451, 452 or 454?

[SnWnMe]

I was browsing MidwayUSA.com last night as I need to setup for handloading 45LC.
I found different diameter 45 slugs. So which one do I need for 45LC?

Thanks in advance

 

[warddc]

You'd almost have to slug the barrel to be sure about 'your' gun but most are bored for .452 in lead.

dave.

 

[stans]

Yep, most modern 45 Colts are 0.451" to 0.452", but you will still find some that are larger. The older revovlers chambered in 45 Colt did have groove diameters of up to 0.454". Unfortunately, some had 0.454" barrels and 0.452" cylinder throats. These guns shoot horribly, especially with lead, but the cylinders can be reamed to match the groove diameter. You can also run into guns with cylinder throats of 0.454" or larger and groove diameters of 0.452". Here again accuracy is usually poor and a new cylinder is the only solution.

 

[tc300mag1]

452 should do it as said both my rugers are 452 lots of older 45's are 454 but they would be 40's 50's or so was last time i think they made a 454 barrel

 

[HSMITH]

You need only measure the throats in the cylinder. Match the bullets to the throats, or a thousandth or two larger than throat size. If your throats are smaller than the bore it will be as stans said, t errible accuracy and leading. If the throats are larger than the bore by .004" or less all is well, and it should shoot well.

 

[JNewell]

So, has anyone slugged the bore of a FA or Ruger .454 Casull? I assume these are actually .452???

 

[HSMITH]

The Rugers I have slugged tend to run tight, .451"-.4515. Never slugged a FA so I can't help there.

 

[El Rocoso]

Has anyone slugged any USFAs?