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Thread: Bullets lighter than 250gr in 45 Long Colt

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy MAGA's Avatar
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    Bullets lighter than 250gr in 45 Long Colt

    I have an 1873 SAA colt clone and the thing loves 255gr coated bullets and unique. I even load them down to 6.5gr or so. The problem is that 255's are expensive and I see that a lot of the cowboy shooters use 200's or even 180's or even 160's. Would I be able to use a lighter bullet going about the same speed and keep the POI close? I have the traditional fixed sights...
    Also how much less recoil would they have?

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master Outpost75's Avatar
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    Lighter bullet will shoot lower at all velocities. Revolver in recoil is a pendulum. Lower recoil impulse and shorter bore time leaves muzzle at lower angle of departure than load of heavier recoil impulse and/or longer bore time. You can't fight physics.
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  3. #3
    Boolit Master MyFlatline's Avatar
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    I can't see that big of a price difference between a 255 and 200.. I cast and coat the 255, quite simple. It is all relevant, pay or do.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master


    Walter Laich's Avatar
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    I know shooting SASS I can interchange 200 and 250 gr bullets with no problems

    I will say that at longer ranges it does make a difference
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  5. #5
    Boolit Grand Master fredj338's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Walter Laich View Post
    I know shooting SASS I can interchange 200 and 250 gr bullets with no problems

    I will say that at longer ranges it does make a difference
    I tend to agree. When I was shooting CAS, all I shot were 200gr @ 700fps or so. If I plugged in a 255gr, same vel, POI would be a bit higher at 15yd but not much. Individual guns will vary though.
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  6. #6
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    JonB_in_Glencoe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MAGA View Post
    SNIP...

    The problem is that 255's are expensive
    Expensive? aren't casting your own?
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    “If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.”
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