fffG Loads in My Ruger Vaquero 45acp

[Terry37932]

I just purchased a Ruger Vaquero with a 3.75in barrel in 45acp. I'm looking for loading data using fffG, I will be loading LRN bullets weighing approximately 230gr to 240gr. Can anyone help me out? I know that I have to load by volume not by weight.

Thanks

[Char-Gar]

I have never done that or even wanted to, but should I do it, I would just use all the powder that can be put in the case, compressed with a compression die and the bullet seated. There is no way, you can get enough powder in that case to get into pressure trouble.

[M-Tecs]

Good threads here

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?130612-Colt-45-black-powder-load

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?109053-45-Colt-Lighter-Loads-For-My-WIFE-to-shoot

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?201639-Cleaning-a-Colt-SAA-45-after-Blackpowder

http://www.jspublications.net/tips/45ColtBP.html

[bedbugbilly]

+1 to above - and use black powder lube - you'll need it to keep fouling soft. I load 38 Colt Short/Long and Special with 3F Goex. As mentioned, you'll want to use a "compressed load" - i.e. no air space with BP. On my 38s, I fill casing to about an 1/8 below case mouth and compress the load when seating the lead boolit. Pay attention to powder level in casing in comparison to seating depth to insure you are getting compressed loads.

I have no idea of what your results will be with the 45 ACP casing and the boolits you are using. The case volume doesn't seem like it would allow for a whole lot of BP when you consider seating depth - but hey - it's worth a try! As you get going though, just make sure you keep track and look for "squibs" as you progress. After a cylinder full, you should be able to tell how well it will work out for you. . . . that is if you can wipe the smile off your face and concentrate. LOL Maybe someone who has tried it with the 45 ACP will chime in as I'd love to hear about it.

BP loads are lots of fun - I have a 357 NV that the 38s shoot well out of. Let us know how it works out please. Good luck!

[Don McDowell]

Couple of points.
First make sure your bullets are lubed with a blackpowder cartridge lube.
Second, no it's the subs that get measured by volume, real black gets weighed..
So to start off measure how deep the base of the bullet will be in the case, then fill the case with powder to just a smidge above that point. Weigh that powder charge and that'll be your starting point. You can add or subtract a grain or 5 from there once you get started into the serious load development.

[Nobade]

I have a short barrel USFA with the interchangeable cylinders, and end up using it with 45 ACP most of the time. It hits about a foot high with full 45 Colt loads, and right to the aimpoint with ACP. Since I primarily kill paper with it, I like the bit about being able to use half the powder for a more accurate load that doesn't tear up my hand from recoil. (factory checkered grips. Need to change those some day!)

Anyhow, I use either a SAECO roundnose ball type boolit, the NOE biglube type one, H&G#68, or pretty much any other type that has a decent size lube groove. Cast from air cooled wheelweight/range scrap mix, and lubed with a good BP type lube. Load is usually about 18gr. FFFg, or as much as will fit without distorting the boolit when it is seated. Old Eynsford or Swiss powder is the way to go, you want as much power as possible. A good taper crimp to hold it all together. These also run quite well through my 1911 with no problems and very good accuracy. 45 ACP brass is soft enough to not need to be annealed to get it to seal, so it's pretty clean shooting.

-Nobade