Fun with 45 Colt

[jakes10mm]

I have posted about my love affair with my new Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter in 45 Colt.  So, I decided the SBH-H needed a companion in the safe...enter Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt (4-5/8").  I have some future plans for this revolver...including SS grip frame, flat-top the frame, etc.  

Anyhow, I was out Saturday working out a couple potential hunting loads and decided to try them in the little BH.  I didn't see any brimstone, but the "fire" was sure apparent!  The fireball at the shortie's muzzle was quite impressive.  Recoil was sharper, but not unmanageable.  

The bark even got the attention of the high power rifle shooters on the 200yd range.  For the fun of it, I may have to work up a blackpowder load...just to say I've tried it.

Keep having fun with your 45 Colts.....!

[Dusty Miller]

What powder are you using?  I've got a 3 3/4" Birdshead Vaquero that does not emit a fireball with the two powders I've used (2400 & AA5).

[Greeenriver]

For a Black Powder load, try American Pionier Powder. This is a BP sub that has the easyest clean-up af any of the BP's or sub's. Realy, all of them clean-up easy with hot soapy water.

I use Starline casses, any LP primer I have on hand that day, 2.2cc of APP, and a .452 dia hardcast bullet in 200grn or 250grn. This provides a well managable load that will throw a great fireball and huge clouds of smoke!!!

I shoot probibly over 5000 of these loads in my Cowboy Action Guns every year and they are realy a fun load to play with.  

I have tried heaver loads and lighter loads with fillers, but this load will do everything a 45 should do for a fun load, and a great "Attention Getter" at any range not expecting them.LOL

Basicly any BP or sub will work in the 45 colt case. Just fill the case up to about 1/8in above the base of the bullet and compress the powder slightly, then use a FIRM CRIMP!!

If shooting BP loads at a range, carry a container thet can be covered and drop your brass in the container with enough blue auto windshield cleaner in the container to cover the used brass, cover the container and by the time you get home, your brass is usualy washed. Dry the brass and tumble it that nite and it will last for years.

I use these same loads for all my CAS shooting when using the 45's, plinking in the back yard, woods walking, and some deer hunting in a model 94 AE Winchester rifle.

When I go woods walking with my 32H&R mags, they have 12.3 grn of APP in them. I am now working on a reasonable load for my Colt Delta in 10mm using APP and cast bullets.  

I gess you could say I like the smoke and Boom of the BP sub loads.

I use LEE dippers for most of my BP loading and have both the old black set and the newer yellow set, this allows me to find a dipper that will work for about any cal ctg.

Black Powder and the BP subs are measured by VOLUME insted of weight!!!  BP and the subs all weigh a bit different for a given volum.  
Never leave an air space in a BP load, and try to get a little bit of comperssion for each load you use.

Anyone having questions of the statements made may reach me at
Greeenriver@hotmail.com
Mention Black Powder in the subject line.

Greeenriver(Dedicated to smoke and Boom!!)