45LC for beginners

[Wolfdog91]

My buddy who I reload for ( he gives me all the materials and the gun for load development) was asking about casting and loading him some cast 45lc. He's got the brass,primers ect just wanted to know what would be a good mold. Never messed with 45lc,like at all so figured I'd ask here. Figured I'd have to go with something from NOE since everything else is outta stock,but what's a good general purpose mold for 45lc?

[paul edward]

Not familiar with NOE offerings. I have had good results with the Lee 452-255-RF. It's shape is very close to the original bullet design. Unlike the Lyman 452190, it has a decent crimping groove.

[Iron369]

Anything. 45lc is about as easy to load for as anything. It’s one of the oldest and most known cartridges. Load it hit. Load it mild. It’s VERY versatile depending on your needs.

[FLINTNFIRE]

Single action army loads or Ruger loads , revolver or for a rifle ? I load the Lee bullet and offerings from NOE and MP along with others , from 200 grains to heavy , I find I enjoy the milder loadings and have not loaded Ruger only loads in awhile .

Since I am mainly loading for 1873 replica pistols and rifles I like the Lee or a similar flat nose or hollow point so I can use in both .

[JoeJames]

My buddy who I reload for ( he gives me all the materials and the gun for load development) was asking about casting and loading him some cast 45lc. He's got the brass,primers ect just wanted to know what would be a good mold. Never messed with 45lc,like at all so figured I'd ask here. Figured I'd have to go with something from NOE since everything else is outta stock,but what's a good general purpose mold for 45lc?I am kind of curious myself. A cousin-in-law here shoots 45 LC, and has been saving his brass. I’ve idly been checking S&S for dies and molds. He shoots a Ruger BH.

[onelight]

I would start by finding out what he has been shooting and is he happy with that . If he is I would work on something similar in bullet weight and velocity to that load .

[CastingFool]

I second the lee 452-255-RF. Use it in my rbh and bbs. I also use the 200 rf, to save a little lead. Lol

[matrixcs]

I second the lee 452-255-RF. Use it in my rbh and bbs. I also use the 200 rf, to save a little lead. Lol

I use the same 2 molds. They both work well in pistol and rifle.

[Froogal]

I use the LEE 452-200 rnfp. Never had an issue after thousands of bullets.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

The 200 gr Lee should work. The Cowboy shooters do a lot of light loading. Some of their sites should have info. The Cowboy shooters even go down to 160 gr bullets. Accurate could make the mold if he doesn't already list one and you can specify bullet size. I use a commercial 155 SWC but a many 45 Colt's need a fatter bullet - .453,.454 or so. If you gun will shoot .452, there are many choices, both molds and commercial cast. For 'back country' carry, the 250-260 SWC or 'Keith' bullet at 900+ works for most any purpose.

[ryanmattes]

I have the NOE 454-255-SWC Keith profile and I'm very happy with it. Good general purpose slug. Punches perfectly round holes in paper, and people still use it for hunting.
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[bimus]

My only load for 45 Colt for years was using Lee 228 grain round nose the same bullet I used in the 45 ACP . 45 Colt is a good example of saving your brass casting your own bullets and shooting a lot for less money .

[clintsfolly]

As you asked about NOE molds I use the 454-265. It a WFN style casts fast easy and shoots great. I used this bullet to shoot a 1000 lbs Longhorn cow. Used a medium load of HS-6 and got penetration of 28-32” and the last shot broke up two vertebrae.

[barkerwc4362]

It depends on what you want to do. I have a Ruger Blackhawk and a Rossi 92 in 45 LC. The Ruger has had loads worked up for the RCBS 185gr SWCBB and bullseye to the RCBS 255gr SWC (actual weight 270gr) and 2400. All are in Federal cases. The bullseye load has virtually no recoil, incredibly accurate, but have to raise the rear sight all the way up to zero at 25 yds. The 2400 load is almost as accurate, manageable recoil, but must lower the rear sight all the way down to zero. The Rossi load is 2400 with the RCBS 255gr SWC in Remington cases. All bullets are shot as cast, only run through the sizer to lube. The 255s cast just over .454. The Federal cases are from the early 80s when Federal made their 45 LC cases as stout as their 44 Mag cases. There is a one grain difference in powder between the Rossi and the Blackhawk 255gr loads.

