Lots of soot on gun and brass - FA97 45 Colt

[Humbo]

Hi,
I'm having problems with my 45 Colt loads burning unclean. Cases are almost covered with soot, as well as both cylinder surfaces, top strap etc. I know this usually is a problem with lighter loads and/or generous chambers. But these loads are Colt+P loads almost at 44 mag levels, and I believe the chambers are tight and snug as always on FA revolvers. Cases are Starline, and I size only as far as the bullet goes into the case. Powder is N110 with loads up to 18 grs, bullets are 310 grs RCBS SWC. I'm not sure if I want to get hotter on the loads, these are starting to get unpleasant to shoot. Crimps are also tight.
Thanks for any advice.

[Bigeasy]

N110 burn rate is very close to Win 296 / H110, but powder density is a little less (Physically takes a little more volume of N110 to equal the same weight of Win 296).  I don't want to list any specific loads, as I do not use this powder / caliber combination, but from what I have seen looking around on the web, your 18 grain load, using N110 with a 310 cast bullet seem a little on the light side.  As its burn rate is similar to 296, I'm thinking this powder works best at full power loads, same as 296.  That would explain the sooty cases and gun, same as 296 would do with reduced loads.  For mid range level loads, a powder like Unique or 2400 might do better for you.
 
Larry   

[flatgate]

The poster's reply to you is "right on" and all I could add is that these type of loads also need a firm crimp.


I rarely shoot jacketed bullets and had to really dig to find this image. Click on the image;  it may "get the point across".....



JMHO,


flatgate

[HAMMERHEAD]

Now that's a crimp!
Roll or profile?

[Humbo]

Thanks for the replies guys. That must be the heaviest crimp I ever saw, is it really necessary with such a hard crimp? I really like the performance of N110 in other calibers like the 454 Casull and 500 S&W, it burns very clean with normal roll crimps.
I will try to get even tighter crimps with my 45 loads though, and possibly increase the charge a little. But I think I'm getting close to max here.

[flatgate]

I use a Lee brand "Factory Crimp Die".  Yes, that batch of ammo is crimped a bit too much.  I rarely shoot jacketed bullets and do indeed give them a firm crimp. 


In my experience 300 grain to 340 grain .45 cal. hard cast bullets really like a "case full" of WW-296. The powder seems to work the best when it's loaded right up to the base of the seated bullet.


I've shot my share of "warm" .45 Colts in my wife's F-A with the .45 Colt cylinder.  It works really well and is a pussycat to shoot.....


JMHO,


flatgate