.45 Colt - Rifle Load

[Werewolf]

I'm looking for a load that'll give me around 1500 - 1600 fps out of a Win 94 w/20" bbl. Bullet weight 250 gr LRNFP.

With 8.2 gr of AA#5 I get 1050 FPS. AA#5 is the slowest burning powder I currently use. I can go to 8.7 gr I believe which is a max pistol load. I am willing to try a slower burning ball powder (suggestions).

Please suggest a starting load or point me to a source of data for rifle loads in .45 Colt.

 

[Clark]

45 Colt, 16.25" barrel Winchester 94 Ranger 250 gr. XTP, 24 gr. H110, 1.603" heavy crimp into canalure, 1536 fps

You can get more velocity than me, with the longer barrel or with a higher pressure load.
I think you will find that it kicks hard enough at 1536 fps.

 

[fanner50]

I agree with Clark but I use WW 296 and get great accuracy. I am working on loads for my Taurus Thunderbolt now and it looks like this will work in that rifle also. It also does very well from my 4.625" Vaquero.

 

[redneck2]

there used to be a whole section on .45 leverguns at http://www.sixgunner.com. Dunno if it's still there. If it's not, reply and I think I've got it printed off. I'll get it for you

 

[Merote]

Winchester Legacy Results

Recently went to the range to test a new Winchester Trapper in 44magnum. While there, I verified some of my 45LC reloads. In case you are wondering, I did not use gas checks. I know, I should. I usually only use the "hot lead" loads (LilGun 24 grains)in my 454 Super Redhawk. Anyway, I finished up the day at the range with the jacketed XTP bullets. They always seem to clean up any leading issues I may have created!

45 LC Legacy

30 yards
Temperature - 55°F
Rabbit Ear Rest
Roll Crimp
Winchester Legacy
WLP primers (standard/magnum)
Mixed brass


255 Apollo Lead SWC (w/Redding Profile Taper Crimp)

Lil Gun 24 grains
1785, 1807 fps
Less than 2” group – 1” high​

Unique 7 grains
967, 983 fps
Good group – 2-4” low​

250 XTP HP (w/Redding Profile Taper Crimp) OAL – 1.598

Lil Gun 24 grains
1863 fps
Less than 2” group – 1” high​

Disclaimer - Don't attempt to duplicate these loads without proper research and proper equipment