First time loading .45 Colt and first time using Trail Boss powder.

[MCMXI]

I loaded 50 rounds of .45 Colt this morning which is a first for me. I used the following:

Bullet: 200 gr LRNFP (Laser-Cast from Oregon Trail)
Powder: 6.0 gr of Trail Boss
Case: Remington
Primer: Winchester WLP

I have an RCBS PiggyBack II on a Rock Chucker press but since this was my first time for this round I used my rifle press which is also a Rock Chucker. The powder metered like a dream using the ChargeMaster Combo with only two loads (6.1 grains) going back into the hopper. I like the way the automatic dispenser goes slowly at first then speeds up once the weight exceeds a set value. The Trail Boss powder makes it impossible to double charge a case ... I tried ... and the powder completely filled the case! The brass was new so I didn't have to do too much to it. I used Redding carbide dies to expand the case mouth and seat the bullet followed by a Lee die for the roll crimp.

 

[dwave]

Looks like TB fills those cases up pretty well. Do you have a chony? I would like to know how many FPS those loads will do.

 

[MCMXI]

dwave, 6.0 grains of Trail Boss powder fills up about 50% of the case. I don't have a chronograph but according to the Hodgdon website the velocity should be around 780 ft/s. After shooting a bunch of .45 Colt loads yesterday, I noticed quite a lot of "soot" on the outside of the case. This may be due to the powder, the relatively low pressure inside the case, new brass etc. This sure is a nice load to shoot though with zero recoil in a Marlin 1894. As for accuracy, I think it has potential. I was sighting in a new rifle and didn't have a suitable 50 yard target to shoot at. The front site covered all of the 4" square so I had to try to aim at the center of the paper.

Here are 20 shots at 50 yards ... probably more than accurate enough for CAS.

 

[lgbloader]

1858,

Don't you just love Trail Boss?!!! I use it for 38 spcl 125 gr lrnfp and also to load my lead 165 gr fp's in my 30-30.

 

[MCMXI]

Don't you just love Trail Boss?!!!

lgbloader, I'm not sure yet. The low density of the powder is a big plus for the .45 Colt and it meters well. It does seem to be quite "sooty" and I haven't shot enough of it to say anything about accuracy ... time will tell. You obviously like it and I'm sure I'll feel the same after I've worked with it some more and start shooting my USFA Rodeos. So do you think it's a "sooty" powder compared to other powders that you've used?

 

[lgbloader]

Hey 1858,

IMHO, I don't think too bad at all, but you know how it is with handloads, Mate. I had a gent tell me that his 38 spcl lead loads w/ Titegroup were loved by his S&W 686 357 mag, and since I have this revolver myself, I decided to try it out as well. Guess what, Dirty as hell and lots of leading. I couldn't get it happening so I stayed with Bullseye and 231. Even Unique seemed cleaner if you believe that.

Trail Boss is great for me because lately, when I go to the out door range, I don't want to chase the brass that my semi autos spit out so I will usually go with a 357 mag and 30-30 and shoot... and shoot... and shoot... and I really don't have to brush my pistol during it all. Same goes for my 30-30, usually. And I find it pretty darn accurate as well. Plus the density makes it safer as well (try and double charge and see what happens) so it works for me.
50 rounds of 357 mag (w/H110), 200+ rounds of 38 spcl and 100 rounds of 30-30 and I'm out.
My brass goes from gun/rifle to an ammo can and I walk away when I'm done with more brass than I came with and have a big useless smile on my face.

 

[MCMXI]

lgbloader, 231 is an excellent powder and it's what I use for 45ACP, .357mag/.38sp, .44mag/.44sp and 9mm. Here's a photo of the "soot" on the outside of the cases. The five shown are typical and the soot is only on one side of the case. It's no big deal but it's interesting. I love the smell of a fired case ... sounds weird but it's true!!

 

[Walkalong]

It is so low pressure that it does not expand the case long enough to seal off the gases well, so it soots up the cases. Titegroup is bad about it as well.

 

[dwave]

Thanks 1858. One more question, does TB smoke any? I have heard that it does, but I have never used it. I want to try it sometime in my .45 loads.

 

[lgbloader]

Hey 1858,

I see what you mean about the soot. No, I don't get it that bad although I do get a small bit but what the heck, Thats what the tumbler's for.

I think I'll grab a nice tall pitcher of Lemonade and go process some more brass.

Talk to you soon and please let me know how TB and all is working for you.

 

[scrat]

Trail boss is for sure some good stuff. I love to use it in my 30-30. As far as my 45 colt. Nothing but Goex thats all i use. Until you try Goex you will never know

 

[Beagle-zebub]

lgbloader, what is the load data for your 30-30 Trail Boss load?

 

[lgbloader]

Hey Beagle,

I don't remember off hand if it was 7.4 gr of TB with 165 gr lead cast fp. I have to go check. I was loading a bit hotter but I backed it off and hit a sweet spot. I'll check later.

Cheers...

 

[tomh1426]

My Blackhawk and my 1892 love Trail Boss loads
I use a 255gr RNFP from Mike at http://www.mastercastbullets.com/ over 5.8 grains of TB.
Its really accurate and clean plus theirs very little recoil.

 

[oldgold]

1858;

Try a little more crimp. That should reduce the soot problem somewhat. I load TB for my Rossi Puma with 255's and a healthy crimp. It's very accurate.

 

[MCMXI]

Try a little more crimp. That should reduce the soot problem somewhat. I load TB for my Rossi Puma with 255's and a healthy crimp. It's very accurate.

oldgold, that's a good idea. Maybe the extra crimp will allow the pressure to build up more and force the case against the chamber walls. Thanks.

 

[Smokin Gator]

Somewhere on the Hogdon's website(they don't make it easy to find) they do tell you that their load data is from pressure test barrels. They advise that you can expect to lose approximately 175 fps from a 4 3/4" barrel and about 50 fps from a 7 1/2". I don't know for sure if that's the case with the Trail Boss data.

 

[scrat]

Hey Beagle,

I don't remember off hand if it was 7.4 gr of TB with 165 gr lead cast fp. I have to go check. I was loading a bit hotter but I backed it off and hit a sweet spot. I'll check later.

Thats perfect. 6.5 grains for 150 grain lead. usually 7.5 for 170 grain lead. this will give you a mild recoil but very accurate round