45 winchester magnum barrel

[22popnsplat]

I got a bargin on 45 win mag barrel and was thinking that at that level it is not going to be fun with more than a handfull of rounds . I starting looking came up with the case capacity is only like .02 cc greater than the 45 colt so why not just start with colt loads and go up from there looking for accuracy ?
anyone eles try this ?

[Lone Star]

Since the .45WM is shorter than the .45LC with the same case diameter it can hardly have more case capacity.  When the cases are filled to the mouth:

.45WM - 41.5 grains of W296
.45LC/WW - 45.3 grains of W296

But your idea should work as long as you do not exceed .45WM max load levels.  You will get higher velocity and pressure with equal loads in the .45WM.  When Bob Hagel tested the two cartridges side-by-side in 10" Contenders he got about 100 fps higher velocity with 2 grains less powder in the .45WM than in the .45LC.  I wil not list the loads he used because they are far above any pressure tested loads I've seen; the Sierra 240 @ 1757 fps was one such high pressure load.








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[Hopalong7]

     I'm having a hard time seeing the case capacity of the Win Mag being greater than the Colt.  The Colt case is considersably longer than the Win Mag, at least mine are.  Hornady's load data for a 250gr bullet is similiar for the two, but not the same.

[Hopalong7]

     WHOA!!!! Lone Star, recheck those loads you posted!!!

Opps!! I didn't read your post close enough obviously.  Sorry!