Reloading 45 LC

I mostly cast and shoot a Lee 200gn RF in 45LC. Here are my most accurate loads using the powders you mentioned. I also use a wad over the powder.

HP38/W231 7.6gn

Clays 5.5gn

Titegroup 7gn

You're the first in this thread to mention using a wad. I presume it is to take up space between the powder and bullet base to keep the powder at the primer end of the case?
Just curious, but what do you use for the wad?
 
You're the first in this thread to mention using a wad. I presume it is to take up space between the powder and bullet base to keep the powder at the primer end of the case?
Just curious, but what do you use for the wad?

Yes, I punch out a double layer of felt and use a nylon rod to set it just forward of the powder charge. I have repeatedly tested my loads with/without a wad and concluded there is a difference. Groups are tighter and rarely see a flyer when using a wad.
 

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Yes, I punch out a double layer of felt and use a nylon rod to set it just forward of the powder charge. I have repeatedly tested my loads with/without a wad and concluded there is a difference. Groups are tighter and rarely see a flyer when using a wad.

Thanks for the info.

Most of the posts where I have seen people refer to using a "case filler", it has been using a pinch of cotton or polyfill batting.

When you said "wads" that piqued my curiosity.

So, do these felt wads burn up and basically disappear - like the cotton and polyfill batting? Or do you find them lying on the ground downrange after firing your hand loads?
 
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While not 200 swc, favorite 45 LC load is 7.5 gns hp-38 under a 200 gn lrnfp. 880 fps from 4 5/8 in Ruger. Works better with adequate case/bullet interference and firm crimp.

Have found change of poi's between lighter and heavier lead loads to be a major consideration when using the lighter bullets. With some revolvers sights not designed for use of the lighter bullets at 25 yds.

However larger chamber throats can affect the accuracy with shorter bullets.
 
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Thanks for the info.

Most of the times I have seen about people refer to using a "case filler", it has been using a pinch of cotton or polyfill batting.

When you said "wads" that piqued my curiosity.

So, do these felt wads burn up and basically disappear - like the cotton and polyfill batting? Or do you find them lying on the ground downrange after firing your hand loads?


The material I use is a polyester felt. Unlike the old wool felt these melt and pretty much vaporize.
 
The material I use is a polyester felt. Unlike the old wool felt these melt and pretty much vaporize.

Thanks for the info. I've been around the block a few times, so when I see the word "felt" my mind immediately goes to WOOL felt. That kind of felt probably wouldn't work all that well as a case filler. That's why I asked for more info.

If you're using polyester "felt", that makes much more sense.
FWIW, you might want to consider using poly-fill (quilt) batting as an alternative. From what I have read, it would probably be cheaper, but equally effective as a case-filler. The batting is fluffier, and less expensive than the denser felt

Just a thought. Thanks again for the clarification...
 
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