45 Colt Rifle Loads

[Selfdfenz]

I finally crossed paths with a Rossi 92 Winchester clone yesterday I've been seeking for a while.
I already rl for my Millenium 6 gun but want something a tad more stout for the rifle.

What would your suggestion be for an all around deer, pig, plinker load that is powerful but will not weaken the rifle. I plan a range check-out tomorrow but could whip up something tonight if it includes 255 gr lead FPRN slugs. Or I guess 230 gr lead slugs.

Many thanks in advance.

S-

 

[Pointman]

The Rossi's are great little rifles. They're a strong action and available in .454 so what you throw at it in a .45 Colt isn't going to be a problem within the Ruger/Thompson Center load data.

I've run up .45 Colt loads across 7 powders (Bullseye, TiteGroup, HS6, HS7, Unique, W296 and W231) and found that overall this is an easy cartridge to throw together a good load with for the Rossi as far as accuracy. (My Vaquero is only slightly more finicky.) That leaves bullet choice and a desirable velocity.

That being said my favorite all around rifle load is 13.3gr HS7 (14.0 is listed max) which sends a 255gr Lee RNFP downrange at 1200fps (from my 24" Rossi) and is managable in a Vaquero/Blackhawk. (I would absolutely NOT put it in a Colt or clone!). The HS7 does leave some unburned powder like H110,W296 and IMR4227.

A 250/255gr wide meplat wadcutter at that velocity should bring down most edible and inedible critters within the effective distances of the round. If you're not concerned with matching loads for a revolver (as I am) then heavier bullets might be worth checking out.

--== Insert Universal Reloading Safety Disclaimer Here ==--

 

[Selfdfenz]

Thanks Pointman,

I took it to the range today for the 1st time and I'll have to say I'm impressed. I think it may be the best $250 I've spent lately! It's one of the models w/o a safety or saddle ring.
The only thing I had loaded and ready to ride was some 700 fps stuff for my 6 gun but they were pretty dog-gone accurate. IIRC they were 5gr of Clays and a 255 FRN.
I think your recommendation at about 11-1200 fps or so would be a pretty good thumper with a 255 gr bullet for deer, pigs and coyotes which is the upper limit of what I will ever see. I'm about positive I have a can of 4227 someplace. If I had thought I would have taken the Chrony. Perhaps even the cowboy load would be ok for a close chance encounter with an antlered critter.
I read an interesting item by Paco Kelly posed originally in level guns that convinces me I'll never shoot this rifle loose if I stay under 30K CUP and go with some of the slower powders.

My eyes are not great and the Rossi sights aren't the best but I could keep 6-8 shots in an area I could cover with my hand and most of those were within 2-3 inches of each other with 1-2 opening up the group by being high(= the sight picture me thinks). Good enough for deer I think. That was with the elevator bottomed out.

My 8 yo enjoyed shooting it as much as I did. I really like this little rifle.

Have a great WE.

S-

 

[Pointman]

That's a good deal on the rifle! And they are very fun to shoot as you found out.

A 700fps load in my 5.5" Vaquero comes out of the 24" Rossi at 870fps. If yours is a 20" then it's probably around 790-810. Not fast but I wouldn't want to get hit with it!

Also, in my 24" the groups start to open up with loads under 900fps or so. But that's ok since a 900 fps load in the rifle is only going 750-800fps out of a pistol, depending on which powder choice.

And at the 1200fps from the rifle the slower powders will keep you under 14k c.u.p...

Enjoy the new toy!

pm