Bill

[gwpercle]

There isn't a lot of 45 moulds available at NOE ... I spotted one #453-240-RF-AB4 , it is a 2 cavity brass mould , which would be a 240 gr. round flat good for lever action rifle feeding & revolver .
The 454-255 SWC (Keith) my handgun choice ... I didn't see any in stock , might want to place an order for what's available now ... there may be more available ...I didn't check them all ...
Good mould Hunting
Gary

[John Boy]

Clone of the original Colt 454190 ... http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-250D

[Walks]

I've become very fond of the N.O.E. #453-247-SWC. It's an excellent version of the LYMAN/Keith #452423 SWC.
It's become My go to bullet for all .45 Caliber revolvers. Initially designed for the .45 Auto Rim, I switched to it because the mid 1970's #454424 SWC switch over to the smaller diameter #452424 created a bullet with a longer nose that wouldn't always fit in a COLT SAA or spaghetti revolver. The late 1970's 2cav version I have, creates an O.A.L. that is too long to chamber in a Ruger New Vaquero. That being said, I Love the old #454190 and the SAECO #453, a 225gr FWC.

If your Buddy shoots paper, I'd go with a SWC or FWC. If He's shooting steel or cans a RNFP; Lee #452-200-RF or #452-255-RF.
A Great bullet for a rifle is the Lee #452-230-TC. I used it for years in Cowboy Shooting, feeds Smooth in a Lever Rifle. And it works great in the full power .45ACP Loads it was designed for.

And the Ancient Lyman #454190, I just LOVE it, it Looks Cool, shoots Great and is just plain fun.
I guess My brain would explode if I had to choose just one. And I didn't even mention the Lyman #452664 RNFP and the RCBS
#45-230-CM.

Sorry I guess I'm not much help choosing a .45Colt bullet. But I'll say this, when I got My first .45Colt ?
I started with the Lyman #452374 RN and #452488 SWC, simply because I had them on hand for my .45ACP 1911.

[Castaway]

Lee 255 RNFP for plinking and hunting along with Unique, either of the 4227’s, or H110 makes the cartridge one of the most versatile to load or shoot. Although I use H110, it’s never given the best accuracy for me but the 4227’s both shoot great

[Outpost75]

A good general purpose load which approximates factory velocity and energy, which is accurate and shoots well in anything, is a 250-260 grain flat-point conical similar to the original bullet shape, loaded with 6.5 grains of Bullseye, TiteGroup, Red Dot, 700X or Promo. With smokeless powder you DO want a crimp groove.

For hunting use a larger meplat is more effective. For revolver use the Keith type bullets up to 270-grains are preferred, but some of the lever-action cowboy rifles so not feed them reliably without tinkering.

I like the Accurate designs and these are the bullets I use mostly:

280812280813

[mdi]

When I start loading a new-to-me cartridge, I look at the original bullet/load of the cartridge or one similar and popular load (like 9mm began with a 124 gr FMJTC to 1,200 fps). I would (and did) start with a 250 gr RNFP like the bullet John Boy linked (purchased from a commercial caster), to about 900 fps. But I also used 225 gr Lyman 45 ACP bullets until I got my Lee 452-255-RF. I have a Cimarron SSA clone and load it to around 825-850fps with Universal...

[Jniedbalski]

I really like the look of my Lyman 454 190 mold. It’s from the 50’s and never used. I got it from a coworker that never used it. He got it from his dad that never used it ether. I was going to get a 1873 clone two years ago but the 1911 Springfield walked out of the gun shop with me. Still waiting on a 1873 45 colt or Ruger

[Harter66]

Unique .
454424 Lyman or NOE version SWC . I ran these for range days , hot SAA/mild Ruger loads and hunted with them , the deer didn't come together but they killed hogs pretty efficiently .
452-255 RNFP Lee , 2 moulds both ran 265 gr . This was my 2nd mould and 1st 45 cal I had it in a 2 cavity that was getting the sharp edges well worn and was replaced with a 6 cavity . The meplat is a little narrow but in 50/50 it kind of a wrecking ball in hogs . I loaded this one over Unique and H110 into Ruger loads up to about 1240 fps . It shot well and I might take it over the 454424 if I was sure I would have to or need to take a header on a hog , either will run right through 2-3' of hog inside of 50 yd at 1000-1100 MV .
452-200 RNFP , 45-200 SWC , H&G #130 , these ran 196-205 , and they shot well enough . They just didn't "feel" right , nothing wrong with them , and nothing wrong with target performance . The 45-200 had the clean hole advantage while the H&G gets props for being 8 Cav .

