45ACP Bullets in Colt Brass

QuarterHorse · August 21, 2012, 10:34 PM

Just to keep things simple until I start to taylor my hand loads I had thought about using my same 230 grain jacketed bullets to load in 45 colt brass. Anybody doing this with success?

FWIW I'm using a Lee Turret Press and using the Factory Crimp Die on my ACP stuff.

The tool being used is a Ruger New Vaquero convertible. I've ran 45 acp through it's cylinder and my handloads with great results, just curious on the colt side of things.

Thanks all

Edward429451 · August 22, 2012, 12:24 AM

I've ran lead 45 ACP boolits through the 45 Colt. The Lyman 225 gr RN with light loads for plinking. They worked fine so I don't see why the J bullets wouldn't work.

Mike / Tx · August 22, 2012, 07:03 AM

Yep for light loads they will work fine. Once you start to creep up the velocity, or move up to a heavier bullet however, you will want to use the ones with a crimp groove in them simply to keep them from moving under recoil.

QuarterHorse · August 22, 2012, 12:25 PM

Excellent thanks all.

Arub · August 22, 2012, 04:06 PM

I'm running 230FMJs and JHPs through a sister gun - a Ruger Blackhawk w/a 4 5/8" barrel. Using the Lee turret w/factory crimp die and no issues. For the crimp set up I follow Lee's instructions - bottom out the crimp die on the casing then add 3/4 to 1 full turn. Works for me. Load is 8 grains of Alliain Green Dot at 1.600 OAL for a measured velocity (10' from barrel) of 825 ft/sec.

Hammerhead · August 22, 2012, 08:55 PM

If you are making full strength ammo for a revolver you'll have to find a good method crimping without a groove. Maybe seat a RN deep so the crimp lands on the ogive, or over the shoulder on a SWC.

Ozzieman · August 25, 2012, 08:06 AM

I do it all the time with lead bullets, I use the Penn 200 GR flat point bevel base. For 45 Colt I use the crimp grove and for ACP seat it just above the crimp grove and taper crimp.
The problem I have is that the .452 is very accurate in my Colt Goldcup they don’t work well in my Blackhawks. They want the .455 Diameter. So I use two different sized bullets.

http://www.pennbullets.com/45/45-caliber.html

Uncle Buck · August 25, 2012, 12:32 PM

I have a few hundred semi-wad cutters someone gave me and I can not use them in my .45 ACP. I just use them under light loads in my .45 Colt New Vaqueros and a blackhawk.

August 21, 2012, 10:34 PM	#1
QuarterHorse Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2010 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 421	45ACP Bullets in Colt Brass Just to keep things simple until I start to taylor my hand loads I had thought about using my same 230 grain jacketed bullets to load in 45 colt brass. Anybody doing this with success? FWIW I'm using a Lee Turret Press and using the Factory Crimp Die on my ACP stuff. The tool being used is a Ruger New Vaquero convertible. I've ran 45 acp through it's cylinder and my handloads with great results, just curious on the colt side of things. Thanks all __________________ Never enough toys

August 22, 2012, 07:03 AM	#3
Mike / Tx Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Posts: 2,101	Yep for light loads they will work fine. Once you start to creep up the velocity, or move up to a heavier bullet however, you will want to use the ones with a crimp groove in them simply to keep them from moving under recoil. __________________ LAter, Mike / TX

August 22, 2012, 12:25 PM	#4
QuarterHorse Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2010 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 421	Excellent thanks all. __________________ Never enough toys

August 25, 2012, 12:32 PM	#8
Uncle Buck Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 2,592	I have a few hundred semi-wad cutters someone gave me and I can not use them in my .45 ACP. I just use them under light loads in my .45 Colt New Vaqueros and a blackhawk. __________________ Inside Every Bright Idea Is The 50% Probability Of A Disaster Waiting To Happen.

August 22, 2012, 12:24 AM	#2
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	I've ran lead 45 ACP boolits through the 45 Colt. The Lyman 225 gr RN with light loads for plinking. They worked fine so I don't see why the J bullets wouldn't work.

August 22, 2012, 04:06 PM	#5
Arub Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2001 Location: UCLA (upper corner of lower Alabama) Posts: 533	I'm running 230FMJs and JHPs through a sister gun - a Ruger Blackhawk w/a 4 5/8" barrel. Using the Lee turret w/factory crimp die and no issues. For the crimp set up I follow Lee's instructions - bottom out the crimp die on the casing then add 3/4 to 1 full turn. Works for me. Load is 8 grains of Alliain Green Dot at 1.600 OAL for a measured velocity (10' from barrel) of 825 ft/sec.

August 22, 2012, 08:55 PM	#6
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	If you are making full strength ammo for a revolver you'll have to find a good method crimping without a groove. Maybe seat a RN deep so the crimp lands on the ogive, or over the shoulder on a SWC.

August 25, 2012, 08:06 AM	#7
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	I do it all the time with lead bullets, I use the Penn 200 GR flat point bevel base. For 45 Colt I use the crimp grove and for ACP seat it just above the crimp grove and taper crimp. The problem I have is that the .452 is very accurate in my Colt Goldcup they don’t work well in my Blackhawks. They want the .455 Diameter. So I use two different sized bullets. http://www.pennbullets.com/45/45-caliber.html