Rossi R92 45 Colt Chambering Issue
- Thread starter Barmcd
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The bullet on the left is a Hornady 45 Colt Lead Cowboy bullet seated to the length, 1.575, specified in the Hornady manual. The one on the right is seated to 1.535. It loads better in the Rossi at that length and leaves only a slight mark on the case. Is it safe to load these bullets to a shorter length if I reduce the powder load? Of course, I'd have to start low and work my way up to a velocity I like that doesn't result any pressure signs.
Alaskamike
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Sure. Keep in mind that your .45 Colt Rossi 92 is built no differently than a .44 mag Rossi 92. Same steel, same heat treatment, same everything.
I'm not saying to load up your .45 Colt ammo to .44 mag pressures, I'm just saying a few hundredths of an inch difference in seating depth with mild .45 Colt ammo isn't going to create a safety issue.
I do think it's a problem that the different seating depth you show solves a feeding problem though. The round on the left should feed with no issues at all.
I'm not saying to load up your .45 Colt ammo to .44 mag pressures, I'm just saying a few hundredths of an inch difference in seating depth with mild .45 Colt ammo isn't going to create a safety issue.
I do think it's a problem that the different seating depth you show solves a feeding problem though. The round on the left should feed with no issues at all.
Yeah, I know and its aggravating on two counts. One, that it happened in the first place, and two, I haven't heard a peep from Rossi except that they received my request for service. I'll be optimistic and just assume they've sent it to the technical department to be answered by an expert.
What pressure sign do we look for on 45 colt
Alaskamike
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In the Rossi you'll see classic primer signs (flattening, cratering, etc), but if you see those you're already way past "Ruger only" loads.
In short, you won't see any observable pressure signs if you want to stick with SAAMI spec loads.
In short, you won't see any observable pressure signs if you want to stick with SAAMI spec loads.
I wouldn't expect to see any at the velocities I want to shoot. I'm assuming they would be like Alaskamike says, flattened or cratered primers and maybe hard extraction. Since it's pistol brass I guess you might see split cases at the extreme.
I've never seen a pressure sign on 45 colt , 45 auto or 38 sp. Too low psi. And simple me didn't think about "ruger" loads. My 44 mag R92 is for that. That's the whole problem with R92s. .357 16inch is so much fun then you got to have a 24 inch. Same with 44 mag. The 45 colt all brass 24 inch needs to not be hot rodded. Then they used to cost less than a half weeks pay.
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
This is a photo, the only photo I have showing those barrel notches on my old .45 Colt Rossi 92. I don’t believe I ever saw longitudinal scrapes on my cases like the ones the OP has on his cases.
I would definitely call Rossi.
I no longer have my Rossi or I would get some better shots of the chamber notches and how they match up with the lifter.
I am wondering if it not the notches that are the problem but maybe the lifter not elevating the cartridges enough? It’s just a guess.
I wish you luck in finding and fixing your problem.
EDuh’t
Well, I’m a goof. I forgot the photo. Here it is:
I would definitely call Rossi.
I no longer have my Rossi or I would get some better shots of the chamber notches and how they match up with the lifter.
I am wondering if it not the notches that are the problem but maybe the lifter not elevating the cartridges enough? It’s just a guess.
I wish you luck in finding and fixing your problem.
EDuh’t
Well, I’m a goof. I forgot the photo. Here it is:
Last edited:
Alaskamike
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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 should point out that I've gone into uncharted territory with .45 Colt using my Redhawk. The worst I've ever seen is flattened primers. This is with up to 25 grains of 296 with the 280 grain RCBS 45-270-SAA cast bullet.
I have never had any split cases, nor have I seen any hard extraction, with either my Redhawk or my Rossi 92. The Rossi 92 is certainly also up there in strength, but I couldn't say which is the stronger platform. I would think the worst you'd see with heavy loads (within reason) in a .45 Colt Rossi 92 is the mag tube working loose. Make sure your screws are tight.
After playing around with different bullets and the lever, I've found the round will actually just fall into the chamber as long as the lever isn't used.
Round Falling Into the Chamber
But, if you try to lever it in, it hangs up.
Round Getting Stuck
The pressure of the bolt pushing on the back of the case is what is actually causing the round to momentarily get stuck and scratch the case.
Round Falling Into the Chamber
But, if you try to lever it in, it hangs up.
Round Getting Stuck
The pressure of the bolt pushing on the back of the case is what is actually causing the round to momentarily get stuck and scratch the case.
Well, Rossi is sending me the things you normally get in the box, but they haven't said what, if anything, they are going to do about the scratched brass and clunky chambering. I lost patience and disassembled the gun and took a fine oil stone to the lower tang and bolt to remove the machining marks, burrs and nicks. I also took some 800 grit sandpaper to the sharp edge of the rear of the chamber. Then I installed a lighter trigger, main, stop and ejector spring. The action is easier and the trigger pull, which was higher than the 8 lbs my gauge will measure, a nice, crisp 2 1/2 lbs. It feeds better, but there is still a slight scratch on the brass, but its not catching like it was before. I didn't take much off the sharp edge pm the end of the chamber, figuring it was better to have to come back and repeat the process than to take too much off the first time.
Riomouse911
Member
Very good , you took the bull by the horns. Rossi won't care about what they consider throw away brass. Now it's out of warranty so it's all over now. Your now a R92 mechanic. Sorry but you can't have just one. You'll see
Here’s how the bolt looks after stoning it with a fine oil stone. It still has machining marks, but they are very faint compared to how they used to look. You can also see the safety delete button.
The difference in the chamber isn’t as pronounced. You can see the stainless steel follower under the barrel opening. I think I need to have another go at it with 800 grit sandpaper.
The difference in the chamber isn’t as pronounced. You can see the stainless steel follower under the barrel opening. I think I need to have another go at it with 800 grit sandpaper.
Alaskamike
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Nicely done!
OLDE RETIRED COASTIE
Member
I have two new Rossi 92's one in 38/357, and the other 45 colt/454 casull, and after putting about 40 rounds thru each one have not noticed any scratches. But I will take extra care to really look at each case after firing.
These are both new.
These are both new.
I finally got to the range with the Rossi today. It looks like its not scratching the cases like it was before I took 800 grit sandpaper to the mouth of the chamber. It's a ton of fun and after installing the spring kit, the action is light and smooth. Its especially nice that the cases fall at your feet instead of being launched over your head into orbit.
