45 (Long) Colt in a Colt SAA?

[badgeredd]

OK guys, I know somebody here has to be shooting a Colt SAA. So my question is this. In the 49th Lyman and the 2cd Lee manuals, there is no distinction between the Colt SAA and other, like Ruger BH. I am assuming if I start with the starting load (Unique to start with) I should be ok, Right?

I normally go to about the middle of the range for modern guns to start out, cause it usually saves time, powder, and primers. I a bit afeared of doing this with this Colt though. It is a 1970s production, so I am assuming it has modern metalugy, but it seems that I read something about the revolver being quite a bit weaker than its clone, the Blackhawk (I have 2 of them). I'm thinking that I may have to either load everything for the Colt or segragate ammo (kind of scarey). Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome.

Any loads that are favorites? In the Colt I will be using the 454190 (due to diameter) & in the Rugers I can use it as well as the 452664.

BTW, no 2 guns are the same as far as throat or barrel diameter. Also kind of a PITA.

Thanks in advance.

Edd

[missionary5155]

Greetings
My old Speer # 10 shows TWO distinct sections of loadings with the 45 Colt.
For the Colt SSA 250 gr swc start 7.5 Unique = 795 - 8.5 = 898 fps (5.5 Barrel)
For the Ruger 250 gr swc Start 9.8 Unique =1053 - 10.5 = 1136 (7.5 Barrel)
I do not have my PET LOADS here but there is a distindtion there also.
Mike God Bless you.

[badgeredd]

Thanks Mike,

As does all of my older manuals....that's what prompted the question. I have some loaded for the Blackhawk and they are at 8.5 Unique with the 454190. I am a bit afraid that they be too much for the Colt, so back to the bench for some lesser loads unless somebody has some loads they have used with another powder in a Colt.
Thank you.

Edd

[Don McDowell]

You can load 9 grs unique with a 250 in the colt and still be just fine.

[RayinNH]

Edd , In the Lee Modern Reloading 2nd edition they do have a section for Ruger and TC only, right after the regular .45 Colt data...Ray

[leadeye]

I load 8 grains of Unique under an RCBS 250g RNFP, this gets used in my old Colt New Service and I have used it in my New Frontier. I bought the New Frontier which is pretty much the SAA with adjustable sight, to see what difference was between it and a Blackhawk and was rather disappointed. I guess I was expecting something more so I am selling the New Frontier.

[robertbank]

I have the Beretta SAA. I prefer lighter loads as they are easier to handle. I am not sure even with modern metal alloys the SAA was a particularly strong design. One thing I did do and you may have already is apply blue lock tite to the screws. I am told this is a problem with Colts as well as the clones in that the screws will back out. Must have something to do with the harmonics of the design.

6.3 gr of Titegroup under my 260 gr Mountain Mould bullets worked well as was very accurate.

8 Gr of unique under the 200 gr. Lyman 452460 bullet worked well too.
Take Care

Bob

[mtgrs737]

I like 8 grs. of Unique with a Lyman 452664 or 454190 in my New Vaquero which is similar to your Colt. The new Vaquero is less beefy than the old models and is not approved for the hotter loads as I understand, this is fine with me as the Unique loading has all the recoil I need anyway.

[9.3X62AL]

The old "standard" 45 Colt load using 8.0 grains of Unique with either Lyman #454190 or #454424 is likely my favorite all-around load for any 45 Colt revolver. I've never owned a Colt SAA, but have owned repros (Ubertis, one each 4.75" and 5.5"), one Blackhawk x 7.5", and now the Bisley Blackhawk x 7.5". The plowhandle grip seems "tuned" to the 1873 ballistics of this caliber, rolling up in the hand and stopping just short of having the hammer contact my thumb/forefinger web. In the Bisley grip with the heavier Ruger, these loads are docile to shoot but would wreak havoc on game. I've only taken varmints with my 45 Colts, but these beeg boolits going 900-1000 FPS are like flying hammers. I think they are quite deer-capable, basketball trajectory at longer ranges being more of a problem than striking energy or penetration--"pre-expanded" as they are by starting life at 45 caliber!

[Hardcast416taylor]

For many years I have loaded about any 250 gr. lead boolit in my SAA as well as in my 2 Ruger BH a load of 6 gr. of Red Dot to get an equivalent load of the original factory load that gave about 900 fps. :Fire: Robert

[badgeredd]

Thanks everyone. I feel more comfortable with a laod now. For now, I'll settle with the 8 grain Unique load, and may check out some other powders I have on the shelf. The Colt has the largest cylinder throats with my Bisley be next. The Vaquero (old model) has the tightest chamber throats and bore. I can't believe I missed the section for standard loads in the Lee Book! Thanks again guys.

Edd

[Dean D.]

Badger - I have loaded the 454190, sized .454, with 9.0 gr. Unique for a pre-WWII .45 Colt SAA for years and that load shoots well in that revolver. No indications of over pressure.