So what's so good about shooting 45 ACP in a revolver?

[Paul5388]

I really don't see any advantage to the .45 Colt, I can't seem to get over 1400 fps out of 20" of barrel. OTOH, I can get 1100 fps with these 270 gr bullets in .45 Super brass for this 5" Model of 1989. That said, a .45 Colt is not going to happen with me.

I keep quite a few metal moons loaded, but I also use some RIMZ and like them, but they aren't as durable as steel moons. I used a piece of 1/2 copper to make a demooner like Skip's.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Paul, I am a recent "convert" to the 45Colt, tis true but, I sure in the world can get more than 1400fps from a 20" barrel with it.

I have some loads that are right up there with their 44Mag counterparts and using heavier bullets! The one that compares best though is the 240gr H&G #502 over a healthy charge of W296/H110 from the Puma rifle that turns out 1800fps. The same load in my Ruger 45 Convertible gives me 1400fps from the 5 1/2" barrel.


I haven't pushed it too hard with the 45-270-SAA mould I have YET but spring is coming!

 

[Freischütz]

In cold weather you can load the moon clips before you leave home. At the range all you have to do is shoot and go home - no cold fingers from fumbling with cartridges.

 

[Paul5388]

Skip, I was using a maximum load of 4227 with a 270 gr bullet and 1400 was the best it would do. Email me your load and I'll give it a try.

 

[Harrison]

All the "other guys" at the range have one and I feel so insignificant.

You probably should feel insignificant if you don't have a wheelgun that digests 45acp. If nothing else the lack of a 625 or equivelant is stunting your social growth and standing. I suggest you seriously consider buying yourself a suitable 45acp wheelgun. You will feel much better if you do.

 

[45times6]

Lots of great reasons have already been offered, and I'll echo them -- ammo availability, ease of loading & reloading with moon clips, etc. I also like the fact that the revolver can work like a "garbage disposal" for loads that don't reliably cycle in an auto. I had some Wolf that was so filthy that it would gum up my semi-autos... never missed a beat in a wheelgun, of course!

the .45acp is my favorite cartridge, and the N-frame is my favorite platform... a match made in heaven, as far as I'm concerned!!

 

[Fletchman]

I just bought my first set of 45acp carbide reloading dies. I got a rcbs starter reloading kit this christmas. I have a 1911 I love shooting and will start my search for a 45acp wheelgun this year. For me the 45 acp is the ideal self defense round when you live "in town". I have a model 66-2 - 2 1/2" and 60-15 - 3" both in 357 but I am concerned if I did use one against a burglar etc the bullet could go through the "target" and into my neighbors house next door or across the street. The 45acp at short range with good hollow point is a great man stopper and I'm not as concerned about collateral damage.

 

[Rule3]

You probably should feel insignificant if you don't have a wheelgun that digests 45acp. If nothing else the lack of a 625 or equivelant is stunting your social growth and standing. I suggest you seriously consider buying yourself a suitable 45acp wheelgun. You will feel much better if you do.

Now that I have ordered one my ego and self worth as started to change. Once it arrives I will more socially accepted and will actually be "someone"
I also like the garbage disposal aspect of the rounds that will not feed in my semi autos, I might actually get some LSWC to feed.

 

[Skip Sackett]

I might actually get some LSWC to feed.

When you get to that point, I have a small "fund" that someone contributed to for sending out bullets(boolits) for other folks to try! Let me know!

 

[Rule3]

When you get to that point, I have a small "fund" that someone contributed to for sending out bullets(boolits) for other folks to try! Let me know!

Are those the ones I sent you?

 

[Jellybean]

Paul, Do you have any idea of the pressures you are getting with that 270gr bullet in the .45 Super brass?

 

[Maximumbob54]

Paul, Do you have any idea of the pressures are you getting with that 270gr bullet in the .45 Super brass?

I didn't want to open my big yap but I was thinking about the same thing. And I have read before that the .45 Colt cylinders aren't nearly as strong as the .44's. I don't want to compare the two but still, I was worrying about the extra powder pushing an extra mass bullet. That has to add up to some pressure.

 

[Pigirondan]

The .45 ACP round in a revolver go together like ham and eggs.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Paul, Do you have any idea of the pressures you are getting with that 270gr bullet in the .45 Super brass?

Paul can speak for himself but, he was kind enough to send me some of those bullets and I can speak to one point concerning them. The 270gr of that bullet is almost ALL outside the case! No joke, a "normal" 255gr LSWC has two times as much inside a case than that bullet!

Using Elmer's theory, that would be a good thing!

 

[Jellybean]

Paul, I was also wondering if you ever used regular ACP brass for that heavy load, and if so, did you run into any problems with case failure?

Skip, as I said before, there is nothing that the .45 ACP can do that the .45 Colt can't do, and in most cases it can do it better. I will add that I am referring to being fired in the same type firearms. I'm not debating any of the performance issues as it will go against SAAMI specifications, but I'm sure any experienced "handloaders" can figure it out.

By the way, Elmer would have fired it out of a .45 Colt case because the whole idea of his theory was to get more powder in the case.