Loading for something old and something new.

[princeout]

My best friend showed up last night with a 19th century Colt Single action army in 38 WCF and a 2nd year of production Winchester 1892 in 32 WCF. I had all the fixin's for loading for the Colt, but nothing for the Winchester. We got the stuck base pin freed up and started cleaning the Colt. Seemed to be in pretty good shape for a gun heading for its 120th birthday next year. Today I loaded up some really light loads using TrailBoss and some 180 gr cast bullets.



I like to make labels for my reloads using pictures of old ammo boxes. If he shows up tonight with the gun, we'll see how it shoots and I'll take a picture of it.

While I had the TrailBoss in the powder dispenser, I decided to load up some milder loads for a recent acquisition, a Gallagher built Ruger Birdshead Vaquero in 500 Linebaugh.



Earlier this summer, I received a care package from the Alaskan Pb-Caster, Synd, with 30+ pounds of 530 grain cast bullets made from a Miha brass mold.



'Tis good to have friends on the Single Action Forum!!

I drug, literally, the box of bullets out and loaded up 5 rounds to test out. Filled the case full to the base of the lead bullet with TrailBoss and added the lead and a good crimp. Went out back and they shot to point of aim at 25 yards so I'm happy! Loaded up the rest of the tray, almost 4 pounds of lead in 50 rounds, so I'm ready for some target shooting. No idea what kind of velocity I'm getting from the short barrel, but the hits on my Fowler built AR targets left dimples, so it is a pretty good smack. Gotta get a chrono one of these days.

Thanks again Perry!

Tim

[princeout]

Buddy made it by. Functioned fine, although it has about a 15 lb trigger pull.

Here it is in front of a 15 yard target - 10 rounds from an old blind guy.



Nothing better than a new old gun!!

Tim

[500fksjr]

Cool!!! Thanks for sharing....How does that 500L birds head grip feel?

[500fksjr]

That Trail Boss Load of 10 grs and a 455 gr bullet out of my 4 inch sheriff model/500L by Dustin is about 750 fps an is a Hoot to shoot...Whacks pigs fair enough.

[princeout]

Sept 12, 2016 18:58:22 GMT -5 500fksjr said:

Cool!!! Thanks for sharing....How does that 500L birds head grip feel?

Not as bad as one might think. My everyday tractor/field gun is a large frame Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt with the 3-3/4" barrel and a birdshead grip. I've shot it with my son's "bear loads" with 340 gr bullets and a lot of 4227 and the 45 with that load is much more abrupt. I've shot the 500 Birdshead with H110 loads and it will definitely get your attention. The TrailBoss load is very manageable and, I think, fun to shoot.

But keep in mind, many folks think I'm a bit crazy....

Tim

[eskimo36]

Tim, I'm glad you like that birdshead 500L. It means you have a surplus 500L in the safe.

[princeout]

Sept 12, 2016 19:24:20 GMT -5 eskimo36 said:

Tim, I'm glad you like that birdshead 500L. It means you have a surplus 500L in the safe.

True....

[500fksjr]

Sept 12, 2016 20:45:35 GMT -5 princeout said:

Sept 12, 2016 19:24:20 GMT -5 eskimo36 said:

Tim, I'm glad you like that birdshead 500L. It means you have a surplus 500L in the safe.

True....

He may not have a surplus? But! an extra for a different carry need/want...I have 4 for various carry needs....and a gun belt set up to carry 2 when hunting big items.

[eskimo36]

Tim is one of the few that considers the 500 Linebaugh small. He's a 500 max man. Recoil junkie.
And I've wanted to buy his other 500L for awhile. 😁