45 LC load developement HELP

Dogg · 11-02-2009, 02:13 PM

Hi everyone, I could use a little help. I would like to put together a load for my newest Hartford 92 in 45lc.
My reloading manual are pretty old (real old) and all I can find are loads for revolvers in the 800-900fps range.
What I have to work with is: 255 gr rnfp (purchased of Gunbroker not the best looking cast bullets.)
AA#5 or #9, prefer #5 since I have 5lbs of it.
WW large pistol primers
assorted cases.

I put together a bunch of rounds with 12.5gr of #5. They were not very impressive from the accuracy standpoint and felt pretty anemic from my point of view.
Don't have a chrono so don't know how fast but figure about 1150fps. Would like something in the 1600fps range (or More) for target and hunting.

Any input on starting points for powder or something that has worked good for you? I tried to get H110 but couldn't find any. Do have a lb of Littlegun. Suggestions of other powders which I might be able to find would be appreciated.
Dogg

Don McDowell · 11-02-2009, 02:34 PM

You'll need to get into the Ruger and TC loads to get much of a whizz bang out of that rifle.
Using powders like you have and unique etc, the velocity gain over handgun velocity will be somewhere around 150 fps. When you get into the slower powders like 2400 H110 etc the velocity gain will jump up to around 300 fps.

The charge weights for whatever powder you choose will be the same whether you're shooting a rifle or a handgun. What does change is the velocity due to the lack of cylinder gap and the longer barrel of the rifle.

EOD3 · 11-02-2009, 05:38 PM

I'll try to scare up some "good" data for you when I get home but... The Nosler #6 shows a (Ruger T/C) MAX load of #5 with a 250 grain bullet as 12.0 grains.

Caution is in order.

missionary5155 · 11-02-2009, 06:59 PM

Good evening
I have a Rossi 92 model (Interarms) . Unique makes a nice plinker so I imagine #5 will do about the same. Possible get into the 1300 fps with it.
The #9 is where you should get the power you want. I would start with a 17 grain load and work up at .5 grain increments. #9 seems to ignite and propell like 2400. Accurate manual shows all sorts of loads in the 44mag using #9 and that is where I got my info for my Rossi. 2400 just seemd to shoot a tad better.
BUT first... I would find out the real diameter of the throat and be sure that cast slug you have is going to be FAT enough. Most likely they are rock hard and are not going to obturate upon ignition. My Rossi prefers a .454+ diameter (plain base 265 gr FN) to handle 19 grains of 2400. I yet do not have a GC mold BUT if I need more "umph" I will get out a 45-70.
If you do a search in this LEVER ACTION FORUM you WILL turn up more info on up to date 45 Colt loads.

NickSS · 11-07-2009, 02:05 AM

I agree on what Missionary said if you want power you need to go to slower burning powder. No 9 is a good choice so is 2400, 4227, H110, win 296 and AA 1680. Most good loading manuals have loads that you can use but they generally peter out at Sammi standards. There is a good article at http://www.leverguns.com/articles/Default.htm

John Boy · 11-07-2009, 07:53 PM

6.2gr Titegroup = 881fps
5.8gr Red Dot = 850fps

11-02-2009, 02:13 PM	#1
Dogg Boolit Man Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 125	45 LC load developement HELP Hi everyone, I could use a little help. I would like to put together a load for my newest Hartford 92 in 45lc. My reloading manual are pretty old (real old) and all I can find are loads for revolvers in the 800-900fps range. What I have to work with is: 255 gr rnfp (purchased of Gunbroker not the best looking cast bullets.) AA#5 or #9, prefer #5 since I have 5lbs of it. WW large pistol primers assorted cases. I put together a bunch of rounds with 12.5gr of #5. They were not very impressive from the accuracy standpoint and felt pretty anemic from my point of view. Don't have a chrono so don't know how fast but figure about 1150fps. Would like something in the 1600fps range (or More) for target and hunting. Any input on starting points for powder or something that has worked good for you? I tried to get H110 but couldn't find any. Do have a lb of Littlegun. Suggestions of other powders which I might be able to find would be appreciated. Dogg

11-02-2009, 02:34 PM	#2
Don McDowell Boolit Master Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hell Gap Wy Posts: 659	You'll need to get into the Ruger and TC loads to get much of a whizz bang out of that rifle. Using powders like you have and unique etc, the velocity gain over handgun velocity will be somewhere around 150 fps. When you get into the slower powders like 2400 H110 etc the velocity gain will jump up to around 300 fps. The charge weights for whatever powder you choose will be the same whether you're shooting a rifle or a handgun. What does change is the velocity due to the lack of cylinder gap and the longer barrel of the rifle. __________________ GUSA #6

11-02-2009, 06:59 PM	#4
missionary5155 Boolit Master Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Danville, Ill till January Posts: 1,612	Good evening I have a Rossi 92 model (Interarms) . Unique makes a nice plinker so I imagine #5 will do about the same. Possible get into the 1300 fps with it. The #9 is where you should get the power you want. I would start with a 17 grain load and work up at .5 grain increments. #9 seems to ignite and propell like 2400. Accurate manual shows all sorts of loads in the 44mag using #9 and that is where I got my info for my Rossi. 2400 just seemd to shoot a tad better. BUT first... I would find out the real diameter of the throat and be sure that cast slug you have is going to be FAT enough. Most likely they are rock hard and are not going to obturate upon ignition. My Rossi prefers a .454+ diameter (plain base 265 gr FN) to handle 19 grains of 2400. I yet do not have a GC mold BUT if I need more "umph" I will get out a 45-70. If you do a search in this LEVER ACTION FORUM you WILL turn up more info on up to date 45 Colt loads. __________________ God Bless You ! John 10:27 Desert Burrowing Owl Found around our mountain area. This particular one is a member of a family that lives at my shooting area. Birds are 6-8 inches tall and live on rodents and lizards.

11-02-2009, 05:38 PM	#3
EOD3 Boolit Master Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: East Bay, PRK Posts: 356	I'll try to scare up some "good" data for you when I get home but... The Nosler #6 shows a (Ruger T/C) MAX load of #5 with a 250 grain bullet as 12.0 grains. Caution is in order.

11-07-2009, 02:05 AM	#5
NickSS Boolit Master Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 931	I agree on what Missionary said if you want power you need to go to slower burning powder. No 9 is a good choice so is 2400, 4227, H110, win 296 and AA 1680. Most good loading manuals have loads that you can use but they generally peter out at Sammi standards. There is a good article at http://www.leverguns.com/articles/Default.htm

11-07-2009, 07:53 PM	#6
John Boy Boolit Master Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: South Jersey Posts: 843	6.2gr Titegroup = 881fps 5.8gr Red Dot = 850fps __________________ Regards John