Pigoutultra
Member
Would it be possible to use .454 Casull cases shortened to .45 Long Colt length in order to make the use of .45 LC +P load data in replica firearms safe?
.454 Casull shortened to .45 LC length?
- Thread starter Pigoutultra
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nalioth
Member
Unless your replica firearm has "Ruger" written on the side, using +P loads in them will probably become a fun trip to the ER (it'll void the warranty of a Ruger, too, if it doesn't tear it up).
Pigoutultra
Member
As I understand it, the .454 has thicker case walls than the .45 so shouldn't it be able to withstand more pressure by itself and not need as much support by a chamber?
The Lone Haranguer
Member
I can think of nothing a shortened .454 Casull case would do that a standard .45 Colt case would not. In fact, it might increase pressure due to thicker case walls (if applicable). Besides, with "replicas" chambered for .45 Colt, it is not going to be the cartridge case that is the limiting factor, but the strength of the gun itself. Unless the "replica" is that of a Ruger Blackhawk, "+P" loads shoud be shunned altogether.
mes227
Member
'
Absolutely not. The modulus of brass is so much less than steel that the strength of the brass doesn't come into play until you've already failed the steel in the cylinder.
Gryffydd
Member
Remember, brass is just a gasket. It's up to the firearm to handle the pressure.
New 45 Colt brass is plenty strong. Stronger in what it will stand than the replica single actions out there, or the open top "conversions".
You want a 454, buy a Freedom Arms 454, a smith 460, a Raging Bull, or a Redhawk. Don't risk your hands hotrodding a 45 colt in anything but a Contender or a Blackhawk.
You want a 454, buy a Freedom Arms 454, a smith 460, a Raging Bull, or a Redhawk. Don't risk your hands hotrodding a 45 colt in anything but a Contender or a Blackhawk.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Absolutely not! The case is just a gasket, it is the chamber that contains the pressure and the action that must withstand the backthrust. There is really no need for stronger brass than good Starline or Federal .45Colt cases. Which can be loaded to 50-55,000psi without issue. However, that is only to be done in very strong five-shot .45Colt revolvers such as custom Rugers and Freedom Arms model 83 revolvers.
Tell us exactly what you are thinking about doing so that we may advise you accordingly. Sounds like we have an incident just waiting to happen.
Tell us exactly what you are thinking about doing so that we may advise you accordingly. Sounds like we have an incident just waiting to happen.
Pigoutultra
Member
My replica is a Ruger and I was thinking it would be able to be hot loaded even more with the stronger brass.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Doesn't work that way, if it did, everybody would be doing it. If your Ruger is a large frame Blackhawk, Bisley or Vaquero, then stick to published "Ruger only" loads. If it is a mid-frame New Vaquero, then stick to standard Colt SAA loads.
ljnowell
Member
Craig is dead on right. There is a myth out there about 45 colt cases being weak, modern cases are no weaker than a 44mag case, they will hold the same pressures.
The gun holds the pressure though, the brass is no more than gasket.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
+1,000.
The .45 Colt brass is not the limiting factor in containing pressure.
The big holes & thin walls in the cylinder are.
rc
The .45 Colt brass is not the limiting factor in containing pressure.
The big holes & thin walls in the cylinder are.
rc
dagger dog
Member
Let me run this by y'all, using W296-H110 in .45Colt +P loadings, the large volume .45 Colt case is not conducive to the faster burn rate 296-110 powder right? So in using the thicker walled .454 Casull case cut to .45 Colt length, would you gain any advantage there?
USSR
Member
No, actually it is a very popular powder for heavy loads in the .45 Colt Rugers.
Don
dagger dog
Member
I realize it is a very popular powder for .45 Colt, it is just that you have to use magnum primers,and you can't be stingy with the dipper 'cause problems occur (squibs) if you try to reduce the loadings, in other words you have to go full tilt boogie or change powders.
Thats why I thought the reduction in case volume (using the .454 Casull cases) would be an asset when trying to use 296 or 110 in .45 Colt.
Thats why I thought the reduction in case volume (using the .454 Casull cases) would be an asset when trying to use 296 or 110 in .45 Colt.
Gryffydd
Member
This is the first time I've seen W296/H110 described as having a fast burn rate...
That pretty much describes that powder, but I don't really see that as much of a downside really.
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