Please educate me - 45 Long Colt

Ron7624 · October 14, 2015, 02:22 PM

Even though I'm a hand loader - Still have my equipment, I have not rolled any in 10 years. So I just bought a pistol, my ffl is receiving it tomorrow and I need something to shoot. I may buy the dyes as I just retired and will have time to start hand loading now.

I know 45 Colt is loaded all the way from target to bear loads - I need somthing that will shoot out of a Uberti SA Cattleman. It is a brand new in box gun, but doubt it is designed to handle much more than cowboy action loads... I'm guessing that is some pretty light stuff, or is it close to standard 45acp loads?

Anyone have a breakdown of the different types of loads for that gun and what they are referred to? Are there any defensive loads that are safe?
I will use it for plinking, but have been a shooter all my live (I'm older lol) - so want to shoot something reasonable in it that's safe.
Any opinions and suggestions are appreciated.
Edit.. So in my reading I see the correct designation is 45 Colt. 45 Long Colt may be wrong but was widely seen in much of my reading.

Doc Hoy · October 14, 2015, 03:46 PM

ten times more experienced than I am.

But I load black powder of subs. It is a nice emotional shooting experience.

Ron7624 · October 14, 2015, 04:17 PM

Yes sir, I understand there are a bunch of smart and experienced folks roaming around here. That's why I asked. There are the +P loads that I shall not venture close to, but cowboy loads are fine, I'm just wondering if the standard stuff would be ok. It's a modern day copy of the Colt SAA, so I' guessing they are ok, but i'm looking for confirmation from the folks that know.

g.willikers · October 14, 2015, 04:23 PM

As long as you're already sitting at your computer, might as well take a gander at the powder companies' reloading data web pages.
All the powder manufacturers have plenty of reliable info on their web sites.
What powder(s) do you prefer?

Ron7624 · October 14, 2015, 04:26 PM

I'm not looking to reload yet. I've got to dust off my stuff, buy some dyes, etc. I just want to buy a box of 50-I'm getting a new gun tomorrow - and am wondering if standard 45 Colt ammo is ok for the Uberti. If not, I'll buy a box of the cowboy stuff.
Edit:
I've searched google for the answer and haven't found much on the strength or weaknesses of the Uberti.

g.willikers · October 14, 2015, 04:34 PM

What me worry?
If you're really concerned that a major manufacturer like Uberti makes inferior products, then play it safe and get the light stuff.
But why would that even cross your mind?
And since it did, why would you buy one in the first place?

Ron7624 · October 14, 2015, 04:35 PM

@g.willikers to answer your question, I've got a couple of cans of Unique for my 44 special loads and some H110 for my magnums, so I imagine I'll use the Unique for handloading for the 45. Probably on a 250 or a 230 grain bullet. I'll have to find all that too lol

g.willikers · October 14, 2015, 04:38 PM

It sounds like if you want something to worry over, it might be the age and condition of ten year old powders rather than the gun.

Ron7624 · October 14, 2015, 04:38 PM

Just being thorough. I've got handguns for defense, this is about the only 'toy' I've bought myself recently, and with a decent handgun costing around 800 bucks plus now a days, I am just thinking this 400 dollar purchase may need to be investigated before shooting it.
I feel sure it will be good, but if anyone out there knows something I don't, this is the place to find out

Ron7624 · October 14, 2015, 04:40 PM

It sounds like if you want something to worry over, it might be the age of the powders rather than the gun.
Cute. So to you it sounds like I'm worrying? Sigh.

Ron7624 · October 14, 2015, 04:46 PM

I just found an old thread here that @Hafoc had referenced the gun and the info I was looking for. Posted a couple of years ago, and is useful.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330574

g.willikers · October 14, 2015, 04:48 PM

Well, if it helps you sleep better, if you weren't already aware, Uberti is a division of Benelli.
They have a decent reputation for making guns - and motorcycles.
Worry less, shoot more.
Now, if you were going to track test one of their super fast bikes, that's a reason to worry.

mehavey · October 14, 2015, 05:38 PM

Standard SAAMI 45 Colt loads (250gr/850-900fps(max)/14,000CUP) are fine.
On the other hand, shooting Cor-Bon, Buffalo Bore & Glaser are "+P" (in quotes)
and are not fine over any extended use.

