Gotta love that 45 LC.

HoraceHogsnort · March 20, 2011, 11:31 PM

I had 400 250 gr. JSP bullets to load today for my 45 Colts. The first 200 were loaded with 10 gr. of AA5 (835 fps according to the book) and they'll go through my USFA 45 LC six shooter. The second 200 took 19 gr. of H110 (1090 fps) and the'll launch from my FA Model 83. Had I wanted to, the second batch could've been loaded to 21 gr. of H110 but the last Tyronosaurus rex was seen in these parts before my birth so the 19 grains should be all I need! Its just a really great round even if you stick to 250 gr. bullets and nobody sez ya hafta. Them folks at Colt back in 1873 didn't have a clue as to what they'd started, bless'm. Life is good.

jmortimer · March 20, 2011, 11:36 PM

For me the greatest all around caliber. It will do what you want. From SASS level to kill anything on earth level. I share your love for the .45 Colt.

Sarge · March 20, 2011, 11:40 PM

I used the .44 Mag as my heavy sixgun for about 25 years, until I rediscovered the .45 Colt. Elmer's baby is a good round alright, but the .45 Colt has handled medium game just as well for me and it is a joy to shoot. Sold off my last .44 in 2006 and never looked back.

Eagle0711 · March 21, 2011, 11:45 AM

Thanks for the report. I have a Uberti that has 12 rounds thru it. I have the dies and everything to get started, but am working on rifle stuff now. I am looking forward to loading and shooting this gun. I can have higher expetations after reading your report.

I suspect that a 250LSWC at 850 fps will stop Johnny bad boy. It should only take one if placement is correct. Remember the testing done early last century by Col. La Garde on animals at the slaughter house?

Slamfire · March 21, 2011, 12:46 PM

I prefer the 45 LC with a 250/255 Lead at 850 fps. Does everything I want and does not beat me up.

I find it surprising that 40 grains of Black in a balloon head case will push those same bullets to 1000 fps.

That is pretty darn good.

Doodlebugger45 · March 21, 2011, 04:53 PM

It's a very versatile cartridge alright.

But that 2nd load the OP mentioned sounds almost dangerously low to me. It has been quite awhile since I resorted to loading jacketed bullets in a .45 Colt case, but when I did, I recall loading more like 26 gr of H-110 under a 250 gr JHP. That was about mid range for the H-110 loads.

I used to fire some really hot .45 Colt loads in my BFR chambered for .454 Casull. But that was only because I didn't have hardly any .454 cases at first. Now that I have plenty of .454 brass, I figure it's best to only load .45 Colt cases to the old lower power specs. I still have about 50 rounds of .45 Colt brass loaded up with 325 gr hard cast bullets and 23.0 gr of H-110 in them. These are still not too bad to shoot in the big heavy BFR. But for my Colt clone, I stick with more moderate stuff like a 350 gr cast bullet with Universal or VV-330 churning at about 900 fps.

Stargazer · March 21, 2011, 05:27 PM

I agree, got to love it. The 44 magnum should really only be called a .429 magnum or 43 magnum as it only measures .429". The .451-.454" 45 Colt will ALWAYS make a larger hole and with a RedHawk or BlackHawk or BFR or TC the speed is there right along with the 44 magnum if you wish it to be. I load mine ALL hot, my wrists should hold out another 5-10 years I hope. Why did I not get into BFR's before my fifties? I guess because the new wave of semi's was cooler at the time. I chunk heavy metal since the barrel length on the RedHawk is only 4", I prefer 300 grain XTP's.

aarhunt · March 21, 2011, 05:39 PM

Grandpa has a 45colt in the ruger blackhawk and i`ve shot it a few times! I love it

I just loaded some hot rounds with 11.5grs of unique.under a 250 round fmj.i want to try them soon and see how they shoot.i`ve only shot cowboy loads threw it so far.I have some hornady xtp`s loaded with 8.1grs of unique at 900 fps.i want to load some a those hot too.Grandpa says i get the gun when he goes

