The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Will .45 ACP bullets work in .45 Colt cases?

Master Blaster · May 6, 2005, 09:45 AM

Just my opinion BUT:

The 45 colt case is a big case, lots of volume, designed for black powder. The loads you are using are small charges relative to the case volume. In order to produce consistent velocity with a fast burning powder and a small charge, or even a slow burning powder and a large charge volume, You need a Heavy bullet, AND a real good roll crimp. Thats to make sure the powder burns completely and consistently and you get uniform pressure prior to the bullet leaving the case.

So while you can use the jacketed 230 grainer with no roll crimp/ crimp groove. You will not get consistent velocity or good accuracy. Even with light target charges you are better off with a heavy (at least 250 gr) bullet and a roll crimp.

May 6, 2005, 09:45 AM	#6
Master Blaster Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 1999 Location: One of the original 13 Colonies Posts: 2,281	Just my opinion BUT: The 45 colt case is a big case, lots of volume, designed for black powder. The loads you are using are small charges relative to the case volume. In order to produce consistent velocity with a fast burning powder and a small charge, or even a slow burning powder and a large charge volume, You need a Heavy bullet, AND a real good roll crimp. Thats to make sure the powder burns completely and consistently and you get uniform pressure prior to the bullet leaving the case. So while you can use the jacketed 230 grainer with no roll crimp/ crimp groove. You will not get consistent velocity or good accuracy. Even with light target charges you are better off with a heavy (at least 250 gr) bullet and a roll crimp.