Colt 45 Load

[Lizard333]

I just came across some dies at a yard sale for the Colt 45 and was looking to do some loads. I have a 225 gn RN bullet I use for my 45 ACP, could I use this for my Taruas Judge? If not, can someone recomend a good bullet design. I know I not going to get great accuracy out of the Judge, but I found the gun enjoyable to shoot, and would love to load up some plinking rounds. I shoot a lot into 6 inch steel plates at 15 to 25 yards, and if a load can hit metal at that range I am plenty happy enough.

[Char-Gar]

Please use the search function and you will find an abundance of information on the 45 Colt. I would also suggest you buy a good Handloading Manual for it will contain a multitude of tested and safe loading data for all uses.

[R.M.]

Does your 225 RN have a crimp groove?

[Lizard333]

Does your 225 RN have a crimp groove?

No, just one lube groove.

[Rocky Raab]

I load a 230 RNL for my 45 Colt plinking load. 6.0 of Bullseye, RedDot, American Select, AA#2, 700X, Nitro 100, Zip or any of five or six other fast burners will do ya just fine. Crimp lightly just over the break of the ogive.

[geargnasher]

+1 Chargar, you said what I was going to recommend.

Gear

[Dframe]

200 grain RNFP and 5.3 grains of Trail Boss

[superior]

I don't want to throw cold water on your fire, but you'd better be plinking much closer to the target if you intend to shoot boolits in the Judge. I have one and it's used strictly for snake shot.
( you'll see what I mean)

[Lizard333]

I'm fully aware of the inaccuracy of the judge hence the fact that I only want to load Plinker loads. I tried the search function but after 6 pages of results with no good answers I gave up. I enjoy shooting this pistol but can't stand to pay for loaded ammo or jacketed slugs. I am currently lacking the funds needed to purchase a mold so I thought I would throw it out there. Just trying to save some coin looking for a little help.

[hicard]

You might have to size the bullet as large as you can as the cylinder is way oversize to accomodate the 410 shell.

[Lizard333]

You might have to size the bullet as large as you can as the cylinder is way oversize to accomodate the 410 shell.

So your saying I might get leading in my cylinder before it even gets to the barrel?? Has anyone loaded for the judge and had any success??

[geargnasher]

There's a little trick involving some brass .410 hulls, and another involving 7.62X54 Russian brass, a lathe, and some patience, and I've heard that .444 Marlin brass can be modified also. The point being that you make a cartridge long enough to put the boolit out at the end of the cylinder so it doesn't rattle around in the chamber like a BB in a boxcar trying to find the hole in end of the cylinder when you fire it!

Gear