more load confusion (.45C) and questions

[Whacked]

This is for a Uberti 1873 Cattleman

OK, been playing with loads using a 200g RNFP
I have Unique and Trail Boss powder altho I havent gone to the range yet with the TB
Alliant lists between 8-9g for a 200g bullet in my booklet
Website lists 9.5g only.
OK so far. I loaded starting at 8g and went in 0.2g increments up to 9.0
After a day at the range I found the 9.0 to shoot better and less soot on the brass (not that it really matters to me)
Will I be OK trying a few more loads up to, but not exceed, 9.5g?

I am guessing my booklet is a bit dated as I seen a post in a older thread that 8.5g of Unique under a 250g lead bullet is close to a BP load. My booklet limits powder for that bullet at 8.0 and website says 9.5

thinking I should probably shelve my booklet and just use website data. less confusion lol.

Also, one last question. I know hot loading is generally not a good idea. So what constitutes a hot load?
I don't want a kaboom, I don't want to wear out my revolver excessively fast, so I don't want to unknowingly hot load.

opps, I lied. another question:
I've been using standard primers, should I use magnums? or are they only for higher velocity/pressure loads?

 

[rcmodel]

Website lists 9.5g only.

They only list the MAX load.
Reduce 10% for the starting load.

The other thing is, Alliant does not list loads for cast bullets anymore.

They are now a part of ATK Alliant Techsystems Inc, along with Speer bullets.
As such, they only list data for Speer soft swaged bullets.

Lyman #49 shows 8.6 Start and 9.6 MAX with a 200 cast bullet.
The 9.6 load gives 1,083 FPS out of a 7 1/2" barrel, at 12,900 CUP, which is well within .45 Colt standard pressure of 14,000 CUP.

You do not need to use Magnum primers with Unique, ever.

Mag primers are recommended only for heavy loads of harder to ignite ball powder like H-110/W-296 and such.

Your Uberti 1873 Cattleman is the same strength as traditional Colt SAA's.
As such, you should not load hotter then listed "standard Pressure" .45 Colt loads.

DO NOT use published "Ruger Only" loads.

rc

 

[Hondo 60]

There's no need for Magnum primers!

Follow published data & you won't have to worry about "Hot Loads".
Just avoid the loads listed as "Ruger Only" or "Ruger & T/C Only"
Those will NOT be good for your gun.

The Uberti 1873 Cattleman is a fine gun that'll last you for years with proper maintenance.

Also, you didn't post a pic of the gun.
Here's mine!

 

[Whacked]

Yea, Ive been ignoring the Ruger/TC only data. Especially once I saw the pressure limits exceeded the clones limit.

I didnt know Alliant doesnt publish lead data anymore. Good to know that, thanks RC!

Hondo: Didnt post a pic as I havent taken a pic of my pistols,.... yet
Its on my "to-do" list

 

[andrewstorm]

old books

I found an old speer loading manual,good info for case dimensions and cartridge history, john taffin has a web site with 45 c loads,search taffin tests....45 colt loads

 

[rcmodel]

The December issue of "Handloader" magazine on news stands now has a very comprehensive article on reloading the .45 Colt for the small frame Ruger.

It would be great info for your Uberti 1873 Cattleman too.

I'd suggest you get up a copy while the getten is good!!

rc