.45 Colt and IMR 4227 rifle loads

[rondog]

Using Lee 255gr LFN's, powdercoated, I've had good luck with 21gr of IMR40227 in my 24" Rossi 92 rifle. But now I have a 30" Uberti 1873 and am wondering if I need a hotter load for the longer barrel, or a weaker load, or what.

Any advice? I want to use the hottest loads I can, to reach the steel plates that are waaaay out there.

[Greg S]

73's aren't known for their strength like the 92s. I'd stick with Colt loads until someone says otherwise.

[USSR]

Personally, I wouldn't go above 20 grains in a Model 73.

Don

[USSR]

IMR suggests 17.7gr of 4227 at 14k CUP for a 250gr lead bullet in .45 Colt.

Don

[cowboy4evr]

Brian Pierce , a few yrs ago did an article in Handloader mag on the 45 Colt . Now this was written using the RCBS 270swc , not a 255 gr cast bullet . It was broken down into 3 categories . In cat 1 (14K psi) , he had no 4227 loads . In cat2 (20K psi) he had a max charge of 20. / 4227 . In cat 3 (32K psi) he had a minimum of 22grs and a max of 24grs of IMR 4227 . Regards, Paul

[Jedman]

I use I 4227 in my 45 Colt rifles and believe it's one of the best powders as you don't need to load it to maximum pressures to get it to burn well or give good accuracy.
In the 1873 I would stay near the 14 K loads give or take a grain or two whatever gives you the best accuracy.

Jedman

[rondog]

I fired several that had that bullet over 6.5 gr of Titegroup, and wasn't impressed with them. They hit the ground far short of the 200 yard target. Thought I'd brought a box of the 21gr loads, but it turned out to be a box full of fired cases. But I'll definitely heed the advice here!

[Win94ae]

Hot loads are not needed to shoot "way out there." I have hit 350 yard targets with my 686. If you're hitting low, aim higher.

[sghart3578]

Hot loads are not needed to shoot "way out there." I have hit 350 yard targets with my 686. If you're hitting low, aim higher.

That quote can double as life advice as well.

[C. Latch]

The '73 is the last action I'd want to hotrod.