Stargazer · March 21, 2011, 05:55 PM

Quote:

I just loaded some hot rounds with 11.5grs of unique.under a 250 round

That load is a wee bit warm there, the cases might stick on ya.

mehavey · March 21, 2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Quote:
I just loaded some hot rounds with 11.5grs of unique.under a 250 round

That load is a wee bit warm there, the cases might stick on ya

That's more than a wee bit warm. It exceeds Speer's [Ruger] Max by 7/10ths of a grain, and is max for a Sierra's Ruger/Contender listing for a bullet weighing 10 grains less.

Unless you work up to this with (a) the specific pistol, (b) the specific brass, and (c) the specific powder lot you're using, you are probably pushing your luck a bit.

ClemBert · March 21, 2011, 08:58 PM

45 Colt rules!

40 grains of FFFg black powder and a 250 grain bullet is the way to go!

ligonierbill · March 21, 2011, 10:24 PM

Back to the OP, on advice received here, I load 10.5 gr AA#5 under Oregon Trail hardcast 250's for 980 fps. Probably all I need, but to be 'loaded for bear', I put 20 gr H110 under the 250 (1,260 fps) or 300 RNFP (1,240 fps). This ensures that the Blackhawk bruises my palm. Yeah, I am happy with the old "long" Colt. For a good pistolero (not me, not yet) it is a great round...since 1873!

BigBob3006 · March 23, 2011, 02:39 PM

.45 LC hit a man, but I have seen what a .45 ACP military load can do and that is impressive, just imagine what another 50 fps and 20gr of bullet would would do. WOW!!! :barf:

mcwop · March 26, 2011, 03:51 PM

Do love it through my Heritage SA. Just so expensive, need to reload myself.

Would be a great self defense round, but for me worry is beyond the target. Anyone know if 45 LC will blow through anything like old horse-hair plaster walls and brick? I have a coach gun for home defense, not sure if I should ever have the 45 handy - I live in an old Victorian row-home - 1895.

March 20, 2011, 11:31 PM	#1
HoraceHogsnort Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Stanislaus Co., Mexifornia Posts: 615	Gotta love that 45 LC. I had 400 250 gr. JSP bullets to load today for my 45 Colts. The first 200 were loaded with 10 gr. of AA5 (835 fps according to the book) and they'll go through my USFA 45 LC six shooter. The second 200 took 19 gr. of H110 (1090 fps) and the'll launch from my FA Model 83. Had I wanted to, the second batch could've been loaded to 21 gr. of H110 but the last Tyronosaurus rex was seen in these parts before my birth so the 19 grains should be all I need! Its just a really great round even if you stick to 250 gr. bullets and nobody sez ya hafta. Them folks at Colt back in 1873 didn't have a clue as to what they'd started, bless'm. Life is good.

March 20, 2011, 11:40 PM	#3
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	I used the .44 Mag as my heavy sixgun for about 25 years, until I rediscovered the .45 Colt. Elmer's baby is a good round alright, but the .45 Colt has handled medium game just as well for me and it is a joy to shoot. Sold off my last .44 in 2006 and never looked back. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

March 21, 2011, 05:27 PM	#7
Stargazer Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 506	I agree, got to love it. The 44 magnum should really only be called a .429 magnum or 43 magnum as it only measures .429". The .451-.454" 45 Colt will ALWAYS make a larger hole and with a RedHawk or BlackHawk or BFR or TC the speed is there right along with the 44 magnum if you wish it to be. I load mine ALL hot, my wrists should hold out another 5-10 years I hope. Why did I not get into BFR's before my fifties? I guess because the new wave of semi's was cooler at the time. I chunk heavy metal since the barrel length on the RedHawk is only 4", I prefer 300 grain XTP's. __________________ 5.56mm, reach out and touch something. .458 SOCOM,reach out and knock something down. M70 Web Page

March 23, 2011, 02:39 PM	#13
BigBob3006 Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 80	.45 LC hit a man, but I have seen what a .45 ACP military load can do and that is impressive, just imagine what another 50 fps and 20gr of bullet would would do. WOW!!! :barf: __________________ Have a nice day. Good luck and God bless. Bob

March 20, 2011, 11:36 PM	#2
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	For me the greatest all around caliber. It will do what you want. From SASS level to kill anything on earth level. I share your love for the .45 Colt.

