Looking for "slugging load" for .45 Colt using W231

Steve Smith · October 8, 2001, 05:28 PM

Subject says it all. I have plenty W231 around. I'll be sacrificing one of my 300 RFN GC's for the slugging. Suggestions?

Oh yeah...it's for a 5.5" Bisley. Remember, it' just a slugging load, so I need to be able to recover the bulet in pristine condition, from a bucket with towels in it.

swifter... · October 8, 2001, 07:03 PM

Steve,

Have you given any consideration to obtaining a pure lead slug of appropriate size and pounding it through your barrel ?
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/index.htm
can provide them, I think. I'd expect problems doing what you propose

, mostly bad.
Tom

Steve Smith · October 8, 2001, 09:47 PM

Yes, as a matter of fact. I'll be trying this first, this week, as soon as the gun comes in. (I have to do this before I order a bullet sizing die for the lubrisizer). If I can't get good results, I'll fall back on the "shoot a really weak load" method.

birdman · October 9, 2001, 09:11 AM

I'd try something like 3 grs. If it's too light you'll have to knock it out with a rod. If it's too much then try 2 1/2 grs. I don't think you find any set rule for this ---- each revolver is different.

sundog · October 9, 2001, 10:26 AM

Steve, you mentioned getting a sizer. Not all of them produce the size bullet indicated on them. I have several that are +/- .001 from what's marked. Be sure you check size AFTER going through the die. Mine are all Lyman or RCBS.

Steve Smith · October 9, 2001, 11:16 AM

I will be buying a Magma Star sizer. With the reputation and price that it has, it had better be right.

carlosg · October 10, 2001, 11:26 PM

Go with what Swifter said, it is the proper way. (did I say safer?)

**Mike Irwin** · October 15, 2001, 12:45 AM

Actually, firing a soft lead bullet through the barrel as a means of slugging the bore is one HELL of a good way to do it.

Slugging a revolver means either pulling the barrel from the frame, or slugging from the muzzle, which can cause its own series of wonderous little problems, such as an F'ed up crown.

I've slugged quite a few guns using the "fire slugging" method. Works like a champ.

Most of the time it has been with .38 Spls./.357 Mags., using a 148-gr. HBWC and about .5 grains of WW 231.

The catch method is a box with a bunch of old towels and other fabric.

For obvious reasons, I try to do this at the range.

Steve Smith · October 15, 2001, 11:47 AM

Thanks Mike, I admist I was quite surprised to get as many "don't do it" replies. I have had several acquaintances to do it successfully.

With the low report of .5 grains of powder, I can do this at home easily. It's a rural area.

October 8, 2001, 05:28 PM	#1
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	Looking for "slugging load" for .45 Colt using W231 Subject says it all. I have plenty W231 around. I'll be sacrificing one of my 300 RFN GC's for the slugging. Suggestions? Oh yeah...it's for a 5.5" Bisley. Remember, it' just a slugging load, so I need to be able to recover the bulet in pristine condition, from a bucket with towels in it. __________________ Favor the X. Steve Smith NRA Life Member

October 8, 2001, 07:03 PM	#2
swifter... Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 1999 Location: So. CA Mountains Posts: 540	Steve, Have you given any consideration to obtaining a pure lead slug of appropriate size and pounding it through your barrel ? http://www.beartoothbullets.com/index.htm can provide them, I think. I'd expect problems doing what you propose , mostly bad. Tom __________________ There are damn few situations so screwed up that adding government to them will not make 'em worse... The best homeland security is an armed & informed citizenery! Molon Labe!

October 8, 2001, 09:47 PM	#3
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	obtaining a pure lead slug of appropriate size and pounding it through your barrel Yes, as a matter of fact. I'll be trying this first, this week, as soon as the gun comes in. (I have to do this before I order a bullet sizing die for the lubrisizer). If I can't get good results, I'll fall back on the "shoot a really weak load" method. __________________ Favor the X. Steve Smith NRA Life Member

October 9, 2001, 10:26 AM	#5
sundog Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 1999 Location: Green Country, OK Posts: 782	Steve, you mentioned getting a sizer. Not all of them produce the size bullet indicated on them. I have several that are +/- .001 from what's marked. Be sure you check size AFTER going through the die. Mine are all Lyman or RCBS. __________________ safety first

October 9, 2001, 11:16 AM	#6
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	I will be buying a Magma Star sizer. With the reputation and price that it has, it had better be right. __________________ Favor the X. Steve Smith NRA Life Member

October 9, 2001, 09:11 AM	#4
birdman Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2000 Posts: 105	I'd try something like 3 grs. If it's too light you'll have to knock it out with a rod. If it's too much then try 2 1/2 grs. I don't think you find any set rule for this ---- each revolver is different.

October 10, 2001, 11:26 PM	#7
carlosg Member Join Date: April 17, 2001 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 70	Go with what Swifter said, it is the proper way. (did I say safer?)

October 15, 2001, 12:45 AM	#8
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,381	Actually, firing a soft lead bullet through the barrel as a means of slugging the bore is one HELL of a good way to do it. Slugging a revolver means either pulling the barrel from the frame, or slugging from the muzzle, which can cause its own series of wonderous little problems, such as an F'ed up crown. I've slugged quite a few guns using the "fire slugging" method. Works like a champ. Most of the time it has been with .38 Spls./.357 Mags., using a 148-gr. HBWC and about .5 grains of WW 231. The catch method is a box with a bunch of old towels and other fabric. For obvious reasons, I try to do this at the range. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 15, 2001, 11:47 AM	#9
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	Thanks Mike, I admist I was quite surprised to get as many "don't do it" replies. I have had several acquaintances to do it successfully. With the low report of .5 grains of powder, I can do this at home easily. It's a rural area. __________________ Favor the X. Steve Smith NRA Life Member