BP 45 colt

[Smokepole14]

Ok guys I'm sure this question has been asked a million times but can goex 3fff be compressed to much? I kno bp has to be compressed (no airspace). The reason why is after I loaded just two cartridges (first time bp loader) there just a hair bit to long and the cylinder want turn. Before I load anymore is it ok to compress it a little more or should I use a tad bit less powder. I'm using 35 gr of 3fff goex with 230 gr RNL bullets thanks for your help.

 

[Hammerdown77]

You should be fine to seat 'em deeper. BP can be compressed quite a bit. 35 grains is a good full power load, but you aren't going to blow up a modern gun with black powder. Plus, that's a light-ish weight bullet.

Proceed with confidence!!!

 

[Certaindeaf]

With a cap and ball, you compress the load with quite a bit of force. I don't think you could compress a cap and ball too much save for bending the ram. I know it's not the same thing but I'd say try to seat those a bit deeper.

 

[Hammerdown77]

Also keep in mind, guys cram 5 more grains of that same powder into a 45 Colt case using a bigger, 250-255 grain bullet. So you're not near any kind of limit.

 

[Smokepole14]

Thanks guys for the help. I didn't kno if to much compression would cause a problem. I've never loaded with bp but it seems way more forgiving than smokeless. I kno in smokeless one gr can make alot of difference.

 

[Hammerdown77]

Yeah, black powder is WAY more forgiving. Just pour it in until the case is almost full, and squish it down with a bullet. So easy, a caveman can do it!

I actually use 35 grains (or thereabouts) of 2F powder in my 45 Colts, with a 255-270 grain bullet. These shoot directly to point of aim with un-filed fixed sights in my Cimarron Model P and Ruger Vaquero.

Are you using bullets with black powder compatible lube? If not, you might be in for some pain when it comes cleanup time....

 

[rcmodel]

I'm doubting you can even get 40 grains and a 255 grain bullet in most modern solid head .45 Colt cases.

The original 40 grain BP load was used for a short while in the 1800's with the old balloon head cases.

rc

 

[Smokepole14]

Well im gonna get some more bullets preferable flat nose. I just had a couple of those RNL so I had to find a reason to get rid of them. That was my next question what is a good compatible bp lube? I know not to use anything with petroleum in it.

 

[Hammerdown77]

There's a million different lube recipes. Most use beeswax, and a blend of some other stuff.

I use half Crisco, half beeswax, and pan lube. A bullet with a deeper lube groove than most bullets designed for smokeless lube is best. Google "Big Lube Bullets".

You can use your existing bullets, but you'll need to melt out the lube. Spread the bullets out on some doubled up paper towels on a cookie sheet and put them in the oven set to 150-200 degrees. Within 10-15 minutes all of the lube will be melted out and absorbed by the paper towels. Then you can lube with whatever you want, using whatever method you want.

Hang out in the black powder section for lube ideas. Commercially, SPG or "Perl Lube" are most often recommended. There are even some commercial casters who will lube their bullets with black powder lube (usually SPG) if you ask them to.

If you used Hodgdon 777, it can be used with the smokeless lube on your bullets. I've never tried 777 though.

 

[Hammerdown77]

I'm doubting you can even get 40 grains and a 255 grain bullet in most modern solid head .45 Colt cases.

The original 40 grain BP load was used for a short while in the 1800's with the old balloon head cases.

rc

You can using a drop tube or compression die.

It's a waste of powder though, unless you just wanna know what it feels like to light off a 40 grain load.

Like I said, 35 grains of 2F is plenty, lots of boom and smoke, healthy recoil, and very accurate. In my guns, at least.

 

[Smokepole14]

Hammerdown77 thanks for all your help, I'll check in on those big lube bullets. I don't know ab 777 I've never tried it either.