Reloading for SASS

[revkate]

This is my first post to THR, and I hope it is not redundant.

I am going to start loading lighter 45 Colt loads for SASS. I have 3 pounds of Red Dot on hand and have used it for years in my Kimber (45 ACP), Ruger Vaquero 45 Colt as well as in Shotgun TRAP loads.

However, for speed, SASS is recommending a very light 45 Colt load using 200gr LRNFP and 4.6 grains of Clays. I can pick up some Clays, but before I do, can anyone tell me if it has the same bulk in the case as a 6 grain load of Red Dot?

I have also seen statistics for 5 grains of TrailBoss that evidently almost fills the 45 Colt case. Has anyone tried this powder for light loads? Does it burn more cleanly than Clays or Red Dot? It is a bit more expensive, but I thought it too was worth investigating.

With any of these powders, as light loads, should I expect my accuracy to suffer?

Rev Kate

 

[Lost Sheep]

Revkate,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for asking our advice.

This is my first post to THR, and I hope it is not redundant.

I am going to start loading lighter 45 Colt loads for SASS. I have 3 pounds of Red Dot on hand and have used it for years in my Kimber (45 ACP), Ruger Vaquero 45 Colt as well as in Shotgun TRAP loads.

However, for speed, SASS is recommending a very light 45 Colt load using 200gr LRNFP and 4.6 grains of Clays. I can pick up some Clays, but before I do, can anyone tell me if it has the same bulk in the case as a 6 grain load of Red Dot?

I have also seen statistics for 5 grains of TrailBoss that evidently almost fills the 45 Colt case. Has anyone tried this powder for light loads? Does it burn more cleanly than Clays or Red Dot? It is a bit more expensive, but I thought it too was worth investigating.

With any of these powders, as light loads, should I expect my accuracy to suffer?

Rev Kate

The volume/weight densities of various powders listed in Modern Reloading by Richard Lee (volume of one grain of each powder in cubic centimeters)

cc per grain
.14620 Clays
.14130 Red Dot
.12660 International Clays
.10990 Universal Clays

I know you said "Clays", but I threw in the others of similar name just to be safe and cover all possible misunderstandings.

By my calculations (which you should check to be sure) 6 grains of Red Dot will occupy about 26% more volume than 4.6 grains of Clays.

Sorry, my edition of the manual does not list Trail Boss. The conventional advice with Trail Boss is to figure out where the base of the bullet is when seated to proper depth. Fill the case to that point. Weigh the charge. Multiply that by 70%. That is your starting load. The 100% is your maximum charge. NEVER EVER load Trail Boss compressed.

TB was developed specifically for CASS to emulate black powder pressures. http://www.imrpowder.com/trailboss.html

I used it to teach a friend of mine to reload. It's volume means it is easy to see in the bottom of a large case. It burns fairly cleanly in his 500 Smith. I think it stinks a little. He doesn't.

Accuracy? The only way to find out how they will do in YOUR gun(s) is to try them.

Lost Sheep

 

[JLDickmon]

Well, recoil kind of dependent on muzzle velocity.. so my first instinct is to say, "I'd stay with the Red Dot"
I think I have both powders, give me a few minutes to finish eating lunch, I'll throw a couple charges & see...

 

[JLDickmon]

Then I see Lost's post...

 

[Lost Sheep]

Then I see Lost's post...

If you're still game and have the powders and cartridges on hand, it would be worthwhile to have someone double check me. I will never complain about being second-guessed where safety is concerned. I had to check my transcription twice (and make corrections), so checked my math three times.

There is no substitute for actual observation of the real thing.

Lost Sheep

 

[zxcvbob]

Start at 6 grains of Red Dot and work your way *down* until accuracy starts to suffer, or the lack of recoil gets embarrassing, whichever occurs first. Then go up a tenth.

If you ever use up all that Red Dot, buy a jug of Promo next time.

 

[revkate]

Outstanding information! I can also see that the reference book by Richard Lee would be a great addition to my library. Many many thanks to all.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I load all my .45 Colt loads for SASS using Trail Boss. It's one of the most accurate powders for light loads, but is not intended for barn burner loads. It pretty much fills up the case, and the 200 gr. RNFP bullet is the one I use. It also makes a great 1911 .45 acp bullet.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Lost Sheep]

Outstanding information! I can also see that the reference book by Richard Lee would be a great addition to my library. Many many thanks to all.

When you get Lee's book, you have to prepare your mind to overlook his self-aggrandizement. Beyond that, it has years of food for thought for you.

Happy reading, happy shooting.

Lost Sheep