Need to eliminate unburnt powder in my Uberti saa

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Charlie98 said:
You didn't mention the barrel length... that can make a difference. I'm assuming 5"+, but I know there are some shorties out there.

I agree with the other poster... if you are already at max load, you need to find a better solution; save your nice pistol. FWIW... I had this problem in 9mm, using BE-86. I reached a threshold where more powder didn't translate to more velocity, not in my shorter barreled Kahr. It was dumping unburnt (underburnt?) powder on my hand, even. It was just the weird combination of bullet/powder/barrel... Unique, which has a similar burn rate (and characteristic..) never did that.

There is one other facet... the pistol. My experience with Ruger single-actions tells me to check the cylinder throats for uniformity... you may have a big throat that isn't the right size, or the cylinder is not even... leaving a bigger gap at one cylinder position than at it's 6 O'clock.
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Yeah that could be. It would take incredible luck for him to hit that one oversized throat with every first shot but, I guess it is possible.
 
Stefan A said:
I just go by my data choices. Acc.5 is one of the choices for a non-Ruger load.
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If you're just target shooting. Titegroup is a decent choice. I've experienced unburned powder in low pressure loads. I either bump it up a few tenths or go down the burn rate chart a few powders.
Like a few others stated. Get yourself some coated cast bullets. The 45Colt is at home with them both in hunting and target shooting.
 
GeoDudeFlorida said:
Yeah that could be. It would take incredible luck for him to hit that one oversized throat with every first shot but, I guess it is possible.
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There is nothing in a reasonable handload that would do that, except just a poor match of components and firearm. The only outside to that is what another poster mentioned... powder position in the case, which would be the same, generally, except for the first shot... and that circles back to the poor match. The only other option is the mechanical device... the pistol.
 
Charlie98 said:
There is nothing in a reasonable handload that would do that, except just a poor match of components and firearm. The only outside to that is what another poster mentioned... powder position in the case, which would be the same, generally, except for the first shot... and that circles back to the poor match. The only other option is the mechanical device... the pistol.
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Agreed. It could also be an excessive charge for that revolver but then I expect every round to blow powder. I have used No.7 and No.2 in .45Colt with mixed results but not No.5 that I can recall.
I do use No.5 in .45ACP and it works well but that’s a closed chamber.
 
OK... in that case, you shouldn't be having a problem.

Is all your .45 Colt brass from the same lot? ...or is it MixMaster range brass?

BTW... what is the accuracy like?
 
Just a thought, but since it has happened with every "first" round fired since starting load development, could it be an excessive cylinder gap?

GeoDudeFlorida said:
It would take incredible luck for him to hit that one oversized throat with every first shot but, I guess it is possible.
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Possible, but extremely unlikely as you said. And since it only happens on the first round, could the rest have the powder back vs. forward?

OP also said he's getting unburnt powder in all cylinders.

Stefan A said:
All of the chambers have some unburned powder, but the first shot is when I feel it.
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May be a combination of issues. I think something isn't quite right with his reloads. Possibly using a taper crimp die instead of a roll crimp die. I have seen taper crimp dies advertised in 45 Colt.

chris
 
Charlie98 said:
Is all your .45 Colt brass from the same lot? ...or is it MixMaster range brass?

BTW... what is the accuracy like?
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Mixed brass - but not a huge mix. Maybe 3 different types. Accuracy has always sucked with this gun. I have to aim about 6” lower than I expect to hit. But it’s fine once I know where to hold.

ballman6711 said:
Possibly using a taper crimp die instead of a roll crimp die. I have seen taper crimp dies advertised in 45 Colt.
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Using the crimp die that came with the Lee 4 die set for 45C.
 
Stefan A said:
Using the crimp die that came with the Lee 4 die set for 45C.
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My Lee die set for 45 Colt has 2 crimp dies. The seating die also roll crimps after seating, and the factory crimp die is a separate 4th die. Are you using all 4 ? FWIW for accuracy reasons I stopped using the FCD with lead or coated lead projectiles in 45 Colt.

As far as powder burn I really think you may be better off with something a bit faster like W231/HP38 or Unique.

-Jeff
 
Bartojc said:
My Lee die set for 45 Colt has 2 crimp dies. The seating die also roll crimps after seating, and the factory crimp die is a separate 4th die. Are you using all 4 ? FWIW for accuracy reasons I stopped using the FCD with lead or coated lead projectiles in 45 Colt.

As far as powder burn I really think you may be better off with something a bit faster like W231/HP38 or Unique.

-Jeff
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Using the factory crimp die. I’m using xtp bullets. I just bought some titegroup and 231.
 
