Considering colt 45 pair.

[browncoatdawn]

I am considering a single action colt 45, and a companion rifle, likely a marlin.
I have been told that colt 45 cartridge walls are rather thin, so i wondered if trimming down 454 casull or 460 magnum cases would be better for case longevity on the reloads, and of course loading things slightly hotter than off the shelf stuff?

Any info is worth it.

 

[rcmodel]

No.

The Colt SAA is restricted to 14,000 PSI SAAMI standard pressure loads.

Unless you are considering a Ruger or other strong revolver?
Even then the .45 Colt case is plenty strong enough to handle any sane load.

When they do finally fail, it will be due to split necks from too many reloading cycles.

You will gain nothing by using cut off magnum brass except some extra work.

rc

 

[ReloaderFred]

The .45 Colt case has anything but a thin case wall. Someone is giving you bum scoop. They probably confused it with .44-40 or .38-40, both of which are notorious for thin case walls, which makes them seal better, particularly when using black powder.

Just load with known data and you won't have any problems.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[ljnowell]

The modern 45 colt case isnt weak. The weak link is the gun that its in. The case itself can take 44 mag pressures, easy. Make sure that if you want to load hotter 45 colt that you buy the right gun, not just a ruger. The ruger new vaquero for example cannot take the hottest of the 45 colt loads. The Blackhawk can. I havent seen one but I have heard of the flat top blackhawks in 45 colt that cannot take the hot loads. If you just get a Ruger New Model Blackhawk, standard model, you will be fine. Otherwise, stick to SAAMI spec 45 colt loads.

 

[browncoatdawn]

my choice

My choice is indeed a ruger new blackhawk model. I am a fan of ruger, so i just feel comfortable going with them. as far as the vaquero, I plan on a 357 version down the road. I wouldnt get wild with either, but would like to handle all but the heaviest buffalo bore loads with confidence. I doubt i would hunt more than steel, or possibly deer or hog with te combo, unless i get back on my feet. being in a chair makes for a bitch of a hunt lol.

 

[ljnowell]

My choice is indeed a ruger new blackhawk model. I am a fan of ruger, so i just feel comfortable going with them. as far as the vaquero, I plan on a 357 version down the road. I wouldnt get wild with either, but would like to handle all but the heaviest buffalo bore loads with confidence. I doubt i would hunt more than steel, or possibly deer or hog with te combo, unless i get back on my feet. being in a chair makes for a bitch of a hunt lol.

I love mine. It has NEVER seen a round of factory ammo. In fact, with the exception of 20 45acp jhps I messed around with that gun has never shot anything but Missouri Bullet company lead.

Missouri Bullet loads:

 

[helotaxi]

They make factory ammo in .45 Colt?

Like everyone has said, modern .45 Colt brass (solid head not balloon head) brass is extremely strong. The 1k or so pieces that I have are no thinner than the .45 Auto or .357 Mag brass that I have.