45 colt

[dragn1]

I would be interested to hear from the Lever Action guys. I am wanting a good hand load for the 45 colt in a puma 16 inch round maybe a 230gr SWC.

 

[Wil Terry]

Why Would You Load A Lightweight 45acp Bullet Like That

In the 45COLT ???
My 45COLT lever carbine dotes upon 250-260GR bullets. I would give you my data but that would deprive you of all the fun of developing the best loads in YOUR 45COLT levergun.

 

[Bad Flynch]

First is that the .45 Colt is a less-than-stellar lever action round. It'll work alright, but it has a tendency to leak a lot of powder gasses and unburnt powder into the action.

If you want it to feed correctly, you will ditch the SWC bullet and shoot a round-nosed bullet. You may find a SWC bullet that will feed, but many have problems with them.

Try Unique powder, about 8 grains as a max. load. That is standard .45 Colt pressure. Try IMR's Trail Boss or Hodgdon's Clays or Universal Clays as they burn a little cleaner.

 

[Desert Dog]

First is that the .45 Colt is a less-than-stellar lever action round. It'll work alright, but it has a tendency to leak a lot of powder gasses and unburnt powder into the action.

My opinion is diametrically opposite that. I think the 45 Colt is an excellent lever gun caliber. I shoot a lot of 45 Colt in a Puma 454, and I find it to be a very accurate round, and no dirtier to the Puma, than 30-30 is in my 94. Also, if you raise the pressure a little in your loads, you do not get the dirty outside of the case like this poster is probably seeing. I have also found the lever guns like heavier, longer bullets. I don't shoot anything lighter than 300 gr. in my Puma. My best load so far involves Cast Performance 335's and Lil' Gun powder. Shoots straight and accurate as far as my eyes will allow with open sights...