I need some 45 LC load info.

[Spanky]

I've got a 45 LC barrel on it's way to me (thanks Oldsoldja) and I'm lookin' for some load info.
 
I reload for my 357 Maxi and my 44 Mag but I'm a newbie to the old 45. I'll use it for plinking and deer hunting this fall. I went to the shop and bought some supplies for reloading... I've got Winchester brass, large pistol primers, Hornady 250gr. XTP's and H110 powder. I've had good luck with H110 and XTP's in my 357 and 44 so I stuck with that for the 45 too.
 
Do any of you use the same components in your 45's or would I be better off with different powders, bullets, etc?
 
Thanks for any info you can give me.
 
 
 
Spanky

[petemi]

Spanky, look down the page at this thread.

"Interesting range day with the .45LC"

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,239923.0.html

Pete

[Spanky]

Thanks Pete.   It sounds like I'm on the right track with the XTP's and the H110. My Maxi and 44 Mag both love XTP's over H110 too. I can't wait to get started with the 45.
 
 
 
Spanky

[Doublebass73]

You can't go wrong with the 250 XTP in the 45 LC Carbine. I've had good luck with that bullet using Unique, 2400 & IMR-4227. I don't have any experience with H110 but I'd recommend the 3 powders I mentioned with that bullet. Lil' Gun works OK also but I didn't get the accuracy that I did with the other 3.

If you plan on hunting with that setup try to keep the velocity under 1600 fps since that is the top velocity that Hornady recommends for that bullet. Otherwise I'd switch to the 240 XTP-MAG since that is rated for 454 Casull velocities.

Good luck, you'll love this barrel.

[Spanky]

Good luck, you'll love this barrel.

 
I'm excited about finally getting my hands on one!  They're few and far between nowadays. I found some good info on the web about the 4227 powder too... I'll pick up a can of it and give it a try.
Thanks for the info.
 
 
 
Spanky

[Dinny]

Spanky,
  For hunting, I use a 335gr CP WFN bullet and 16.5gr of 2400 for 1300fps. It's scary accurate from my 45LC. I had it properly throated by "you know who" and that helped alot.


http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/45coltlevergun.htm




Thanks, Dinny

[Spanky]

Spanky,
For hunting, I use a 335gr CP WFN bullet and 16.5gr of 2400 for 1300fps. It's scary accurate from my 45LC. I had it properly throated by "you know who" and that helped alot.
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/45coltlevergun.htm
Thanks, Dinny

 
I remember Dave saying he could rethroat them for the heavy cast bullets and I was thinking of getting ahold of him to see if he could fit it in... I know he's backed up right now but it never hurts to ask.
 
 
 
Spanky
 
 
 
 

[tacklebury]

I'll give one warning on H110.  It's pretty good for full house loads, but you cannot download it very far or you get excessive pressure spikes.  If you want to do any load reducing, look to Unique, Universal or Trailboss, etc.  I have had a couple boxes of 250gr. XTP's desintegrate at about 70 yards when pushed with H-110.  I've switched to using the 240 gr. XTP Magnums or 300 gr XTP Magnums as they are rated for higher velocity.  I use these in particular with my Carbine loads made with RL7.

[243dave]

I had problems getting exit wounds even on small deer with the standard 300gr XTP's when pushed to almost 1600fps.  At that velocity the bullet over expands and limits penetration.  The 300gr XTP MAG bullet is a different animal, it will travel end to end on a average whitetail and its just as accurate as the regular XTP(more accurate in my gun) and a lot tougher.  If I decide to drop my hunting load down to around 1200fps I'll try the regular XTP's again but for me its the 300gr XTP MAGs all the way.
Dave

[Spanky]

I was planning on loading them on the "hotter" side... it sounds like I should have gone with a different bullet. I called my shop and the owner said I could exchange the 250gr. XTP's for something else.
 
I plan on using it for deer in thick woods. Shots could be from 10 yds to 70 yds. or so.
 
If I stick with the XTP's should I go with the 300gr. mag. bullets or try some other brand altogether? I like the XTP's in my Maxi and 44 but if they won't do well in this I'll try something else.
 
