45LC powder options

[SA shooter]

Hi, i'm just starting to get into reloading and would like to get setup to reload for the 45 colt.

what do you think a good powder/ amount to use inorder zip a 250grain round nose flat point cast bullet to about 800-900 FPS and be safe in a SAA colt clone.

also you think this new trail boss powder would do the job?

[TNrifleman]

Trail Boss should produce what you want. A classic 45 Colt powder is Unique. you might take a look at Winchester 231 and Tight Group. I don't quote exact  loads on the net, but recommend you consult a good, recognized loading manual. Good luck with your 45 Colt. It is one of my favorite handgun cartridges.

[Castaway]

A lot of fast powders have problems in the large 45 case.  Unique is an exception and is cast bullet friendly.  8.5 grains of Unique will put you where you want to be with your 250/255 grain bullet.  Trail Boss appears to be promising but I wouldn't put much faith in finding it any too soon.

[jd45]

At a friend's suggestion, I've been using Accurate XMP5744, from 16.0 to 17.8grs w/255gr bullet. Two if its advantages are it fills the case & it's low pressure......the top load only gives 13,100cup. Shoots good, too. jd45

[Yukon Gold]

Regarding the Trailboss - I purchased 2 bottles last week specifically for cowboy action.

5.5 grains of the stuff filled my case almost 60%, and loaded it under a 200 grain LRNFP bullet.  Gave me just a little over 700 FPS.  I would guess that my .45 cases would only hold about 6.5 grains of Trailboss, and still have enough room for the bullet.

Most likely not enough to get it to the 900 FPS for a 250 grain bullet.

That being said, the loads I used were very mild in recoil,and burned very clean.  If you want something to shoot all day to "plink" and practice with, Trailboss will fit the bill.
Otherwise, I have had a lot of luck with Unique, Clays and TiteGroup.

[stimpylu32]

I just love UNIQUE for cast bullets in the.45 long colt , granted it is a little dirtier than some of the others but it works very well .

A good reloading manual or two are a must !!!  those companys have spent a lot of time and money to find the safest load data for our firearms

[jerkface11]

Get unique and a lyman reloading manual they have data using it in EVERYTHING. .22 hornet to .45-70 even 300 wetherby seems like everything uses 12 grains of it though.

[Lone Star]

I think that the post above is being a bit overly enthusiastic.  The Lyman #48 Handbook no longer recommends Unique for many cartridges including the .300 Weatherby.  But back to the original subject, Unique is a very fine powder for the .45LC and cast bullets, if a bit dirty.  IME it in particular must be matched to the hardness of the bullet to give the best, lead-free performance.  I once assembled five different loads using Unique and 250-grain cast bullets, increasing the charge in 1/2 grain steps from 7 to 9 grains.  I fired 5-shot groups at 25 yards with each load to test for accuracy.  The loads under 8.5 grains leaded the bore, but groups tighted as the charge was increased, and by 9 grains the groups were the tightest and leading had dissappeared.  This makes perfect sence as the bullets were hard wheelweights and needed some pressure to fully conform to the bore and eliminate blowby (the chief cause of all leading with cast bullets).  No leading, better accuracy at higher presures.  Had I used softer bullets the ideal charge would have been lower.

[Lloyd Smale]

unique herco powerpistol universal clays all are about ideal for this

[SA shooter]

thanks all for the comments/suggestions.

I ended up getting a Lee deluxe reloading kit with the 4 hole auto indexing turret press, still getting the hang of it though seems that i put one primer in backwards out of every ten  :lol:  

i loaded up about 70 rounds so far using winchester 230 fmj bullets, till my casting equitment comes in, and about 17 grains of 5744 powder, i liked the idea of more of the case being filled. the rounds shoot accuratly enough but i seem to be geting a bit of unburnt powder left in the cases, maybe it just needs a heavyer bullet like the ones i intend on loading.

in the mean time ive been melting down some old lead pipes i got from a scrap yard getting ready to start casting. my first attempts at making ingots was a failure imho i was melting the pipes directly into the ignots instead of melting them into a bucket and pouring. its comming along though.  :-)

[stimpylu32]

SA Shooter // 2 things //

1st check the casting forum for help with lead problems.

2nd you might want to invest in a lee auto prime hand primer , you can see the primers to make sure that they are right side up and this is a whole easier than fighting the primers one at a time . i just love mine , i don't even use the press to prime anymore

[Questor]

Go with Trailboss and try it out. It's a great idea and it's made specifically for cartridges like yours.

[SA shooter]

the biggest thing that bothers me about trail boss is that i cant find any data for it in the 13,500-14,000 CUP range the only data close i've been able to find is on the IMR websight which has a max load for a 250gr bullet with 5.8grs of powder at 727fps with a CUP of 12,700. and i dont wanta start guessing because i dont have any equitment to measure its proformance/pressure.

I have been thinking though, would it be safe to simply cutt my brass back far enough to where a normal type powder would fill the case.

[stimpylu32]

I have never cut back cases , but it seens to me it would be like trying to put 357 mag loads in a 38 spl case and that is a big NO NO -- way to much pressure // jmo  :eek:

[jd45]

You might want to check with the manufacturer of Trail Boss.........tell them what you're trying to do. I'm sure they'll give you the straight poop on what to do. jd45

[leverfan]

I have been thinking though, would it be safe to simply cutt my brass back far enough to where a normal type powder would fill the case.

You could just use Schofield brass, and Schofield loads, and you'd get a smaller, more efficient case.

Going to the original question, there is one powder that will send a 250 or 255 grain lead bullet out the barrel at around 850+ fps, do it at very safe pressures for Colts and clones, and it's also impossible to double charge.  Blackpowder!

Trail Boss and Titegroup would be my top two choices for smokeless loads.

[Yukon Gold]

SA Shooter - Remember the whole reason to coming out with Trailboss - it's to allow cowboy shooters to load light loads, while still substantially filling a shell to allow for a more consistant ignition, and to aid in the prevention of a double load.  The fact it burns very clean is a bonus, and also the pleasant mild recoil.

Instead of looking for a larger powder load of Trailboss - look at Unique,Clays, etc. which will fit the bill.

Regards,