I have noticed that my 45 Colt reloads are much more powerful if I tip the barrel up so that the powder is closer to the primer. I didn't know how much until I started using a chronograph. My load is rather light and this could be the reason, but I can get as much as 200fps more by tipping the barrel up before firing. Does anyone have a more scientific reason for this?
45 Colt more powerful when tipping barrel up
- Thread starter tcass
- Start date
- Status
Stubert
Member
Try a filler over the powder, it will keep it at the primer.
243winxb
Member
Search for Walkalongs position sensitive powders. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/position-sensitive.436766/
Like this one.
Like this one.
As others mentioned, it's to do with position sensitivity. I like Universal in a 45 Colt, but as it doesn't tend to fill the case very much and is fairly position sensitive, that's just part of the deal. All I do is plink, so I don't worry too much about the variation, but I do try to be careful to tip the powder back toward the primer when I'm working up a load to ensure I'm hitting the maximum pressure for that load and won't get surprised by higher pressures later on.
edwardware
Member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2010
- Messages
- 4,424
You've identified the cause. The typical solution is a faster (more easily ignited) powder that's less position sensitive, or a lower density powder that consumes more case volume.
DO NOT just go and add filter over an existing load. The pressure increase in neither linear nor easily predictable.
Fillers certainly work, but be real ginger working up to them.
fxvr5
Member
- Joined
- May 26, 2017
- Messages
- 3,270
whughett
Member
Had the same problem. I cured it by switching to TrailBoss powder. As I’m only target shooting lighter loads with lighter bullets all is well. TrailBoss is bulky and was designed to better fill large capacity older pistol and rifle cases.
WestKentucky
Member
Another option for minimizing the issue would be to seat bullets deeper this forcing the powder to be closer to the primer and helping to increase initial pressure to get a better ignition and better burn.
out of curiousity, how dirty is the load? Typically position sensitive means low pressure and low pressure generally leads to poor combustion and carbon deposits. In handguns that is actually how I determine a load. I start low knowing it will be dirty, and move up fairly quickly to where the loads are fairly clean, and then I do a quick ladder test for accuracy just above the point where the loads start shooting clean.
out of curiousity, how dirty is the load? Typically position sensitive means low pressure and low pressure generally leads to poor combustion and carbon deposits. In handguns that is actually how I determine a load. I start low knowing it will be dirty, and move up fairly quickly to where the loads are fairly clean, and then I do a quick ladder test for accuracy just above the point where the loads start shooting clean.
milsurpguy
member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2021
- Messages
- 549
Just need a different powder that fills the case more.
GeoDudeFlorida
Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2020
- Messages
- 11,085
Bulky powders like Alliant 2400, Hodgdon HS6, IMR 4227, Unique, W231 or Blue Dot all help alleviate position sensitivity BUT that comes at a price. There are 7000 grains to the pound. If you are using >10 grains per cartridge, you will use more powder and that costs more money. However, if you are using <5 grains per cartridge, you will have positioning problems with predictable, negative results. Pick your poison.
Lyman's 48th Ed. says, "Unique and 231 are both long time favorites for loading the 45 Colt." Both are in the 9-10gr. load range for the .45Colt. For rifles in .45Colt I like IMR 4227 or 2400; for revolvers, I like Unique or Blue Dot.
Lyman's 48th Ed. says, "Unique and 231 are both long time favorites for loading the 45 Colt." Both are in the 9-10gr. load range for the .45Colt. For rifles in .45Colt I like IMR 4227 or 2400; for revolvers, I like Unique or Blue Dot.
rfwobbly
Member
Poop happens.
Or in this case.... Pop happens.
Or in this case.... Pop happens.
Crunchy Frog
Member
The first ammunition I loaded back in the early 80s was the classic .38 Special target recipe with a small charge of Bullseye behind a 148 grain wadcutter. I heard very little said back then about excess case capacity or powder position sensitivity.
I have seen some tests recently that show differences in velocity based on the position of the powder in the case. I’ve not tested it with my gear but I’m thinking I might.
I have seen some tests recently that show differences in velocity based on the position of the powder in the case. I’ve not tested it with my gear but I’m thinking I might.
fxvr5
Member
- Joined
- May 26, 2017
- Messages
- 3,270
That's because seating a wadcutter that deep leaves little empty space left over the the powder. When the powder chamber is small, most powders have small (normal) extreme spreads.
GBExpat
Member
Ginger, Mary Ann ... whichever works best for you.
EDIT: Sorry, Walkalong ... couldn't help myself. Temporarily overcome with Silly.
Last edited:
- Status
Similar threads