The test beds were a 7.5" RBH , S&W Governor , 16&24" M92's , and a Henry . The 92's and RBH were paired and the 1-30/32" twist in the 92's was a let down load it hot enough to keep it supersonic to 110 yd or subsonic from the muzzle . The RNFP just shot 18" groups at 100 while the SWC would depart the flight line about 80 yd and miss a 8-9' berm .
The Smith and Henry were fed upper SAA loads in the 900 fps range from the RBH probably about 1100 fps in the Henry and 825 in the Smith .
There were no feed issues in any combinations except with RP brass that was gritty ejecting from the BH and refused to feed in the 92's . Nickle or brass , polished , waxed , full length or short sized ,clean or the second 50 just wasn't happening . It was the brass , identical prep and load WW , FC , Hornady , PMC and Star Line all ran like a goose through a tin horn .

[justindad]

The 255 grain semi-wadcutter will have lots of load data available, and it’s a very common .45LC option.
*
If that is not enough... what will the rounds be used for?

[Tim357]

Can't go wrong with a 454190 or 454424. Unique is probably the best powder for .45 Colt ever, unless it is holy black

[LenH]

I have several .45 Colt Molds but the 454-255 SWC is what I always come back to for general shooting. I have it in a DC Lyman and a 4 cavity NOE.
The standard load was always 8 gr of unique but because of tendonitis in my elbow and general arthritis I have reduced that load to about 7.2 gr of unique.

[jim 44-40]

I favor the 454190, loaded rounds drop in cylinders really easy,makes for super fast reloading under stress.like when a groundhog is attacking ��

[Waisting lead]

I love the .45 wether it's the acp or colt or the 45/70 ,they all can be loaded for a myriad of purposes.
I have found that a good all around load for it is something between 230-255 grain which leaves a wide array of powders to choose from ,including some of the rifle powders. So see what's out there and let patience prevail. Get what you want not just what's available.

[dondiego]

I would get a mold that would be good for 45 ACP and 45 Colt.

[CastingFool]

I would get a mold that would be god for 45 ACP and 45 Colt.

That is exactly what I use the Lee 452-200 RF for. Feeds great through my HiPoint 45. No problem feeding through my BBS 45C either. Pretty accurate, too. Shot woodchucks at 65 yds with the BBS.

[bigwagon]

I started casting recently and loading for 45LC, mainly in black powder. I picked up a Lyman 454190 and really like it. I think that style bullet just looks right for shooting in an antique Colt SAA. I am also using it to load 45 Schofield for a reduced power load.

[Wolfdog91]

Thanks for all the advice everyone this should help me out plenty

[bigboredad]

I would follow John boys link he makes your mold after you order it so it won't be out of stock. Tom has a huge section for 45 but if for some reason you can't find want you want shoot Tom a email describing what you want the bullet for. He'll draw up a design and email it to you and if you like it he'll add it to the catalog and send you one. You van tweak any of his molds or just start from scratch. One of the things I like most about accurate molds. He puts them in a sonic cleaner before he ships it out and he puts his molds together properly so when you get your mold all you have to do is heat it up and start casting. You don't have to scrub and you don't have to do any heat cycles. Just start making bullets

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[bruce381]

Depending on gun I started with a LEE RNFP 200 gr shot too high then went to a LEE RNFP 255 shoots closer to Point of aim.

Still had to file front sight and adjust load I used Unique to get it to POA now is OK.

So I would have been kinda mad if I spend $100or more on a custom mold that did not work a 2 cav LEE is or was cheaper.

[inspector_17]

I use the Lee 452-230 for my 45ACP and my 45LC Ruger and my Henry in 45LC. Picked up a Lee 451-300 to try out in the Henry.

[dondiego]

Depending on gun I started with a LEE RNFP 200 gr shot too high then went to a LEE RNFP 255 shoots closer to Point of aim.

Still had to file front sight and adjust load I used Unique to get it to POA now is OK.

