[Gmac]

There seems to be a scarcity of 45 (long) colt ammunition in my area (south central Ohio). 45 acp can be found anywhere but my local shop doesn't even have empty brass and can't seem to get loaded ammo. What's up?

[Jim March]

Because it's just not that common a load. You have to go mail-order, or usually gun shows will have some, or reload.

[GW45]

WWW.SPORTSMANSGUIDE.COM

Has ULTRAMAX .45 Colt 200 gr and 250 gr by 250 rnds, 500 rnds and 1000 rnds - starting at $80.00 for the 250 rnds.

Good deal, here in VA it runs about $18 to $22 a box of 50 rnds.

Hope this helps.

[sixgun_symphony]

I am sure that your local gunshop will be glad to special order your .45 Colt ammunition.

If you are a regular they will likely start stocking some on the shelf.

[sixgun_symphony]

http://a1460.g.akamai.net/v/1460/1339/6h/www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/21/30/71/i213071sq02.jpg
.45 Colt unprimed brass @ $122.99 per 1000 (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0012884213071a&navAction=push&navCount=7&indexId=&podId=0012884&catalogCode=ID&parentId=&parentType=&rid=)



http://a1460.g.akamai.net/v/1460/1339/6h/www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Pod/01/25/48/p012548sq02.jpg
Lyman T-Mag II Expert Kit with Free Dies (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0012548213699a&navAction=push&navCount=2&indexId=&podId=0012548&catalogCode=ID&parentId=&parentType=&rid=)

This is a good set up for reloading. Get the Lyman bullet casting kit and a case of Goex or KIK FFFG (http://www.norwestcompany.com/Nor%27WestCompany/bp.htm#Goex®%20Black%20Powder) and you will be set up for handloading your own .45 Colt cartridges.


http://www.norwestcompany.com/Nor%27WestCompany/KIK.gif

[Gunsnrovers]

I pay $50 for 250 rounds from Miwall (or $10.95/50). I think they put out decent reloads and use new brass.

http://www.miwallcorp.com

Jeff

[Jim K]

The army has given up on the current low power round and has taken thousands of Model 1873 Single Actions out of storage for issue to troops in Asia. They are buying up all the .45 Colt ammo available.

Jim

(Just kidding - I think.)

JEK

[Gmac]

Yeah Jim I figured it was something like that Thanks for the info/replies everyone. I already reload for 41 Mag. so setting up for 45 colt is no big deal (except expense, being on disability retirement has its drawbacks) My local shop has been ordering loaded ammo for me but so far their supplier hasn't provided any.I've read so much about the 45 Colt being a great hunting cartridge and with the popularity of Cowboy Action Shooting I assumed ammo would be readily available. You know what they say about assumptions. By the way I traded a Mini 14 Ranch Rifle (I bought used for $300) For a new Ruger Bisley 45 Colt, good move or bad? Later, Gary

[Slow]

I have bought from Georgia-arms.com... 260grain JHP @ 850FPS
from 4.75 Blackhawk. The cost for 50 rounds was $17.00... that's their high end .45's they have less expensive Cowboy stuff

[sixgun_symphony]

Gmac,

I think you made a good choice. You mentioned that you were all set up for reloading .41 magnum, so you only need to buy some dies for the .45 Colt.

Do you intend to load the original gunpowder? If so, then check out SPG lube (http://www.blackpowderspg.com/) . You only want to use BP lubricants like SPG and to avoid any petrolium based lubricants.

Alot of people swear by Ballistol (http://www.ballistol.com/) for cleaning and oiling their guns that use BP loads.

Natural Lube 1000+ Bore Butter (http://www.foxridgeoutfitters.com/mlaccessories/cleaning/73097409.html) is another popular BP lubricant. I like it for the basepin and give a light coating to the metal surfaces of my BP guns.

[WESHOOT2]

If buying try Georgia Arms.
If handloading give me a holler, and I'll offer some thoughts on the BBB (big bad boy).

Handguns are always better than long guns, unless, of course, they're belt-fed :what:

[foghornl]

National Bullet near me in Eastlake Ohio is a commercial reloader. Visit their website

www.nationalbullet.com.

You can buy from them, and send in your empties for reloading, at a reduced price.

I have tried some of their 45ACP stuff...decent ammo.

Right now, National Bullet is offering a special on 45 Colt Cowboy ammo $109/500. From what I have seen, some 45 Colt Cowboy stuff is as much as $23/50 if you buy it a box at a time

[sixgun_symphony]

The "cowboy ammo" is downloaded target ammunition. Great for CAS matches, but too anemic for hunting.

You want either a full case of BP with a 250gr cast bullet or an even more powerful smokeless loading for hunting.

[SASS#23149]

I think yu made a good trade.That Ruger will take some hellfer stout loads if you want to hunt with it.
Since you reload,I'd do that if I was gonna shoot much at all.You already know how much money reloading can save per box.
I have tried several powders and find American Select to be a good LC powder,IMHO.