kount_zer0
Member
CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.
I finally got a chance to shoot my new Marlin 1894 45 Colt! After much consultation of load data and practical advice selflessly provided by members of this forum, I was able to begin working up a good hunting load:
CCI 300, WW brass (once fired), trimmed to 1.275", Cast performance 265 Gr. WFN gas-checked bullets. Powder was 2400.
I started at 18.5 gr and worked up in .3 gr. steps to 20 gr. It was about 70F outside. Velocity 10' from muzzle ranged from 1400fps to 1500fps, with 19.7 and 20 grains yeilding very little change in velocity, so I will go no further.
Happily, 19.1gr gave nice 100yd groups (4" maximum distance between holes), as well as the lowest ES and SD for velocity. 100 yd groups ranged from 3.5 to 5 inches measured from outside edge to outside edge of the two holes that are the maximum spread for the 5 shot group. The forearm was rested on a rolled up towel as I leaned across the hood of my truck.
The dispersion in the groups is mostly vertical.
All the brass looks fine, with no pressure signs in the primers, but I'd be surprised to see any with this cartridge. 19 grains gave 1175 fps from my Ruger Blackhawk, so I'm very pleased with these initial results.
Thank you for all your help!
I finally got a chance to shoot my new Marlin 1894 45 Colt! After much consultation of load data and practical advice selflessly provided by members of this forum, I was able to begin working up a good hunting load:
CCI 300, WW brass (once fired), trimmed to 1.275", Cast performance 265 Gr. WFN gas-checked bullets. Powder was 2400.
I started at 18.5 gr and worked up in .3 gr. steps to 20 gr. It was about 70F outside. Velocity 10' from muzzle ranged from 1400fps to 1500fps, with 19.7 and 20 grains yeilding very little change in velocity, so I will go no further.
Happily, 19.1gr gave nice 100yd groups (4" maximum distance between holes), as well as the lowest ES and SD for velocity. 100 yd groups ranged from 3.5 to 5 inches measured from outside edge to outside edge of the two holes that are the maximum spread for the 5 shot group. The forearm was rested on a rolled up towel as I leaned across the hood of my truck.
The dispersion in the groups is mostly vertical.
All the brass looks fine, with no pressure signs in the primers, but I'd be surprised to see any with this cartridge. 19 grains gave 1175 fps from my Ruger Blackhawk, so I'm very pleased with these initial results.
Thank you for all your help!
Last edited:
