Western Powders missing data - 45 Colt

Status
Not open for further replies.

Mattiooo

Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2019
Messages
4
Location
Erie, CO
I need some help with load data that's not in the Western Powders loading data book. I am loading 45 Colt and I'm using Missouri Bullet Company Cowboy #1 bullets. They are powder coated lead bullets and 250 grains.

The load data for Accurate #5 only has plated bullets for 250 grain and lead bullets are 255 grains. There is no lead option for 250 grains. Also, I have some True Blue I want to test, and the load data has no 250 grain option at all. Just lead 255 grain.

I've emailed Western Powders and I am waiting for a response, but does this information exist somewhere? Missouri Bullet doesn't provide load data for their bullets. I've looked in the Laser-cast load data, but they don't have Western Powders in it.

Thanks,
Matt
 
If it was me, I'd just use the cast data for 255grn bullets, coated or not. It also depends on the velocity you are trying to achieve, but no one will fault you for starting low and working your way up.
 
1) 255gr ~= 250gr
2) Plated pressure will be slightly greater than lead, ceteris paribus. You might not be able to achieve quite the same max velocity without leading.

The data is a starting point, not doctrine.
 
The 255 gr. data applies to 250 gr. bullets as well. I've seen cast bullets (not cast by me) with that much variation in the same lot, since they come from sixteen different cavities on the casting machine.

Just load them up and test, starting low and working up.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
Just to assure you further, the difference between a 250gr and 255gr cast bullet is a none issue. Load them up and have fun. You are going to like those bullets.
 
The answer has already been given, But some clarification.

MBC bullets are not Powder Coated (which is a paint) they are Hi Tech Polymer Coated (lets forget the debate)

Lead data can be used for plated and vice versa.

Also what gun are you using? Do you want standard loads or higher pressure loads (there is a difference)

As a "general rule" if data is not listed for a specific weight bullet you can use the next Higher weight data (of the same profile bullet)

As mentioned 250 or 255 will not matter.
 
You can use lead bullet data for your coated bullets, and it's OK to use the 255 gr. data. Begin with starting level loads and if necessary, work up...
 
Be careful using some starting lead loads with plated, it can stick a bullet, plated has more friction than lead. Plus I have done it. :)

Sometimes, somehow. somewhere some things can be different.:)

Remember not that long again when plated first came out and there was all the confusion about what data to use?. The often used reply was use lead data. then it became use mid-load jacketed data, then it became this from Berrys.

Question: Where can I find load data for your bullets?

Load data from any load manual or website can be used. Full-metal jacketed, lead bullet, or plated bullet load data can be used as long as the following standards are adhered to:

https://www.berrysmfg.com/faq#FAQ1
 
Just some follow-up:

I received the following email from Western:

Matthew,

You need to use the 255gr (L) bullet data. As your coated lead bullets still fall into the lead bullet category.

Don W.
CSR


To answer a question asked earlier: I'm loading standard pressure for an Uberti SAA clone.
 
Question: Where can I find load data for your bullets?

Load data from any load manual or website can be used. Full-metal jacketed, lead bullet, or plated bullet load data can be used as long as the following standards are adhered to:
I know, but in the real world some starting lead data will get you in trouble with plated. Plain and simple. Not guesswork. :)
 
I have to agree with Walkalong with regards to light loads and plated bullets.

I got a couple 148 gr plated wadcutters stuck in a 4" barrel 38 Special using the lead bullet data. I had to up the powder charge a bit to get the plated bullet to reliably exit the barrel.
 
Welcome to THR from due west of you about 15 miles!

Too bad the old Mile High Shooting Park, located about a mile east of the airport on the north side of Hwy 7 has been turned into shoppettes, condos, and houses.

It would have been a great place to shoot your Uberti...
 
Welcome to THR from due west of you about 15 miles!

Too bad the old Mile High Shooting Park, located about a mile east of the airport on the north side of Hwy 7 has been turned into shoppettes, condos, and houses.

It would have been a great place to shoot your Uberti...

Yes. I heard it was a good place. Got on the Boulder waiting list when we first moved here, but never heard from them. Been a member of a few ranges since we got here. Currently using Weld County Fish & Wildlife as my range. Everything is almost exactly an hour of here, whether I go North or South.

Do I know you from CO-AR15? Your handle sounds familiar.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top