Loading .45 Colt

[J_McLeod]

A friend lent me his Ruger Single Action .45 Colt along with permission to load for it. I've never even shot this caliber, so It'll be something new to me and I have some questions.

Can I use the same bullets as for 45 ACP? Looks like both can use a 200gr.

Does it need a heavy crimp, or any at all?

Hodgdon has two sets of Data for the 45 Colt, but my powders (HP-38 and HS-6) are only listed in the light loadings for the original models. Is there any data that would take those two powders between 14,000 and the 30,000 listed as max for the Ruger? I'm not looking to start of by hot rodding it, just thinking ahead.

Would you start with HS-6, HP-38 or Longshot?

 

[Walkalong]

You can use .452 lead or .451 jacketed. make sure you have adequate neck tension. .45 ACP bullets will not have a crimp groove or a cannelure, so you will have to taper crimp, but you can use your .45 ACP seater or crimp die to do that. The amount needed depends on the recoil level.

I mostly gave up on light bullets in .45 Colt, and usually stick with 250/255 Gr bullets.

HP-38/W-231, because it works and I have plenty.

 

[FROGO207]

With light bullets the POI will not be the same as for the heavy ones. I have both new and old revolvers in 45 Colt. I load for the weaker ones exclusively to avoid accidents. I mostly use Trail Boss with the 250+ lead bullets. As stated you can use the 45 ACP bullets in the Rugers with good results. Not so in the older original revolvers however. That will be a fun firearm to load for.

 

[Hanshi]

I have a couple of old three screw Ruger Blackhawks in .45 Colt. One has a 4.5" barrel and the other is 7.5". With 18 grains of 2400 and 255 grn cast bullets they give 1060fps and 1250fps, respectively.

 

[mackg]

We need to know the exact model; the New Vaquero shouldn't be loaded to 30000 psi.

200 grs is a little light to enjoy the caliber..., if you are looking for recoil ... half kidding, these guns can be fairly light too.

I wouldn't use HP38 for hot loads; too fast for my taste... but fine for 200 grainers at standard pressures.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hodgdon has two sets of Data for the 45 Colt, but my powders (HP-38 and HS-6) are only listed in the light loadings for the original models. Is there any data that would take those two powders between 14,000 and the 30,000 listed as max for the Ruger? I'm not looking to start of by hot rodding it, just thinking ahead.

Would you start with HS-6, HP-38 or Longshot?

My choice is HS-6. It will deliver the velocity you're looking for without excessive pressures. I really like HS-6 in my .45 Colt ammo, standard pressure and higher...

 

[dickttx]

You don't LOAD 45 Colt's, you CONSTRUCT them.
And about 8gn of Unique will do nicely.

 

[BossHogg]

It sounds like you already have the 45 acp on hand. They will work, but give the 45 Colt some respect and buy some 255 gr lead bullets. A truly fun caliber.

 

[USSR]

...give the 45 Colt some respect and buy some 255 gr lead bullets.

+1. The .45 Colt cries out for 255 - 270gr SWC's.

Don

 

[kludge]

A friend lent me his Ruger Single Action .45 Colt along with permission to load for it. I've never even shot this caliber, so It'll be something new to me and I have some questions.

Which model, specifically?

Can I use the same bullets as for 45 ACP? Looks like both can use a 200gr.

Yes, I have, but I wouldn't do it again. Use something with a cannelure or crimp groove for best results. 200gr and 255gr lead SWC bullets work well for me, as does the 250gr XTP jackete hollow point. I also got some 300gr XTP, but I haven't tried them yet.

Does it need a heavy crimp, or any at all?

A bit of a roll crimp is fine for standard pressure loads, proper seating and a firm crimp is needed for magnum powders an "Ruger Only" loads.

DO NOT use "Ruger Only" loads in a New Vaquero.

Hodgdon has two sets of Data for the 45 Colt, but my powders (HP-38 and HS-6) are only listed in the light loadings for the original models. Is there any data that would take those two powders between 14,000 and the 30,000 listed as max for the Ruger? I'm not looking to start of by hot rodding it, just thinking ahead.

Would you start with HS-6, HP-38 or Longshot?

For the standard pressure loads, HS-6 and HP-38 will work well, but won't do for the higher pressure loads.

For "Ruger Only" loads Longshot will work. 2400 would be better, but Alliant only lists standard pressure loads. You should verify this independently, but for a 250gr bullet and 2400 you can start at about 15gr of 2400 and work up to about 18gr. Otherwise, for a standard pressure load, 15gr of 2400 is about max.

Accurate lists some "Ruger" loads, but they seem a bit anemic... probably because people use them in their Model 25 "Mountain Guns" and they look like they would be safe even in those... however the loads listed for Barnes copper bullets are right up there, so who knows.

Manuals like Lyman's also list data for "Ruger/TC"

 

[rcmodel]

Can I use the same bullets as for 45 ACP? Looks like both can use a 200gr.

Revolver bullets have a crimp cannelure.
Pistol bullets don't.

You need revolver bullets if you even consider loading it so it recoils at all.

And I 2nd the thing about .45 Colt bullets weigh 250 grains!

rc

 

[Bula]

I've loaded some home cast 200g LSWC, loaded with 9g of Unique for plinkers in a Ruger BH. I slightly roll crimped into the leading drive band and they shot fine. Then I realized I could launch the lightweights with my 1911's! +1 on the 250-255 cast loads, using the same 9g Uniques charge too, good fun.

 

[Walkalong]

...gave up on light bullets in .45 Colt, and usually stick with 250/255 Gr bullets.

..give the 45 Colt some respect and buy some 255 gr lead bullets

+1. The .45 Colt cries out for 255 - 270gr SWC's.

And I 2nd the thing about .45 Colt bullets weigh 250 grains!

Well, it's nearly unanimous.....

Bullet courtesy of USSR. A 260 Gr SWC in .45 Colt, a thing of beauty......

 

[gamestalker]

RC hit the nail on the head! If your loading for the 45 Colt you need to be using bullets for that cartridge, not ACP bullets. Without a canelure to effect a rather firm crimp, anything but powder puff loads will cause the bullets to walk right out of the mouth.

If your interested in powders tht will do that cartridge justice without having to go full house, I would go with HS6 or Longshot. Both are very good powders to work with in a mid range to moderate load. If you ever decide to step up the load 2400 will probably be a good powder to gain any remaining velocity that exists for that cartridge.

 

[41 Mag]

Go here, and read this,

Linbaugh - The .45 Colt - Dissolving the Myth, Discovering the Legend

Bear in mind however that some of the data listed there is test data, and should not be used in just any ol revolver. It has detailed notes as to what they were used for.

Once you get to the bottom you will find a list of his favorite loads. There are two different weights, the 260gr and the 310/320gr. I loaded his HS-6, 13gr load for the 260gr cast, and shot some of the best groups I have shot from my Redhawk. I highly recommend giving it a try.


Good Luck

 

[4895]

If you need 250 grain bullets for the 45 colt, head down to Thunderstick Trading Post. It is on Jefferson St. From the corner of Speedway and Craycroft, head east and turn north at the first left turn lane at the median. That is Jefferson St. They sell Bear Creek Moly bullets very cheap, about $39/500. Nice place and very affordable. They are open M-S. Those bullets are great, no leading, hardly any smoke, and very accurate. A friend of mine loves his 45 colt with 250 grain bullets and 2400 powder. Good luck.