March 21, 2011, 11:45 AM	#4
Eagle0711 Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2010 Posts: 782	Thanks for the report. I have a Uberti that has 12 rounds thru it. I have the dies and everything to get started, but am working on rifle stuff now. I am looking forward to loading and shooting this gun. I can have higher expetations after reading your report. I suspect that a 250LSWC at 850 fps will stop Johnny bad boy. It should only take one if placement is correct. Remember the testing done early last century by Col. La Garde on animals at the slaughter house?

March 21, 2011, 12:46 PM	#5
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	I prefer the 45 LC with a 250/255 Lead at 850 fps. Does everything I want and does not beat me up. I find it surprising that 40 grains of Black in a balloon head case will push those same bullets to 1000 fps. That is pretty darn good. __________________ If I'm not shooting, I'm reloading.

March 21, 2011, 04:53 PM	#6
Doodlebugger45 Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,717	It's a very versatile cartridge alright. But that 2nd load the OP mentioned sounds almost dangerously low to me. It has been quite awhile since I resorted to loading jacketed bullets in a .45 Colt case, but when I did, I recall loading more like 26 gr of H-110 under a 250 gr JHP. That was about mid range for the H-110 loads. I used to fire some really hot .45 Colt loads in my BFR chambered for .454 Casull. But that was only because I didn't have hardly any .454 cases at first. Now that I have plenty of .454 brass, I figure it's best to only load .45 Colt cases to the old lower power specs. I still have about 50 rounds of .45 Colt brass loaded up with 325 gr hard cast bullets and 23.0 gr of H-110 in them. These are still not too bad to shoot in the big heavy BFR. But for my Colt clone, I stick with more moderate stuff like a 350 gr cast bullet with Universal or VV-330 churning at about 900 fps.

March 21, 2011, 05:39 PM	#8
aarhunt Junior member Join Date: January 17, 2009 Location: Chippewa Lake,Ohio Posts: 104	Grandpa has a 45colt in the ruger blackhawk and i`ve shot it a few times! I love it I just loaded some hot rounds with 11.5grs of unique.under a 250 round fmj.i want to try them soon and see how they shoot.i`ve only shot cowboy loads threw it so far.I have some hornady xtp`s loaded with 8.1grs of unique at 900 fps.i want to load some a those hot too.Grandpa says i get the gun when he goes

March 21, 2011, 08:58 PM	#11
ClemBert Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2009 Location: Orlando Posts: 936	45 Colt rules! 40 grains of FFFg black powder and a 250 grain bullet is the way to go!

March 21, 2011, 10:24 PM	#12
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,456	Back to the OP, on advice received here, I load 10.5 gr AA#5 under Oregon Trail hardcast 250's for 980 fps. Probably all I need, but to be 'loaded for bear', I put 20 gr H110 under the 250 (1,260 fps) or 300 RNFP (1,240 fps). This ensures that the Blackhawk bruises my palm. Yeah, I am happy with the old "long" Colt. For a good pistolero (not me, not yet) it is a great round...since 1873!

March 26, 2011, 03:51 PM	#14
mcwop Member Join Date: February 6, 2011 Posts: 34	Do love it through my Heritage SA. Just so expensive, need to reload myself. Would be a great self defense round, but for me worry is beyond the target. Anyone know if 45 LC will blow through anything like old horse-hair plaster walls and brick? I have a coach gun for home defense, not sure if I should ever have the 45 handy - I live in an old Victorian row-home - 1895.