.45 Colt Lee Loader rec. loads?

[TexAg]

Howdy,
Just bought a Lee Loader in .45Colt for myself for Christmas and am wanting some advice on what loads ya'll would recommend. On the starting loads data sheet there are bullet weights ranging from 180 to 300 grains and a variety of powder types. I am curious as to which might be more accurate and what should be in my first batch. What bullets and what powder do ya'll recommend for a good first load?

PS. I do realize the Lee Loader powder measure gives you quite a safety margin, so obviously I am not looking for a super hot load right off; I will be getting a scale later for hotter loads. Guns these loads will be shot in are an Old Vaquero and Marlin 1894.

 

[YellowLab]

Standard reloading reply:

Start at the min load... make 5 rounds. Shoot those rounds and see how they work.

Increase charge a few grains (STAY UNDER PUBLISHED MAX CHARGES). Make 5 more rounds. Shoot those rounds and see how they work.

MAX charge is rarely ever the most accurate load.

Your gun will tell you what it likes, but you gotta ask it first.

Now, are you really gonna bechrest shoot every batch, measure the group and adjust the charge... sure you will if that is what you are after.

With my old/collectible guns they will NEVER see anywhere near a max load. They go BANG and kill the hoardes of attacking bowling pins and paper targets with min load. Its not uber accurate, nor can it hit the 10 ring from 1000 yards, but thats not why I reload, either.

 

[HSMITH]

I found Unique to be the best powder with lead bullets in my 45 Colts. I really like 8 grains for the handguns with a 240-260 lead bullet. They will shoot well in your rifle too. I can't remember the last time I shot a jacketed bullet in 45 Colt.

If your Marlin is a micro-groove gun and you reload lead bullets keep an eye on the bore as you test new loads. Lots of guys will tell you that they don't shoot lead well, but what I have found is they just want a harder lead bullet and then they shoot fantastic with lead bullets. If your bore starts to lead up stop and clean it, look for a harder alloy. Most commercial cast bullets are PLENTY hard for the Marlin.