So I would have been kinda mad if I spend $100or more on a custom mold that did not work a 2 cav LEE is or was cheaper.

You were shooting high and you filed the front site?

[littlejack]

Oooops

[45-70 Chevroner]

I shot in the Cowboy shoots for about 5 years. My go to boolit was the Lee 230 1R. It saves a little on lead and shoots great in My Ruger Vaqueros and my 92 Rossi. My load was 6grs Bullseye for about 700 fps, very little recoil. The 92 has an over sized chamber and those light loads spit powder a little bit.

[dddddmorgan]

I would chime in here, I found this thread looking for 45 Colt dies for myself.

I have a plethora of brass to reload for a friend so now I need dies again; I haven't gotten myself a 45 yet but I'm on the hunt...


Over the years I've owned quite a few revolvers chambered in 45 Colt and have loaded just about any type of bullet/boolit you can think of.

As one poster suggested you can run light loads using a 200gr SWC for designed for the 45 acp very nicely, this makes excellent target loads, just taper crimp.

My preference, and in spite of having to sell so much of my reloading equipment I refused to part with my two RCBS "Keith" style molds, one for 357 one for 45 Colt.

Slow or fast these boolits do it all beautifully, are easily cast and will take anything you want to hunt with your handgun. I have personally split a 4 by 4 post with a hot load in the 45 using the Keith boolit, as well as 2 bear and one deer.

[Alferd Packer]

The 230 grain CM or Cowboy mold from RCBS is a good mold.
It saves on your lead supply and is plenty hard hitting with that large meplat.

[paul edward]

I would chime in here, I found this thread looking for 45 Colt dies for myself.

I have had good results with Lee dies in 45 Colt. These were my first set of Lee dies. As they cost less than other brands, I wanted to try them out. They work just fine.

[greenjoytj]

Clone of the original Colt 454190 ... http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-250D

The 454190 and clone looks rather pointy with the small diameter meplat, is it safe to use in a tube magazine rifle?
How far up the ogive is the crimp applied?
With no actual crimp groove to prevent the bullet from telescoping into the cartridge case in a tube magazine this bullet looks like it should only be used with black powder.

[Walks]

The #454190 has been fired probably about 25,000+ times through 3 of My .45Colt Lever guns.

[RKJ]

The 255 grain semi-wadcutter will have lots of load data available, and it’s a very common .45LC option.
*
If that is not enough... what will the rounds be used for?

I 2nd this. I shoot SWC in 357,44, and 45 )ACP & Colt). They will do everything l want. Take a look at M&P molds too, I’ve got a bunch of his molds and the are functional works of art.

[ryanmattes]

I 2nd this. I shoot SWC in 357,44, and 45 )ACP & Colt). They will do everything l want. Take a look at M&P molds too, I’ve got a bunch of his molds and the are functional works of art.Thirded, if that's a thing. The Keith SWCs with the square lube groove are fantastic general purpose rounds. I shoot the 454424 in revolver and lever, fast and slow, lubed and PCd,, and I don't have any need for any other mold in a rimmed .45.

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[PAndy]

We are working with a .45 colt marlin cowboy rifle this summer. Accuracy has been pretty bad, I'm afraid. Best load has been with a 0.452" bullet, very generic commercial 250 rnfp design, and blue dot powder. some hope there. will try more with 0.454" size. The chambers on many (all?) these guns are large, and the cases won't seal well with mild loads. The gun is filthy inside from blowback. I am only sizing the top half of the case. Sized portion measures 0.470", the lower portion of a fired case measures 0.487" diameter. So even with mild loads the reloading dies might be working the brass pretty hard.

[Walks]

We are working with a .45 colt marlin cowboy rifle this summer. Accuracy has been pretty bad, I'm afraid. Best load has been with a 0.452" bullet, very generic commercial 250 rnfp design, and blue dot powder. some hope there. will try more with 0.454" size. The chambers on many (all?) these guns are large, and the cases won't seal well with mild loads. The gun is filthy inside from blowback. I am only sizing the top half of the case. Sized portion measures 0.470", the lower portion of a fired case measures 0.487" diameter. So even with mild loads the reloading dies might be working the brass pretty hard.

Why I switched back to a STEEL Sizing die. The Carbide works the brass TOO far down.