Loading .45 Colt with Holy Black

[Don McDowell]

Off thread a bit, but any slick comments on cleaning after you run the black thru a revolver?? I still cringe at the nightmare of rust/corrosion........Lee

Most any combination of soap and water( Simple Green and water is my favorite) or even just plain water, wet a patch use a jag (not the slotted tips). Run a few thru the bore, then clean each chamber in the cylinder. Dry patch everything and then oil the gun inside and out.
Cleaning the cases is almost more trouble than cleaning the gun.

[w30wcf]

As I understand it, the original loading for the .45 Colt was a 250 grain LRN over 40 grains 3FG. I can not find any info on whether or not a wad is needed between the powder and the bullet.
Thank You.

Here's a pic of an early .45 Colt b.p. cartridge. THere was no wad between the bullet and the powder charge.


w30wcf

[Gellot Wilde]

Wow, they used a HB bullet too...I assumed (wrongly) that they were flat.

Maybe I need to pay a little more attention when I'm reading.

[Duck45LC]

with a hollow base bullet won't you have an air gap or is it not enough to worry about. new to reloading would like to try son bp 45 long colts.

[Duck45LC]

newbie here: would like to try loading some BP 45lc looks like i'm in the right spot for information. The biggest thing i have heard is Do not have any air space with BP. Wouldn't a hollow base bullet cause an air-gap or is it small enough not to worry about.

[Don McDowell]

As long as the skirts are in firm contact with the powder or the wad over the powder there's no problem.

[Dale53]

All of my black powder loading for revolvers use my own cast bullets. The Lyman 452664 was my choice as it had a nice large "square" lube groove. For black powder, I use 30/1 lead/tin (the same alloy I used in my BPCR). This shoots extremely well and does not lead at all.

The original Keith 454424 (with square deep and wide lube groove should work just as well but doesn't look "period" if that matters.

I have cast up some 200 gr "Big Lube" bullets from a borrowed mould but have yet to try them. It should happen this spring.

FWIW
Dale53

[Duck45LC]

dale53 what do you use to decap at the range with

[wills]

dale53 what do you use to decap at the range with

This is a .40-65. Should be able to get one for .45 Colt

[Don McDowell]

I use the lee hand press with the universal decapping die.

[Dale53]

Duck45LC;
You can use any number of methods - from the simple punch and base to the pliers type that Wills mentions and pictures above. I use a "Jake" Simmons Pope Style de-capper. It is quick, efficient, and precise.

Dale53

[Duck45LC]

thanks guys ive been looking for a Lyman 310 hand loader and was wondering if they have a decapping die seperate of the sizing die for range decapping 45lc. Haven't loaded any with bp yet but i want to get all tools necessary for when i do.

[Yance]

thanks guys ive been looking for a Lyman 310 hand loader and was wondering if they have a decapping die seperate of the sizing die for range decapping 45lc. Haven't loaded any with bp yet but i want to get all tools necessary for when i do.

Lyman did make a "universal" decapping die for the 310 tool. Mine doesn't have a number stamped on it. I have one I use at matches and it'll do any CF cartridge up to .45-90, and works with either the large or small 310 handles, the only difference being the length of the threaded portion.

It does help to have the correct size insert in the handle if you're doing smaller cases like 38 Special, but with the .45 Colt you'll be fine.