Loads for .45 Colt in Puma '92

[Quoheleth]

I'm trading into a lever action Puma '92 in .45 Colt this weekend. I thought about going ahead and putting together a batch of loads so I can go shoot it as soon as possible.

I'm not asking for specific data - I have manuals with lots of data for pistols. Is the published pistol load data OK for use in rifles or do I need to find other data for using the cartridge in a rifle? (I'm not looking at Ruger-only stuff, but the mainstream stuff I use in my Smith 25-5.) I'm guessing I should probably stay away from the bottom end loads so I don't stick a bullet in the barrel. Too, I'm guessing the medium to medium-slow pistol powders are probably best for this application - stuff like Universal, Unique, AA#7.

I'm not wanting to make the rifle into a .45 Magnum - just a nice, comfortable plinker.

Q

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, .45 Colt pistol loads are the same as rifle loads, as long as you don't pick out "Ruger only" or "T/C Contender" +P or +P+ data.

Best functioning in a lever-action might be with RNFP bullets. Some rifles don't like to feed SWC sharp-shoulder bullets.

rc

 

[Fmjblack]

My Puma 92 in .45 colt digests every type of load I've tried with ease. I've loaded everything from 185 grain lswc to 255 grain lrfn to 200 gr hornady xtp. I havent tried any "hot" loads as the manual does not state if they are safe in this gun. The main thing to remember with any tubular mag gun is to avoid pointy tipped bullets (lever evolution polymer tipped excluded of course) as they can set off the primer of the round in front if them under recoil.

 

[TommyD45]

Back in November, I spoke on the telephone with a customer service rep from Hodgdon, specifically asking about reloading 45 colt in a rifle. He told me that the 45 Colt Ruger level loads are ok in the Marlin 1894, the Winchester 92's and 94's. I did not ask about the Puma, so you should check it out yourself.

Slower powders like H110 will take better advantage of the longer rifle barrel than will powders like Universal.

some of my own chronograph data compares bullet performance between a 7.5 inch revolver and a lever action rifle.

universal powder and 260 cast bullet
revolver: 942 fps
rifle: 1055 fps

H110 powder and a 300 grain cast bullet
revolver 1159
rifle 1421

The H110 loads are by no means "hot" for the Ruger Blackhawk. (But don't even think about putting them into a Colt SAA or its clones.) Actually they are in the lower end of the range published by Hodgdon for the Ruger level loads. but it does nicely illustrate how slower pistol powders can take better advantage of the longer rifle barrel than the medium or fast powders do.

Tom

 

[Quoheleth]

I was told by the seller that the gun can handle the +P and Ruger Only loads.

I need to confirm with the gun manufacturer before going that route.

Q

 

[Fmjblack]

I remembered having read that model 92s should be able to handle hot loads, but I've honestly just never felt the desire to push the envelope because I just use my Puma for plinking so hot loads are not needed.