Trail Boss recipes for 454 and/or 45 LC???

[mewachee]

I decided to look at some light .45 colts for my 454. I got to thinking about the different combinations that would make my 454 snubby more versatile. I don't know how many times I have read or heard of someone using trail boss in these cartridges. So, I loaded some up tonight and will shoot in the morning.

However, I am interested in your recipes. In fact, don't limit it to Trail Boss. I can read a manual, let's hear about the none standards. Also, tell me why you like your load.

What do think about putting a 185 XTB over Trail Boss for a defense load?

 

[mewachee]

Wow, dead on delivery.

 

[Mike 3-4]

I dont know if you mean an XTP bullet or something I'm not familiar with but if an XTB is jacketed IMR doesn't show any loads with anything other than lead or with gas checks. You might need to find out if this is safe? I load mid range in my pistol with universal clays and you'll get a little more velocity if you want it and they are very accurate.

 

[db_tanker]

as Mike 3-4 stated, TrailBoss is a cowboy action shooters dream. Nothing but cast boolits for the cheerio's.


I HAVE used it a few times to see how it would do with some jacketed bullets out of my TC 45-70, and they worked reasonably well with no pressure signs on the cases and the brass just fell out. So, you could do it, but I would be careful with what you do.

Seeing as the 45 Colt is a LONG way from the pressure max of a 454 Casull, you should be okay.

But then again, I do not advocate nor suggest using TrailBoss powder in a jacketed handgun load. (for the lawyers )



Just want to add...

found some info about it and they say not to compress it. It is best and most consistent when loading full cases with a slight air-gap between the heel and the top of the powder.

Hope this helps!

 

[mewachee]

"sweet and soft" and defense LC

Yes, I did mean xtp. I shot them today, they shot great. All three loads were within 5 fps. I loaded up 5 335 gr. WLNGC that I have and they shot very well. I am loading some 200 swc tonight.

I put some time into this gun looking for a bear protection load, but now I would like to work up some sweet and soft colts that my eight year old and wife will like to shoot.

I would like to work up a load for personal defense as well. I don't live in a dangerous part of the country. The murder count for our state is a fraction of most cities. However, I would like to find a load that will just do enough damage without pass through. I want something that I can carry in a crowd confidently. Is that possible?

 

[campbell]

However, I would like to find a load that will just do enough damage without pass through.

I use 250 grain Gold Dots for .45 Colt "social" loads. Very aggressive expansion. Loading them at .45 ACP velocities is probably your best bet to avoid putting two holes in anyone. But if over penetration is a big criteria, the Gold Dots come in lighter weights.

 

[mewachee]

Have you seen how the gold dot, 250 grain, performs at those lower velocities? I just wonder if opening up may be more difficult. I have considered this bullet, but worried that if it didn't open up, it may become a great penetrator. On the other hand, they wouldn't blow apart on bone as easily as others. Of course there is no solution, that works all the time, for these situations.

Anyone like the Barnes bullets? Of course, Barnes claims they open better.

 

[Sport45]

In fact, don't limit it to Trail Boss. I can read a manual, let's hear about the none standards.

I don't load anything that can't be found in a load book so can't help you there. I do load Unique under 250 - 260gr LFP and SWC cast bullets and like the results. That's for a Redhawk in .45C and so far it's never had a jacketed bullet run through the bore.

 

[campbell]

Have you seen how the gold dot, 250 grain, performs at those lower velocities? I just wonder if opening up may be more difficult.

The 250 is used by Speer for their SAAMI spec .45 Colt loads, which are only 900 fps or so. The 250 uses the deep cavity Speer puts in bullets for the low to medium velocity ratings. Similar to the .44 Special round tested at Gunblast. This is the 200 grain .44 Special Gunblast fired into wet newsprint. Clocked at only 761 fps.

 

[mewachee]

I have spent some time this week looking at Gold Dots, 250 gr. This seems to be on of those follow the pack kind of products. The pack usually will grab on to a gimmick and run with unsubstantiated facts. I rarely follow a pack.

However, other than having the need to test them for myself, I think this is the defense bullet for me.

Somebody please show me some bad press on this thing, nothing works this good.