 
 
Spanky

[Doublebass73]

I'm a big fan of the Sierra 300 grain JSP's (if you can find them). They have been very accurate in both the Handi and the Contender over IMR-4227. I can't find any locally and Midway won't have any stock until close to the end of the year.

[quickdtoo]

Midsouth has em in stock. 

Tim

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000078830

[Gohon]

Dinny, what do you mean by properly throated and what did it do for you?  I've had Dave work my 357 magnum to maxi and some work on the 22 Hornet but nothing on the 45 Colt just yet.  Did it really make that much difference?  I've always considered my 45 Colt pretty darn accurate just stock as it is.

[Dinny]

Dinny, what do you mean by properly throated and what did it do for you?  I've had Dave work my 357 magnum to maxi and some work on the 22 Hornet but nothing on the 45 Colt just yet.  Did it really make that much difference?  I've always considered my 45 Colt pretty darn accurate just stock as it is.

The Handi rifles have been noted to have a throat that resembles a forcing cone instead of a real throat. A proper throat is cut on a lathe, concentric to the bore and supports the bullet on all sides. This gives the bullet the best chance of entering the rifling at the perfect angle and perfectly straight. Let me get back with a link showing this. It made a 1 MOA difference at 50yds.


Thanks, Dinny

[Dinny]

More throating info. Sorry Spanky if this is OT or highjacking your thread. I will remove if you like.


Also, more info found here regarding throating.


http://www.riflebarrels.com/articles/50calibre/throats_50_bmg.htm


Thanks, Dinny


The throat should be thought of exactly for what it is. It is in FACT a forming die that takes that "perfectly" made bullet made in ultra precise expensive bullet forming dies in the pretty green, black, red, yellow, or whatever color box and gives it its final forming operation before it travels out the barrel.
 
 It is in the throat that the bullet takes on its final shape as it enters the rifling, and the degree to which the bullet enters the rifling canted, cockeyed, off axis, or whatever term you can relate to it is reformed out of balance. Its shape and center of mass are no longer concentric

[Gohon]

Well, guess I'll have to give Dave a call and see if he has caught up on his work and send my Colt to him.  If not then I'll just make it a winter project later this year.    Might as well have him do the trigger while he is at it.  Thanks..................

[Doublebass73]

Midsouth has em in stock. 

Tim

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000078830

Thanks Tim!

I'm going to have to order a box now.

Spanky,
If you decide to get some of these let me know, I have rifle data for these bullets using H110 that shows a max velocity of 1500 fps from a 16" barrel.

[tacklebury]

If'n you want good rifle data read this: http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/45coltlevergun.htm
 
For the .45 Colt, I mainly saw this section:

There is a whole world of surprises waiting the reloader using the rifle powder ReL#7 in the 45 long Colt case for rifles. (Rifle powder not #7 pistol powder) With the 260 Keith I start with 25 grains and work up. I want anybody that wants to try it...to work up slowly so I’m not giving the top load..but the top velocity from the Winchester is 1800 to top end 2000 fps. And in the Browning 1892 action it will reach nearly 2200 fps or more and a SK of 82. Go slow with mag/pistol primers, and ReL#7 and because of it’s slow burn rate, it gives great velocities. H4227 is the other really good powder, but obviously not as slow as ReL#7.

I never passed the starting load and with the 300 gr. XTP Magnums, I get great results.  I loved this, because RL7 is my primary powder for the .45-70 also and I keep pounds on hand. 

[Spanky]

More throating info. Sorry Spanky if this is OT or highjacking your thread. I will remove if you like.


Also, more info found here regarding throating.


http://www.riflebarrels.com/articles/50calibre/throats_50_bmg.htm


Thanks, Dinny


The throat should be thought of exactly for what it is. It is in FACT a forming die that takes that "perfectly" made bullet made in ultra precise expensive bullet forming dies in the pretty green, black, red, yellow, or whatever color box and gives it its final forming operation before it travels out the barrel.
 
 It is in the throat that the bullet takes on its final shape as it enters the rifling, and the degree to which the bullet enters the rifling canted, cockeyed, off axis, or whatever term you can relate to it is reformed out of balance. Its shape and center of mass are no longer concentric

 
Heck no... don't remove it. The more good info the better far as I'm concerned.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who would benefit from the explanation.
Thanks for the link.
 
