adding wadding to 45LC

[Randal45]

I tried 8.0grns Unique pushing a 230LRN in my 45LC. Out of 50 rounds I encountered about 5-6 rounds that were definitely "softer" then the majority. My guess is that I have too much empty space in the case. I am confident that my powder measurements were accurate so I am thinking that I may need to add a dacron wadding.

Do I need to reduce the powder charge when a wadding is added? I am below the max charge of 9.0grns for this bullet. Can I just add the wadding to the 8.0grn charge and give it a try.

BTW, I am shooting this through a Taurus Judge.

thanks!

 

[bedwards1]

How is your crimp? Maybe its too light affecting ignition. I haven't had any soft loads but I crimp them pretty good for all my revolvers.

 

[Asherdan]

Unique is an easy to ignite powder that is used in many reduced loadings for rifle cartridges with far more space to bop around in than 45LC. I use it for 45-70 my ownself and have found it to be the cats hiney for that purpose, not position sensitive and very consistent.

I would look at other possible causes (like the crimp mentioned) before taking on reduced loadings with filler, as that carries it's own set of issues and a new learning curve to do safely.

 

[scrat]

You probably should switch powders. 45colt was originally designed to shoot with black powder (HOLLY BLACK). Now when i am not shoot 45colt with BP then i use the next best thing. Which is TrailBoss. Trail boss is the only powder that fills the case, gives consitant results and has les FTF. Most other powders with the reduced load will have many FTF and inconsistant results Which is what your going through. I would not reduce the load any more or you may have FTF loads. The best thing to do is to switch to a powder that gives successful results thats why i would recomend trail boss. Other than that 30 grains volume BP wad and pulled pressed to the powder firmly.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

There should be no need to add wadding with 8.0 grain Unique.

8.5 grains & a 250 - 255 grain bullet is a recognized factory dup load, and wadding was never needed in those.

However, Lyman #49 shows 8.6 grains as a starting load with a 230 grain LFP bullet. It only gives 10,200 PSI. Your load of 8.0 would give much less pressure then that.

It also may be that your 230 grain RN bullets are made for the .45 ACP and could be undersize in some .45 Colt guns. That would reduce pressure even further below an already below starting load.

Roll Crimp the snot out of them and see if that helps.

Or bump up the charge to at least a starting load.

rc

 

[ThomasT]

Also make sure your expander ball isn't too large. I think you need the case about .004 smaller than the bullet diameter for good case tension on the bullet. Don't just rely on a crimp to hold your bullets.

I use Remington and Winchester cases in my 44 mag. The Remington brass is thicker and holds my bullets better. If shooting jacketed bullets I always use remington cases. For lead the thinner winchester brass works fine. Don't mix your brass for that reason.

Also your load is a little light. Powders need a minimum pressure to get a good burn. Bump up your load and don't use a magnum primer.

 

[rcmodel]

I just noticed you said a Taurus Judge.

That reduces pressure even further below your "below starting load" load due to the long .410 chambers and shallow rifling.

Your bullets have to traverse about 1 1/2" of shotgun chamber before they even begin to meet any resistance from the bore. Gas loss around the bullet would be extreme.

You need more powder!

rc

 

[Walkalong]

AA #2 will give excellent numbers in .45 Colt even if the powder is forward in the case against the bullet vs back against the primer. Most powders will drop 100 to 400 plus FPS (some powders much worse) when they are forward in a case that has a lot of empty space in it.

The advise already posted will help as well. More crimp, more powder.

Try some experiments with the powder forward in the case. See if that gives you what you are asking about. Unique usually does OK in that regard though.

 

[Randal45]

Thank you everyone for the advice. I will try to increase my crimp on the next batch.

With regards to increasing powder......I have to admit.....I am using the Lee yellow dippers for my reloading. Their 1cc dipper measures out to my 8.0grns Unique. I am guessing that the next dipper puts me past max charge.

If the increased crimp doesn't do the trick then I may have to finally break down and get that powder measure.

Thanks again!

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

If the increased crimp doesn't do the trick then I may have to finally break down and get that powder measure.

I like one thing you're doing.. Only changing one thing at a time. A little more crimp, Good choice!

RCmodel has probably hit the nail on the head.

Regarding the Lee Dipper... :banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:

Has the lightbulb finally got E L E C T R I C I T Y ?

All I'll suggest at this point is, decent powder measure and S C A L E.

-Steve

 

[jim147]

Scales are much cheaper than pistols or hands.

I use dippers for some powders but I always check them on a scale to make sure what I am putting in the case.

jim

 

[Larry Burchfield]

Filler

You can use the foam looking stuff that is in pillows or cream of wheat. I also know a gentleman that uses toilet paper in his old 458 winchester lead bullet gun. When he touches it off paper goes every where but he generally hits what he aims at.
Larry Burchfield
SEABEES/RVN/67/68/69
DAV