Question about 45 colt lever actions...

[Lee Robinson]

Question about 45 colt lever actions...

Do you use the same loads in a 45 colt lever action riffle that you use in a 45 colt single action revolver? If so, can you use both the "Colt" load data AND the "Ruger" load data? If so, how well do the following powders work in a riffle? H110, 4227, and 2400

How does Marlin compare to Winchester and Henry?

[navylawdog]

I always use the ruger/tc data for my win. 94.  It has always worked with no hiccups. In fact I use extremely stout loads with 300 grain bullets and 2400 powder and that is the best load I have come up with. My gun puts them exactly where I want them every time.

Navylawdog

[mgunslinger]

I have always loaded for the Colt SSA and then used that in the rifle. It is a Marlin from Big Five and it is my go to gun.  I think that my pistol is not as strong as the rifle so that is why I load to the lowest common denominator. I use both for CAS so I am not looking for a HOT load but for one that runs smoothly and is as accurate to play the game. Just my .02 cents.

[shaner]

its a good practice to do  load for the pistol and use in the rifle if your just plinkin, now if your usein the rifle to hunt an need knock down  load some hotter rounds , but mark them so you know  the difference in them and the pistol loads,  use a permanent marker and color the primers  red  so yu know its a hot round  that way when you drop it in your  wheel gun you will see it

[Saloon slug]

I always use the ruger/tc data for my win. 94.  It has always worked with no hiccups. In fact I use extremely stout loads with 300 grain bullets and 2400 powder and that is the best load I have come up with. My gun puts them exactly where I want them every time.

Navylawdog

+1 My Win trapper loves the heavy bullets and 2400 as stated. But H110 burns cleanner and will do the job just as well. If you have Rugger revolvers load to that level and never look back

[navylawdog]

I will have to try it with H110 then, because I agree that it doesn't burn very clean.

Navylawdog

[454Puma]

Lee Robinson
  I have a Win 45 LC it will not take the extreme Ruger Only loads! I broke it trying then found out that loads in the 38000 PSI were the top end for it. Now this gets me 1680 fps with a 325 gr bullet 21.5 grs of H100. Which is plenty for just about anything in NA.  Best loads are with either H110 or W296.

[Sweetwater]

VERY TRUE!
The closed breech of the rifle keeps the pressure building until the bullet exits the barrel. The cylinder gap of the revolver acts like a pressure release.  Years ago I had a case head seperation in my Marlin 41mag rifle with a load that was used constantly on the silhouette range in my Ruger Blackhawk. The heavy revolvers will take the loads the rifles can, but the rifles will get testy with the heavy revolver loads. I did find my revolvers more pleasant to shoot with the rifle loads, and they were plenty heavy enough.

FWIW - this holds true for all rifles shooting revolver cartridges. Load for your rifle and your revolver will love you more. It takes a little fiddling, but a load has always shown up that worked within my capabilities with both weapons.

Regards,
Sweetwater