Trail Boss and 200 Gr. Cast LSWC

[Larcus]

I am going to try this today and wanted to know where to start. IMRs web data web page gives a stating load of 3.5 grs., max load of 5.5 grs.
I think I will start with 4.1. Anyone ever tried Trail Boss in a 45 ACP? Does this load sound OK?
I have been using Unique and W231 at a low load but boy are they dirty. Maybe the Trail Boss will be cleaner because it says it will work good with low loads and lead bullets.

Larcus

 

[lgbloader]

I use TB in all my cowboy loads. Great stuff. I use it for 38 spcl cowboy loads in 357 mag cases. I also use it is straight 38 spcl as well as 30-30 Win lever action.

But i use N320 and Clays for 45ACP. I also use Bullseye sometimes as well. Unique is good but I have found that you need to climb to the upper end of the spectrum and then it cleans up nicely.

LGB

 

[SASS#23149]

TB is pretty wimpy stuff,it's desigend to be a low pressure powder.In my 45 colts even the high end loads are wimpy.Usually,wimpy = not very clean burning.
If you haven' bought it yet,I'd get bullseye instead.

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

I agree with SASS#23149.

Bullseye is still one of my favorites.

 

[Larcus]

I tried it today.

The first 5 rounds I loaded with 4.5 grs., worked good, a lot cleaner than the unique load I had been using. Then I tried 5 grs., that did even better, if I had put a bucket where the first case landed, it would caught all of them. That may have something to do with me weighting every charge.
I like the fact that you can not double charge a case with it, 5 grs. is almost a full case. You also can not mistake it for any other power, looks like smashed little Cheerios.
Trail Boss may be worth a second look if you want something just to target shoot with.
Now to try some 230 gr. LRN I have.

Larcus

 

[SASS#23149]

Glad it worked out for ya,and the size of the powder grains is nice that way...hard to double load for sure.

 

[Landric]

I'm going to try and work up a .45ACP load using Trail Boss and a 250 grain .45 Colt bullet. I only need to make IDPA CDP power factor (165,000) and with a 250 grain bullet I won't need much velocity to get there, so Trail Boss might just be the ticket. Only need 660 fps to get there, so I'm hoping it works out. I really like working with Trail Boss, it meters well and fills the case nicely.

 

[Ky Larry]

My pet load for my Kimber is a 200gr LSWC and 5.1gr of Trail Boss. Clean,accurate, and soft shooting. Also I've noticed that loads with TB don't seem to lead the barrel as much as some other powders in my .38's and .44 Spls.

 

[Larcus]

I bet it will work

After playing with Trail Boss I think you could fill the case full and it would not be over loaded.

I think IMR did a wonderful job of making a fast burning powder with this much
volume per gr.


Larcus

 

[Rebel Dave]

Good lube

Nice thread.
What would be a good lube, for loading lead bullets, for cowboy shooting, with Trail Boss, and 45 long colt, with 200-250 grain bullets,???.

Thanks Rebel Dave

 

[MasterReloader]

I load 185 gr Ranier Bullets and 5.0 grs of Trail Boss. Good mild load, dose not shake up a good gun. This is my practice load with a Star PD.

 

[Sam1911]

I love TB and a 200 gr. cast lead bullet in my 629. I use a .44 Special case, Federal 150 primers and 6.7 gr. of TB to make 850 - 900 fps.

I don't think you'll get 6.7 grains of TB in a .45 ACP case, though. Are you trying to make major or just make it go bang?

-Sam

 

[floydster]

My best loads in my .45 ACP Witness Match.
3.7 grs. TB pushing a 230 gr. cast RN (Missouri)
5.2 grs. Bullseye pushing a 200 gr. RNFP also ( MIssouri)
5.2 grs. Bulseye pushing a 200 gr. SWC also (Missouri)

These are excellent loads that will group 1/1/2" at 50 feet.
I also have some follow up loads in 231 and Titegroup that are almost
as good.
But the Trail Boss is my favorite.
Floyd

 

[Kernel]

Trail Boss

"....looks like smashed little Cheerios." -- Larcus

Tastes more like Frosted Flakes, IMHO.

Apologies, was eating breakfast (coffee & Pop Tarts) when I read this post.