Loads for a 1878 Colt Frontier DA .45

[roninrlm]

Just bought a Colt 1878 Frontier DA in .45 colt. The pistol was made around the late 1890's---ser # 26511 and has a 7 1/2 barrel. Overall the pistol is in great condition . What I would like to do is be able to shoot it. In some of my older Colt SA's I shoot 5.4grs of TrailBoss with a 200gr rnfp lead bullet. What about this load for the 1878? Anyone got ant experience with this model Colt or have a better idea for a safe load.? Well other than "Don't Shoot it"!

THANKS-----Ronin

 

[35 Whelen]

I'm not a black powder guy, and certainly not afraid to shoot anything, but if I had a pistol such as yours I'd start out with Pyrodex or some such until I could get some expert (non-internet) input regarding smokeless loads for your pistol.

35W

 

[roninrlm]

Still needing help.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I would be concerned about the pressure rise of smokeless powder in a gun of that vintage. Given its age and potential value, I would just load it with black powder and enjoy it the way it was meant to be shot. Put a post in the blackpowder section and see what responses you get.

Just remember with blackpowder it has to be full. No airgaps. On my blackpowder Walker I make sure I crush the powder just slightly with every ball.