.45 Long Colt vs .454

[svtruth]

Took the .454 levergun and my brand new levergun in .45 Colt to the range the other day. Cleaning them this morning I noticed that the .45 was much dirtier than the .454. The ejected shells from the .45 all have black smears on them, the .454 are clean.
Can some one more experienced/educated/smarter than me explain this?
Thanks in advance.

 

[rcmodel]

Low pressure vis High Pressure.

You are not getting as good expanded case seal with low pressure .45 Colt running 14,000 CUP.
And probably not as clean a powder burn as you are with the .454 running 50,000 PSI.

rc

 

[gearhead]

I've wondered too if perhaps manufacturers of cowboy ammo for the .45 Colt market don't formulate the charge to give some smoke. In other words, making the ammo dirtier just for the aesthetics of a more authentic experience.

 

[brnmuenchow]

I know that in some cases it can be an excessive amount of oil or grease compared to the other rifle. I have seen that in my own guns from time to time, and usually that is what my conclusion comes to. I do not usually over oil any of my firearms but sometimes oil can collect in areas of the rifle and transfer onto the cases making even the cases look dirty.

 

[DPris]

RC has it.
It's just blow-by from a less tight seal in the chamber on ignition.
The makers don't "add" smoke to the powder for CAS loads.

Shoot a hot .45 Colt load with a 250 or heavier bullet & you'll see the black on the cases reduced, if not eliminated altogether.
Denis

 

[svtruth]

Thanks

as usual, THR comes through.
I thought the case pressure might be part of it.
For thos who are interested, the .45 in a levergun is just marginally harder kicking than a .22.
The .454 always leaves a bruise on my shoulder.