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View Full Version : Interested Loads For 45 Colt In Marlin Cb



44 WCF
10-06-2005, 09:30 PM
We have been shooting mostly shorter range steel targets and I was using Laser Cast 250 RNFP with ok results for steel plates etc at closer range and on paper out to 50 yards. But last weekend tried chickens at 100 on out to 200 yds. My popcorn loads couldnt' cut it. Put on a scope and bench shooting at 100 confirmed the lighter loads, while fun to shoot are not very consistent in this rifle. Anyone have favorite load for the 45 Colt in a rifle.
Any help in reducing load testing ((Cost))) would be appreciated.

This is my first venture with the 45 Colt, all previous has been with 44-40.

Thanks
44 WCF

26Charlie
10-06-2005, 10:24 PM
Have used 13 gr. 800-X, and 14 gr. HERCO with 250 gr. bullets in the M94 trapper with reasonable results at 100 yards, about 4 inch groups. The bullets are 454190, 454424, RCBS 45-250-FP and 45-250-SWC all in the 250 to 260 grain range. Note: the front sight had to be filed down to get the groups near the open sights, due to less barrel-time than the typical 800 fps loads. These loads are nearer 1250 - 1350 fps.

felix
10-07-2005, 12:39 AM
26Charlie's load of 14 grains Herco is at least 10 percent stronger than 13 grains 4756, mainly because of the inclusion of 10 percent nitroglycerin (at the same powder speed). The latter load in a 20 inch Winnie with a 250 grainer was clocked at 1475 average with a very low ES, say 10 or so. Accuracy was sufficient for off-hand beer cans at 50 yards. ... felix

StarMetal
10-07-2005, 12:54 AM
When I first got my Trapper 45LC I used my standard pistol load which is the RCBS 255 SWC overtop 9.0 grs of Unique. It shot this very well and even at 100 yards. My stiffer load was an unpostable load of a good healthy charge of 4227 with the same bullet. When I lived in PA for a stretch I hunted groundhogs with my Trapper and they weren't 50 yd shots either. I think I lucked out and got a good one. It's no chore to hit beer cans at 100 yds with the one I have. I do have receiver sights on it though. Then I picked up a Marlin Cowboy, one of the first batch and it shoots even better then my Trapper. I find myself not shooting the Trapper much nowadays. I did bag a buck in Ohio with the Trapper and that same RCBS bullet. The load chronoed over 1600 fps for that one.

Joe

w30wcf
10-11-2005, 12:35 PM
44 WCF,

I have used my pet loads .... 8/231 or 8.5/Universal under a .454" diameter 250 gr. cast bullet with good success on the 300 meter (327 yards) NRA steel javelina. From the bench using a lyman tang sight on my .45 Marlin Cowboy rifle, I have been able to hit 8 in a row without a miss. This target is 9" high x 22" long. Pretty thin on elevation, not bad for windage.

These loads are around 1,200 f.p.s. and for long range shooting, I put the powder to the back of the case for best consistancy by raising the muzzle before closing the lever completely.

If I want to go faster with the 250 gr. bullet, my powder of choice is H4227E.
A capacity load (26 grs.) gives over 1,700 f.p.s. at 30,000 p.s.i. with very good accuracy. (WARNING!! DO NOT USE THIS LOAD IN RIFLES WITH TOGGLE LINK ACTIONS! / 66's, '73's etc.)

For years I have neck sized my .45 Colt brass to about 1/16" below where the base of the bullet rests. That way the back of the case stays expanded to fit my rifle's individual chamber.

These cases chamber and extract with ease.

w30wcf