Ron7624 · October 14, 2015, 05:44 PM

Thanks for that. No way I'm putting any + loads through it. I was just verifying that the standard load was Okay. I've yet to buy anything for it yet, in the research stage now.

g.willikers · October 14, 2015, 05:48 PM

Remember, also, these guns are proof tested at pressures way over their intended working pressure.
So, even an occasional hefty load won't do lasting harm.
It's already been done at least once before.
See, it's too late for all that concern.

Besides, what's the worse that could happen?
It ain't like there's a shortage of old farts around here.

bedbugbilly · October 14, 2015, 06:18 PM

Ron - sent you a PM in regards to 45 Colt.

Sevens · October 14, 2015, 06:59 PM

Wow, too much heat for a serious, valid question. Sheesh.

.45 Colt has two "accepted" and mostly "standardized" levels of power although SAAMI only recognizes the lower level (unless SAAMI has made a change that I am unaware of...) and frankly, there are only a few handguns that are advertised to handle the hotter .45 Colt.

The Uberti is a modern, new production revolver that will be very happy to digest the standard (low pressure) .45 Colt and absolutely should NOT be fed any of the "Ruger/Freedom only" heavy .45 Colt loads. EVER, for any reason.

I do fear that you may just destroy your pants when you see the price tag on .45 Colt factory ammo... you need to get yourself re-familiarized with your handloading skills ASAP if you plan to shoot .45 Colt.

Jim Watson · October 14, 2015, 07:32 PM

Quote:

It is a brand new in box gun, but doubt it is designed to handle much more than cowboy action loads.

Where do people GET this nonsense?
Don't let the Internet Experts and Gunstore Commandos make you timid.

The standard smokeless load for .45 Colt has been a 250 gr bullet at 850 fps (in the longer barrels) for 75 years that I know of, I have the catalogs and load data.
The Italians have been making fair to good copies of Colt revolvers for 40+ years that I know of, I have the catalogs.
In those days, there were no tenderfeet demanding light loads, the full nitro-for-black ammo was all there was. The guns were built and proof tested to handle them.

Don't give it any of the overloaded "Ruger only" stuff and it will be fine.

Tidewater_Kid · October 14, 2015, 10:10 PM

I load BP, Unique and Trail Boss in my .45LC. I usually bullet weights between 230 and 250 grains. Trail Boss makes a nice plinking load and both BP and Unique will surprise you with their power.

Easy charts published online for loads.

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

TK

Ron7624 · October 15, 2015, 10:44 AM

All righty then. Thanks all, I've bought the green and yellow box / regular load stuff. Now for my new addition to come in tomorrow, then for Sat morning to roll around so I can be out of ammo again lol.

mehavey · October 15, 2015, 11:41 AM

Quote:

...green and yellow box...

gyvel · October 15, 2015, 11:57 AM

"Green & yellow"=Remington.^^^^^^^

Ron7624 · October 15, 2015, 12:05 PM

yup, green and yellow box is Remington - 250 grain Lead RN box of 50.

Cost was not reasonable, but I didn't expect it to be. With shipping, those are .95¢ each. I gotta dust off the reloading bench - at least I will have some brass to use.

maxvauderk · October 17, 2015, 07:24 PM

Trail boss is great, I stumbled on this thread seeking data on B.P. .45lc loads, so far I have only used trail boss behind 250, 230, and 200gr lead I think you will be safe, working up untill you see signs of pressure, or you find the muzzle flip a bit much for shooting holes in paper without a actual grizzly bear charging you, as I did. 5.7 gr was more than needed I felt, and started back at 5.5 and stayed there. Good luck.

Ron7624 · October 17, 2015, 08:05 PM

The Uberti finally came today. What a well made pistol! It felt good in the hand. The trigger broke at a very clean 3.5 lbs. really sweet. USPS delivered it to my FFL at 4:30 pm so no range time today. Tomorrow will be a nice day, and a perfect day to scare some paper.
Thanks for all the advice and conversation.

