Recipe for a .454 wadcutter, 172 grain? 45 Long Colt?

[sidecarmike]

I just picked up a real nice vintage Lee mold for a 172 grain wadcutter. I thought I might try it for paper punching with the Ruger Vaquero. If I can find a good load, I might even try it in the 45/70.
Anyone have any experience with anything this light? I'm not finding anything in any of the books I own.

Thanks,
Mike

[Ben]

It may not work so well at .454 " in a 45/70.
I'm not aware of any with bore dimensions that small.

[sidecarmike]

It may not work so well at .454 " in a 45/70.
I'm not aware of any with bore dimensions that small.

I know a gent who swears by paper patching. I thought it might be a good candidate to play with.

I also have a Circuit Judge chambered in 45 Colt.

[bobthenailer]

I have some info with the Saeco 255gr wc if needed /

Have some info with a Lyman #45468 175 gr rn with a col of 1.560 loaded in the 45 LC

red dot - 4.0 to 7.0 grs @885

Unique - 6.0 to 10.5 grs @1035

green dot - 4.5 to 7.5 grs @935

700x - 4.0 to 7.0 grs @910

Expect about another 100 + fps using a normal seated wc of around 1.385 seated flush and 1.480 if crimped in the crimp grove with about 50 fps more over the 175 Lyman with a col of 1.560

[Noah Mercy]

I have had incredible groups from full wadcutter loads in 44 Special using Hodgdon Clays...I'm talking .3 inch groups at 25 yards from my Super Redhawk (scoped off a bench, mind you- ain't no WAY I'm that good a shot!). I never found a book load for this combo, and had to extrapolate from existing data. These only runs about 620 fps from a 7 1/2" barrel, and recoil is like a .22, but the groups out to fifty yards are astounding. WW alloy, as-cast, Alox lube, and the lightest kiss of a roll crimp.

Trail Boss might be a great choice for your project, too, since you should be able to run near 100% load density without any danger of high pressure, despite not having data available. Better yet, try some black powder or a substitute! Mmmmm...smokey goodness...