Author Topic: CAS shooting ... just curious (Read 500 times)

bigjeepman · « **on:** July 02, 2004, 01:31:29 PM »

My son and I might someday soon be interested in coming to one of your competitions and trying our luck. We have always loved anything to do with the "Old West." We have 2 six shooters (Stampede and Vaquero) and a Marlin Cowboy Competition rifle ... all in .45lc. We love this caliber and it's history dating back to 1873 and it's ease to reload.

Questions ...

What weight cast bullets do you guys who shoot .45lc use? What are your favorite loads? Velocities?

What kind of shotgun do you recommend for competition?

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2004, 02:10:06 PM »

Welcome to the fun!

Sounds like you are ready with the revolvers and long gun.

Shotgun: you have several choices. There is the Winchester 97 and Norinco clone. It's a exposed hammer pump. Then there are the vast number of hammered and hammerless side by sides. Pretty much all are ok as long as the don't have ejectors--extractors are fine. If you want to wait a bit (years?) Coyote Cap is bringing in a Winchester 1887--it's a lever action shotgun. Last I heard the first batch is due in by the end of this year (we'll see :grin: )

You'll need some leather for the revolvers. And something to carry all the stuff; a gun cart or something like that.

Check with SASS www.sassnet.com to find a club in your area and go on out and watch. When I went out to watch I ended up shooting--it's been known to happen. Remember you'll need eyes and ears. And consider side shields for the glasses; we shoot steel and I usually get hit by splatter at least once a match. Nothing to worry about unless it is heading for your eyes. :eek:

Keep the questions coming and best of luck!

ÇR

Flint · « **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2004, 03:31:42 PM »

Lots of shooters go for the lighter 45 bullets, 200 gr., the 250 kicks a bit more. I use the lighter bullet because a lot of my shooting is with converted cap & ball and the rifling twist is slower and the gun is softer...unless it's a Ruger Old Army.

Big Hext Finnigan · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2004, 04:29:16 PM »

Howdy,

There are lots of bullet choices. 250-165 grain. Just make sure that they are lead bullets, no jackets. Hard cast is best, in my opinion.

As for a shotgun, I'm sure you will find many folks more than willing to loan you their shotgun. Take them up on that offer and try out a bunch, then you can pick the right style for you. One consideration is that some classes require different shotguns.

Welcome, keep asking questions and we'll do out best to get you settled in!
Adios,

RB Rooson · « **Reply #4 on:** July 05, 2004, 08:08:45 AM »

Alot of the other pards have steered you right! Just remember that it has to be a LEAD bullet and probably around 200 grains is best. Muzzle velocity on Cowboy Action is considerably less than a standard .45 load - I think it has to be 1100fps for less (others will correct me if I'm wrong on the fps).

Shotgun is your choice - either hammered or hammerless - pump or sxs. IGA/Stoeger is very popular in sxs hammerless (.12 gauge) and Norinco seems to be the rage in the market right now for hammer guns. Norinco also makes a '97 Pump that alot of shooters are buying. However, there are plenty of choices and options in the cowboy world.......

Take care and Welcome to our Brand of Shootin'!!

Flint · « **Reply #5 on:** July 05, 2004, 08:26:05 AM »

Maximum pistol load is 1000 fps, max rifle load is 1400 fps.

Big John Wyatt · « **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2004, 09:08:41 AM »

There are lots of choices and considerations for .45lc loads. I tend to load the same for rifle and pistol (I am in the minority on this. My reason is, it is just plain simple and easier to work with one setting at the reloading bench). But to do that you have to find a happy medium. 200 gr bullets and minimum powder charges are great for pistols, but you will get a lot of blowback in your face in a rifle with these loads. The same bullets with near max powder charges will eliminate the blowback in the rifle but make the pistol buck some. I settled on a 225 gr lead bullet and I use Hodgdon Clays mid range recomendation for that bullet weight and I like it.

I just started down the BP path to CAS and that reloading info is easy. 250 grain bullet, .030 wad, 2.2cc Lee dipper of bp, seat the bullet to the crimp ring(using a good crimp).
Works in rifle and pistol.

Shotguns are a personal preference also. I prefer a hammered double. My wife likes a '97.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #7 on:** July 05, 2004, 10:09:41 AM »

Thanks for your replies ...

Just last week, I purchased the Stampede for my son along with a good holster/belt. I like the heavier Vaquero myself and have had it for over a year now. We both love our Marlin Cowboy Competition as it's action is pretty smooth.

I have been reloading 250gr Meister bullets as they are the only cast bullets my local gunshop carries. I bought some 200gr Meister's today because of the suggestions here and am in the process of loading some up now. I like Big John's idea of one accurate load for both rifle and pistol so I will see if I can accomplish that. I'll start out with loads around 800fps.

I could not find any competitions very close to Southern Indiana but I will keep checking them out. I might be reloacationg out west in the near future and I am sure there are many more in other regions of the U.S.