Magnum for good reason.
Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5 By: John Linebaugh

Here are a couple of my S&W's in .45 Colt. Also have Rugers.

Model 625-7 Mountain Gun

Model 25-9

Haldir · #18 08-08-2014, 02:35 PM

It is a great reloading cartridge for old guys... the hole is big enough for us to see

I have one of the Blackhawk Convertibles in .45 Colt and ACP and it is great fun to plink with the so called cowboy loads or the hot blackhawk only rounds. Even more fun is shooting my Henry Big Boy with those same rounds.

Neumann · #19 08-08-2014, 04:27 PM

It's easy to mix up .45 Colt and .44 Magnum cases unless you compare them side by side. While you can load .45 Colt to magnum levels for use in a rifle, they're generally not safe in a revolver (Blackhawk excepted). Even the standard loads carry a lot of whump. They're adequate for whitetail in a carbine, where you can expect 1200 fps from the same loads.

Why do you "need" one? Cowboy action, for one, with a Colt SAA or clone. I have a 4-5/8" New Vaquero, and it's a lot of fun to dress up with it.

colt_saa · #20 08-08-2014, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flundertaker

Is this a caliber I need to get into?

Need.....NEED......We don't need no stinking NEED to get into a caliber

I can not imagine a world where I do not shoot 45 LC.

The cartridge has been in continuous use for more than 1,245,000 hours......over 52,000 days......in excess of 142 years.

Millions upon Millions of shooters have stood by this cartridge as it made it's way into history.

It is the cartridge that "Won the West"

It helped Make America what she is

No other cartridge before or since has so much nostalgia, mystique and folk lore associated with it.

It even blows away the Dirty Harry crowd.

I think you should consider it. Strongly

ColbyBruce · #21 08-08-2014, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by flundertaker
"Millions upon Millions of shooters have stood by this cartridge as it made it's way into history."

And a considerable number of people got in front of this cartridge and became history.

ArchAngelCD · #22 08-09-2014, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dump1567

If only S&W would re-release a Model 25 or 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt.

Go buy a Single Action in .45 Colt and you'll have to get into it.

Oh I'm with you there! I have two SA revolvers in .45 Colt and would really like to buy a new S&W M25/M625 Mountain Gun. A nice light DA .45 Colt would be a great revolver for woods carry and even for SD.

lebomm · #23 08-09-2014, 03:41 AM

Some years ago, I decided it was time for me to get started in .45 Colt, so I bought a lovely 25-5, dies, bullet moulds, bullets, powders and primers. Got my brass from factory ammo and spent several months punching paper, pine cones and soda cans, and developing loads.
Long story short, I never could make that gun shoot worth beans, plus I had a difficult time with split cases, scraped cases in sizing, and pulled rims after sizing. At that time, I had probably 30 yrs experience in handloading, so knew the importance of case lubes, bullet lubes, pressure signs, etc. and none of it worked.
Ended up selling the entire pkg, everything I had that was to do w/.45 Colt, and haven't had another since. I've satisfied my big-bore cravings w/.44 Special, .44-40, and .45 Auto Rim, all with big smiles.
Not trying to be a wet blanket, just so you know that sometimes, even for a guy with experience, the magic doesn't happen.
Good shooting, hope your experience is better than mine.

Larry

BLUEDOT37 · #24 08-09-2014, 04:00 AM

45 Colt is not too exciting at standard pressure levels but when you go above that into the Ruger (+P), (+P+) & magnum level loads, in the right gun, it's fun to work up loads for it. Data is harder to find for the hot stuff but with some strong S-L cases & a strong gun (454 Casull chambering) there's not doubt in your mind when you pull the trigger on a near starting level Casull load that you've got way more power than in your 44Mag.

And even though the case is only .023" larger, after handling them for a few hours of handloading & then picking up a 44 case, you can immediately tell the difference in size & it's 10% more case capacity. A handful of 45 Colts just put a smile on my face.

So why load 45 Colt to shoot in a 454 Casull (or 460Mag)? It's just fun trying new combinations in the old girl & making her SHOUT !!
.

Hans Gruber · #25 08-09-2014, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flundertaker

Is this a caliber I need to get into? I have guns in .45acp, .357, .41, .44, .460.other than being able to shoot it out of my .460 is there a gap in my caliber line up that I need .45 Colt to fill ballistically?

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If you own anything in .45 caliber you "need" to take a hard look at the .45 Colt! If you have a .460 S&W then you HAVE a revolver capable of accepting the .45 Colt.
In modern guns, using modern cases, the .45 Colt can be HAND loaded to specifications exceeding the .44 Magnum.

colt_saa · #26 08-09-2014, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD

Oh I'm with you there! I have two SA revolvers in .45 Colt and would really like to buy a new S&W M25/M625 Mountain Gun. A nice light DA .45 Colt would be a great revolver for woods carry and even for SD.

Throw the old combat grips on them and they are about perfect

DR505 · #27 08-09-2014, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lebomm

Some years ago, I decided it was time for me to get started in .45 Colt, so I bought a lovely 25-5...

Long story short, I never could make that gun shoot worth beans...

Did you measure the cylinder throats? Earlier production 25-5's were notorious for having them considerably over-sized. Later 25-5's and all 25-7, 25-9, etc. measure consistently at .452 or so. My 25-9 and 625-7 MG are both accurate, and will group as well or better than any of my 29's or 629's.

LimaCharlie · #28 08-09-2014, 11:40 AM

I don't know about need, but I sure wanted this second generation (1959) 5 1/2" Colt SAA in .45 Colt. I also have a 7 1/2" Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt.

BCDWYO · #29 08-09-2014, 12:25 PM

I've only got these two 45 colt revolvers (late 2nd gen Colt SAA, and 625-7), neither of which I need. But I like them both. I'd like to get a Freedom Arms someday, and always on the lookout for a nice model 25 so the small family might grow. I reload mostly on the mild side.