October 14, 2015, 02:22 PM	#1
Ron7624 Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 36	Please educate me - 45 Colt Even though I'm a hand loader - Still have my equipment, I have not rolled any in 10 years. So I just bought a pistol, my ffl is receiving it tomorrow and I need something to shoot. I may buy the dyes as I just retired and will have time to start hand loading now. I know 45 Colt is loaded all the way from target to bear loads - I need somthing that will shoot out of a Uberti SA Cattleman. It is a brand new in box gun, but doubt it is designed to handle much more than cowboy action loads... I'm guessing that is some pretty light stuff, or is it close to standard 45acp loads? Anyone have a breakdown of the different types of loads for that gun and what they are referred to? Are there any defensive loads that are safe? I will use it for plinking, but have been a shooter all my live (I'm older lol) - so want to shoot something reasonable in it that's safe. Any opinions and suggestions are appreciated. Edit.. So in my reading I see the correct designation is 45 Colt. 45 Long Colt may be wrong but was widely seen in much of my reading. Last edited by Ron7624; October 15, 2015 at 11:08 AM.

October 14, 2015, 03:46 PM	#2
Doc Hoy Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 5,440	There are folks on the forum who are . .. . ten times more experienced than I am. But I load black powder of subs. It is a nice emotional shooting experience. __________________ Seek truth. Relax. Take a breath.

October 14, 2015, 04:23 PM	#4
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	As long as you're already sitting at your computer, might as well take a gander at the powder companies' reloading data web pages. All the powder manufacturers have plenty of reliable info on their web sites. What powder(s) do you prefer? __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

October 14, 2015, 04:34 PM	#6
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	What me worry? If you're really concerned that a major manufacturer like Uberti makes inferior products, then play it safe and get the light stuff. But why would that even cross your mind? And since it did, why would you buy one in the first place? __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

October 14, 2015, 04:38 PM	#8
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	It sounds like if you want something to worry over, it might be the age and condition of ten year old powders rather than the gun. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

October 14, 2015, 04:17 PM	#3
Ron7624 Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 36	Yes sir, I understand there are a bunch of smart and experienced folks roaming around here. That's why I asked. There are the +P loads that I shall not venture close to, but cowboy loads are fine, I'm just wondering if the standard stuff would be ok. It's a modern day copy of the Colt SAA, so I' guessing they are ok, but i'm looking for confirmation from the folks that know.

October 14, 2015, 04:26 PM	#5
Ron7624 Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 36	I'm not looking to reload yet. I've got to dust off my stuff, buy some dyes, etc. I just want to buy a box of 50-I'm getting a new gun tomorrow - and am wondering if standard 45 Colt ammo is ok for the Uberti. If not, I'll buy a box of the cowboy stuff. Edit: I've searched google for the answer and haven't found much on the strength or weaknesses of the Uberti.

October 14, 2015, 04:35 PM	#7
Ron7624 Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 36	@g.willikers to answer your question, I've got a couple of cans of Unique for my 44 special loads and some H110 for my magnums, so I imagine I'll use the Unique for handloading for the 45. Probably on a 250 or a 230 grain bullet. I'll have to find all that too lol

October 14, 2015, 04:40 PM	#10
Ron7624 Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 36	It sounds like if you want something to worry over, it might be the age of the powders rather than the gun. Cute. So to you it sounds like I'm worrying? Sigh.

October 14, 2015, 04:46 PM	#11
Ron7624 Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 36	I just found an old thread here that @Hafoc had referenced the gun and the info I was looking for. Posted a couple of years ago, and is useful. http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330574

October 14, 2015, 04:48 PM	#12
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Well, if it helps you sleep better, if you weren't already aware, Uberti is a division of Benelli. They have a decent reputation for making guns - and motorcycles. Worry less, shoot more. Now, if you were going to track test one of their super fast bikes, that's a reason to worry. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.” Last edited by g.willikers; October 14, 2015 at 04:54 PM.

