Author Topic: 45 Colt Brass (Read 1097 times)

The Duke · « **on:** January 01, 2005, 06:37:34 AM »

I just bought my first single action, a Ruger Bisley, 7 1/2" barrel in 45 Colt. I plan on shooting hard cast bullets, 255 gr. @ 850fps for general plinking and fun. I would like to be able to step it up with jacketed, hollow point bullets for deer hunting (250 gr. @ ~1300fps). My question is, can I cut down the much stronger 454 Casull brass for the hotter hunting loads? I am talking about loads recommended for the Ruger and Contender in the various loading manuals. I am assuming the Casull brass cut to the same length as the 45 Colt would probably have less capacity due to its more robust construction.

22popnsplat · « **Reply #1 on:** January 01, 2005, 06:45:45 AM »

There is no need to go to all the hassle , Any new brass will handle the loads you want to shoot . The hotter you load the less times you can load the brass . 454 brass is way more costly

44 Man · « **Reply #2 on:** January 01, 2005, 07:50:13 AM »

You would have to develope all new load data if using cut down .454 brass. Because it is much thicker resulting in less case capasity and higher pressures. Your .45 colt brass will do just fine. 8 to 8.5 gr of Unique will get you your 850 fps easily. 44 Man

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #3 on:** January 01, 2005, 08:01:42 AM »

run them cast bullet at those speeds and theyll kill as well as any jacketed bullet

oso45-70 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 01, 2005, 08:14:39 AM »

The Duke,
I think you would do just fine if you stick to 8 1/2 grs. of unique with 45 colt brass, 44 man has it right, the 454 brass is heavier so your pressure will be greater with the 454 brass. If you start with the above load and feel you would like to (up) it you can. I think you will like this load. have a good day sir.........Joe..........

The Duke · « **Reply #5 on:** January 01, 2005, 08:39:39 AM »

Thanks guys! I have been told that there is no substitute for size, that the 45 cal. will knock down critters out of proportion to the speed.

Prof. Fuller Bullspit · « **Reply #6 on:** January 01, 2005, 12:33:59 PM »

Starline brass tends to be tougher than some other brands in my experience. I tend to use it in my heavier loads and other brands in my cowboy shooting loads.

inluvwithsara · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2005, 07:22:25 AM »

Amen to the starline brass...its all I use...much better for my 44mags

Steve P · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2005, 03:57:11 PM »

By the time you trim the 454 brass down to length, it will be overly thick and you will have to kind of "neck" turn it to get your properly sized bullets to fit. Don't do it. No need. 8.0 grs Unique and a good cast bullet works great for plinking. I am at work and don't have the info. Seems like my heavy load is 2400 or 296 with same bullets. Rocks and Rolls, but no problems with the brass after 4 loadings. (check out some of Elmer Keiths heavy loads. He was lots smarter than he looked.)

Will also make good comment on the starline brass. *--* Some of the best you can get. Go for it.

Steve

Tc300mag1 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2005, 04:05:26 PM »

Starline is the way to go

bigjeepman · « **Reply #10 on:** January 09, 2005, 02:50:26 PM »

It's been almost two months since I last posted or replied on this forum as I have been pretty busy. When I see a post on the 45 colt, I always have to check it out. As some of the guys already said, buy Starline and you will be well satisfied. It performs better than the rest in my .45 colt handguns and rifle.

SaguaroKid · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2005, 03:10:03 PM »

What about the difference in primers too?

bigjeepman · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2005, 05:09:20 PM »

As far as primers go, I have used CCI 300 and Winchester's WLP. Both primers have performed flawlessly for me. I have not been able to detect any difference from one to the other.