 
 
Spanky

[cwlongshot]

I was planning on loading them on the "hotter" side... it sounds like I should have gone with a different bullet. I called my shop and the owner said I could exchange the 250gr. XTP's for something else.
 
I plan on using it for deer in thick woods. Shots could be from 10 yds to 70 yds. or so.
 
If I stick with the XTP's should I go with the 300gr. mag. bullets or try some other brand altogether? I like the XTP's in my Maxi and 44 but if they won't do well in this I'll try something else.
 
Spanky

Spanky,
 I too have been hunting with the long colt for many years. I have shot a couple deer with the 250 and prefer the 300 hands down. I also really like the Sierra 300 JSP. The Speer 300 PSP is another good one. Its not jacketed, rather its a plated bullet.
One bullet I generally really like is the SPEER 250 GDHP. Its a bit fragile at the velocities achievable with heavy loads and a long barrel. IF you must use it, keep the vel to about 1100- 1200 FPS. Something I have said for a long time is I do not like hollow points for big game. XTP and Barnes copper bullets are the exception to that rule.
 
My own heavy loads are with WW296 powder. I am also in the neighborhood of 1600 FPS form a long rifle barrel. I have shot end to end a couple times. (Texas Heart shots) Complete thru and thru penetration. Thats better then 3 FEET of deer...
 
CW

[oldsoldja]

just thought Id let you know it arrived today, and it will be amputated and shipped friday.

[Spanky]

I have shot end to end a couple times. (Texas Heart shots) Complete thru and thru penetration. Thats better then 3 FEET of deer...
 
CW

That's pretty darn impressive. Even big bears and moose would be in deep trouble with a load like that.
You guys are definitely making me lean towards the 300gr. bullets now.
Thanks for the info.
 
 
 
Spanky

[wtroger]

First I would slug the barrel and see which diameter bullet to use. There is way to much variation in these barrels to waste time and money on to small a bullet. That being said I shoot a 260 grain Sierra exposed Lead tip hollow point that mics .4525 over a Ruger / Contender load of IMR 4227 it shoots .75 (clover leaf) at 100 yds this is 16 1/2 barrel. Use only solid head brass. I have several 45 colt fire arms and I have a Smith model 25 that will not shoot jacketed .451-.454 bullets but it shoots a hollow base lead  .456 bullet lights out. That's the reason for slugging the barrel. These are a lot of fun.

[dpe.ahoy]

I've always used H-110 or LilGun for heavy 45 colt loads, but I gotta try some RL-7 to see what it will do.  DP

[Graybeard]

I've always used H-110 or LilGun for heavy 45 colt loads, but I gotta try some RL-7 to see what it will do.  DP

Before you do I hope you find some pressure tested data for it rather than going on what some website has reported a member using. REL 7 powder is one that jumps pressure really fast even in larger cases. I've given up using it altogether due to that.

[Spanky]

I've always used H-110 or LilGun for heavy 45 colt loads, but I gotta try some RL-7 to see what it will do.  DP

Before you do I hope you find some pressure tested data for it rather than going on what some website has reported a member using. REL 7 powder is one that jumps pressure really fast even in larger cases. I've given up using it altogether due to that.

 
My dealer told me the same thing about RL-7. I think his exact words were "If you don't know what the hell you're doing that ain't the powder to mess with"
I'm a rookie reloader so I took his advice.
 
 
 
Spanky

[Jimbo47]

What should send up the red flags when dealing with RL7 is the lack of loading information pertaining to that powder when used in the 45LC.
 
There is plenty of load information out there with different proven powders!

[Doublebass73]

My dealer told me the same thing about RL-7. I think his exact words were "If you don't know what the hell you're doing that ain't the powder to mess with"
I'm a rookie reloader so I took his advice.

X2

I know some people have used it and all the power to them but I'm also a rookie so I plan on sticking with published data. Published loads with 2400, IMR-4227, H110 and Lil'Gun give all you need for +P 45 Colt rifle loads. If you need more than that it's time to step up to a 45-70.

[tacklebury]

Similar load over at Cast Boolits concerning the .45 Classic Carbine and geargnasher's postal match load:
 
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showpost.php?p=1389694&postcount=36