October 14, 2015, 05:38 PM	#13
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,894	Standard SAAMI 45 Colt loads (250gr/850-900fps(max)/14,000CUP) are fine. On the other hand, shooting Cor-Bon, Buffalo Bore & Glaser are "+P" (in quotes) and are not fine over any extended use.

October 14, 2015, 05:44 PM	#14
Ron7624 Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 36	Thanks for that. No way I'm putting any + loads through it. I was just verifying that the standard load was Okay. I've yet to buy anything for it yet, in the research stage now.

October 14, 2015, 05:48 PM	#15
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Remember, also, these guns are proof tested at pressures way over their intended working pressure. So, even an occasional hefty load won't do lasting harm. It's already been done at least once before. See, it's too late for all that concern. Besides, what's the worse that could happen? It ain't like there's a shortage of old farts around here. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

October 14, 2015, 06:18 PM	#16
bedbugbilly Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Posts: 3,287	Ron - sent you a PM in regards to 45 Colt. __________________ If a pair of '51 Navies were good enough for Billy Hickok, then a single Navy on my right hip is good enough for me . . . besides . . . I'm probably only half as good as he was anyways. Hiram's Rangers Badge #63

October 14, 2015, 06:59 PM	#17
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Wow, too much heat for a serious, valid question. Sheesh. .45 Colt has two "accepted" and mostly "standardized" levels of power although SAAMI only recognizes the lower level (unless SAAMI has made a change that I am unaware of...) and frankly, there are only a few handguns that are advertised to handle the hotter .45 Colt. The Uberti is a modern, new production revolver that will be very happy to digest the standard (low pressure) .45 Colt and absolutely should NOT be fed any of the "Ruger/Freedom only" heavy .45 Colt loads. EVER, for any reason. I do fear that you may just destroy your pants when you see the price tag on .45 Colt factory ammo... you need to get yourself re-familiarized with your handloading skills ASAP if you plan to shoot .45 Colt. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

October 14, 2015, 10:10 PM	#19
Tidewater_Kid Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 925	I load BP, Unique and Trail Boss in my .45LC. I usually bullet weights between 230 and 250 grains. Trail Boss makes a nice plinking load and both BP and Unique will surprise you with their power. Easy charts published online for loads. http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/ TK

October 15, 2015, 10:44 AM	#20
Ron7624 Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 36	All righty then. Thanks all, I've bought the green and yellow box / regular load stuff. Now for my new addition to come in tomorrow, then for Sat morning to roll around so I can be out of ammo again lol.

October 15, 2015, 11:57 AM	#22
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	"Green & yellow"=Remington.^^^^^^^ __________________ As always, YMMV. __________________________________________ MIIAA SIFE

October 15, 2015, 12:05 PM	#23
Ron7624 Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 36	yup, green and yellow box is Remington - 250 grain Lead RN box of 50. Cost was not reasonable, but I didn't expect it to be. With shipping, those are .95¢ each. I gotta dust off the reloading bench - at least I will have some brass to use.

October 17, 2015, 07:24 PM	#24
maxvauderk Junior Member Join Date: November 19, 2010 Posts: 6	Trail boss. Trail boss is great, I stumbled on this thread seeking data on B.P. .45lc loads, so far I have only used trail boss behind 250, 230, and 200gr lead I think you will be safe, working up untill you see signs of pressure, or you find the muzzle flip a bit much for shooting holes in paper without a actual grizzly bear charging you, as I did. 5.7 gr was more than needed I felt, and started back at 5.5 and stayed there. Good luck.

October 17, 2015, 08:05 PM	#25
Ron7624 Member Join Date: May 18, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 36	The Uberti finally came today. What a well made pistol! It felt good in the hand. The trigger broke at a very clean 3.5 lbs. really sweet. USPS delivered it to my FFL at 4:30 pm so no range time today. Tomorrow will be a nice day, and a perfect day to scare some paper. Thanks for all the advice and conversation. Last edited by Ron7624; October 21, 2015 at 12:52 PM.