A heavy 45 Colt bullet problem - 1.6-inch overall length

[Naphtali]

I have a math problem I hope you can solve for my 45 Colt FA Model 97, whose strength FA rates as comparable with Ruger original Blackhawk.

Barrel is .452 rather than .454 with rate of twist 1:24.

Bullet is Lyman 325-grain using SWC-GC. Maximum COAL is 1.61 inches.

Will barrel stabilize this 325-grain bullet?

Lyman's bullet seems to be about as short as can occur without becoming a wad cutter, and bullet length is critical. Unfortunately its crimp groove is not usable and its forward groove can be used at the expense of powder capacity.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Freedom Arms Model 97 is indeed "Ruger Only!" loads qualified...

My info is that the cylinder length should be approximately 1.8" so your stated "Maximum COAL" doesn't really jibe? There's Hodgdons load data using H110 for that exact kind of bullet (325gr LSWC-GC) showing a COL of 1.570" going to over 1200 fps.

You ought to be able to load it as long as you wish: are you confident that's really not a MINIMUM COL?

I guess I don't understand the "problem" regarding "stablilization" with a "1:24 twist": COL shouldn't really have any effect on stabilization(?) and why would they design & build a very premium pistol (and regardless of barrel length?) that wouldn't reliably fire bullets of that weight?

Is there some velocity level you are looking for such that additional powder capacity is crucial?

Cheers!

 

[Chubbs103]

Storminorman,
You might be thinking of the FA 83. The 97 has a shorter cylinder and 1.6" is all you've got to work with.

You might want to look at a FN style bullet like a Lyman 452651. You get all the weight you want and you get to use an actual crimp groove (the upper one).

I think you are probably fine with stabilization. If you get that heavy of a bullet moving in a gun the size of a 97, you might not be too happy with the recoil.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Chubbs103: Thanks, I stand corrected: thought it was the other way around.

Still, the Hodgdons data for a 325gr LSWC-GC is at 1.570"...

Cheers!

 

[Naphtali]

The Lyman you identify is what I'm trying to work with.Its upper groove does fit bullet to case at less than 1.61 inches. I cannot as yet arrange a powder to get it to move fast enough, safely. I have H110 and Titegroup in inventory. Neither functions effectively. The only other powder I have used (years ago in my FA 83 375 Linebaugh) is IMR 4227, and it is no longer available for me to try.
*******
Yep, heavy loads in this petite revolver are a handful. The particular load I'm trying to achieve is strictly specialty.
*******
Where can I locate information on Lyman's bullet at 1.570 COAL? Major foul-up. I always included only powders I have in inventory, so Accurate powders never showed up. . . . You have made a little boy very happy,

 

[Rule3]

Maybe FA could help you out?
They may have test data,


https://www.freedomarms.com/contact-us/


Here is a rticle on the gun if you have not seen it, They used a 325 gr bullet.


Just a moment...

 

[STORMINORMAN]

That load is straight out of the Hodgdons website for 45 Colt: Ruger, Freedom Arms, etc. ONLY and showing 17.1 gr of H110 @ 1031fps (24,600psi) to 20.2 gr @1223fps (29,000psi) from a 7.25" barrel.

Cheers!

 

[jem102]

I load a 325 gr. LBT WFN to the top crimp groove over 18 gr. of H-110 for my Ruger 7.5" Bisley. Pretty impressive load...an open finger weight lifters glove on the shooting hand is quite helpful for more than a cylinder full. Just saying.