Author Topic: .45 Colt and Unique (Read 458 times)

bigjeepman · « **on:** February 15, 2004, 11:31:20 AM »

I just started loading .45 lc for my Ruger Vaquero and my Marlin 1894. I used Hornady 250 gr HP/XTP bullets, Winchester cases (once fired), CCI 300 large pistol primers, 1.60 OAL, and 8.5 gr of Unique. I do not have a chronograph but I guestimated the velocity at around 900 fps.

Accuracy was good as I was shooting less than 2" groups at 50 yds with the Marlin's factory open sights. The problem is I noticed some of the cases slightly bulging about .325" from the bottom of the case. I do not understand as I thought I was a long way from loading "hot."

Can anyone help me understand what has happened? The cases were closely inspected before loading. These are the first pistol cartridges I have ever loaded.

threefingers46 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2004, 02:31:05 AM »

are you'r die's set right,and are you'r cases all the same length.is there any build up in you'r die's form bullet lube.

John Traveler · « **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2004, 04:59:32 AM »

Bigjeepman,

Your load looks perfectly safe and is recommended in several loading manuals.

In addition, it's a "balanced" load and falls in the same category of 250 grain lead/8.5g Unique/900 fps recommended for approximating factory ammo.

Slightly bulged case are no big deal. It can be the result of slightly undersized thin brass (Winchester), slightly undersizedl case sizing, or more likely, a slightly oversized chamber. Factory .45 Colt chambers can be found to have amazing tolerances. I've seen Italian SA clones to be particularly bad in this regard. A tight chamber throat can also do this. Healthy brass takes it all in stride.

As long as you have no other signs of overpressure: hard extraction, badly flatted primers, case separations, etc, there's nothing to worry about. The one thing to worry about, is a double charge of Unique. THAT can really make you unhappy!

HTH
John

bigjeepman · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2004, 02:42:55 PM »

Thanks for the replies ...

I do believe I had everything set right but then I am new to reloading this caliber. The dies are brand new and are RCBS carbide. A friend at work who shoots pistol competition just told me the same thing today ... it is not something to be very concerned about. No other signs of excessive pressure at all.

I did not use any bullet lube though. Should I have? I have some Imperial Dry Neck Lube if needed.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 19, 2004, 03:04:11 AM »

If this were an election, my vote would go to large chambers and no problem. Out of the 6 45's I currently have ALL look like bottle neck cases after firing and I only use black powder.