Improving SA accuracy

[Jaco1234]

Any suggetion for improving the accuracy of a 45 long colt SA revolver.
Bullet powder comninationd etc?
Currently best results with BE86 and 255 gr lswc.
Should I try a faster or slower burning powder?

 

[glenwolde]

Check your cylinder throats. If too tight open them up. If over-sized, size to throat diameter.

The quick and dirty way is take one of your LSWC and push it base-first into the throat from the front of the cylinder. It should require finger only pressure. If it falls in, the throats are too big. If you can't get it in they are too tight. The proper way to measure is a set of inside pin gauges.

The .45 Colt is known to have various throat problems with different manufacturers. Rugers also sometimes have barrel constrictions at the frame junction. That's harder to correct. You can usually feel those with a brass jag and a tight fitting patch.

 

[mtgianni]

6.5 gr Red Dot and a 240-270 gr cast fn bullet work well and are good in any modern revolver.

 

[Funflyer]

Though my SAA Pietta is surprisingly accurate with just about any load/bullet combination, it does the best with mid-range loads of fast powders using a felt wad. 700X, Red-Dot and Bullseye are what I use the most.