Ok - some results. I went out and bought some titegroup (and some 231). I loaded up 5 rounds of 5.6g of titegroup - which is the starting load. No splatter to the face and not one spec of unburned powder in the chambers. So, things are looking up. I mainly shoot steel so it's hard to gauge accuracy. Plus it shoots way high. I'm going to give it a few more 10ths and pay closer attention to accuracy and my point of aim.

So, I raised the powder weight to 5.8 (2 ended up at 5.9). On the first shot, there was a very slight sensation of powder to the face. So light, I'm not too concerned about it. Nothing like it had been. Again, no unburned specs. Accuracy seems about on par with what I am used to with this gun.

So, I think this is the answer. One day I may try the 231 and see if there is any difference. Although, without a chronograph, pistol rest, and paper, I am not too sure what to test for. I guess just overall feel and the powder to the face issue.

ballman6711 said:
Can you post a pic or two of your finished rounds? Maybe a close up of the crimp in one of the pics.
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I didn't take a pic of the problem rounds and since the problem seems to have corrected itself, I guess it's not necessary. Unless you would like me to make it a point to take a pic of the new rounds.
 
Not to beat a dead horse...

I might look into why it's shooting so high... and why it was blowing junk in your face to start with. I know you are 'used to it,' but it's not right.

In the meantime, I'm glad you found something that works for you! :)
 
Charlie98 said:
I might look into why it's shooting so high... and why it was blowing junk in your face to start with. I know you are 'used to it,' but it's not right.
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Yeah - this all concerns me too. I really don't know if there is a gunsmith in my area who knows SAA. If I really want to I can make some calls. I bought this gun at an auction a few years ago and I think this is a gun from the 70's. An Iver Johnson import. I have a feeling I bought somebody else's problem. I would REALLY prefer a gun that shoots where the sights are pointing.
ballman6711 said:
Shooting high, might want to try a lighter bullet. Blowing stuff into your face, I agree with @Charlie98, look at the gun to see why.
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I have heard the suggestion about lighter bullets. I will definitely try that one day.
 
Stefan A said:
I started a thread in the revolver forum about this, but it’s turning into a reloading thread and I’m not getting very many responses. So, I’ll try here.

The problem is that only on the first round of each group of 5 shots, I get a small spray of powder in my face. When I look in the cylinder, there is tan colored unburned powder specs. I have eliminated oil as the problem because the gun is fairly dry at this point. I’m using acc. #5. I’m wondering if a fast powder will prevent unburned powder. I can get some titegroup, as it’s available and fast. Do you think all the powder will burn?

The confusing thing to me is the fact that it only happens on the first round. All of the chambers have some unburned powder, but the first shot is when I feel it.

Stefan
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I have had the same experience with Acc #5 , reloading has shown me it is Slower than Unique and needs in 357 magnum a charge of at least 6.2 grains with a 158 gr. bullet to come close to burning clean . It seems more suited to upper end 357 Magnum loads . 5.0 grs' in 38 special case left unburned powder every where .
Titegroup should be much better , use a mid-range load , and all the powder should burn .
700X , Bullseye , W231 , Red Dot , HP-38 and Acc #2 would all be better .
Good luck finding powder ,
Gary
 
Buy some Magtech (CBC) brass.
It’s the thinnest I’ve found. It maintains obturation better.
I replied to the thread in the Revolver forum.

I’m not familiar with the Uberti revolvers, so can’t speak as to strength. However, they do chamber them in .357mag so there is that.
My solution with my Winchester M94 w/24”bbl was to increase the powder charge till blow-by quit.

RE: the bullet impact. Using a 200gr Lee RFN will correct the high bullet impact. Only other fix is a new, taller front sight blade.
My current and last .45Colt is a S&W 625-5 4” Mountain Gun. I replaced the front Baughman ramp blade with the tallest that S&W makes. (.465” iirc). Previously, I couldn’t get the rear sight low enough to properly zero. Now it does!
 
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Stefan A said:
Yeah - this all concerns me too. I really don't know if there is a gunsmith in my area who knows SAA. If I really want to I can make some calls. I bought this gun at an auction a few years ago and I think this is a gun from the 70's. An Iver Johnson import. I have a feeling I bought somebody else's problem. I would REALLY prefer a gun that shoots where the sights are pointing.

I have heard the suggestion about lighter bullets. I will definitely try that one day.
Click to expand...
Try changing the amount of the front sight that you see. With revolvers I find about half of the front sight is all you want to see.
The rest of the guys gave some really good input on bullet weight and powders.
 
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