The SEVEN Levels of 45 Colt Maximum Working Pressure

[de1216]

Noting the few rifles listed among the firearms and their place among the "Seven Levels", where should we put the Ruger No. 1 once we have one rebarreled and chambered in 45 Colt (with a throat that allows heavier cast bullets)?

The point is brought up because once one is loading/using various higher "level" loads in revolvers, and happens to be fond of Ruger's classic single shot...... why not have one converted to the very popular 45 Colt?

So if it is done, what can the Ruger No. 1 handle?

D.

[chuckhammer]

Sept 6, 2023 11:51:14 GMT -5 de1216 said:

Noting the few rifles listed among the firearms and their place among the "Seven Levels", where should we put the Ruger No. 1 once we have one rebarreled and chambered in 45 Colt (with a throat that allows heavier cast bullets)?

The point is brought up because once one is loading/using various higher "level" loads in revolvers, and happens to be fond of Ruger's classic single shot...... why not have one converted to the very popular 45 Colt?

So if it is done, what can the Ruger No. 1 handle?

D.

The No. 1 action has been chambered to some very powerful rifle cartridges over the years. That list includes the .416 Remington Magnum which uses the .375 H&H Magnum parent case. It has a SAAMI max average pressure of 65,000 psi and has a larger internal case head diameter than .45 Colt or .454 Casull. That means it will generate higher hoop and axial loads which are the overpressure conditions that break guns.

The No. 1 has also been chambered to .454 Casull. Sticking to loads that generate pressures equal to or less than the .454 will keep you safe, assuming your new barrel's chamber is of sufficient strength. There are a few load data sources for 50-60,000 psi loads in .45 Colt brass. The typical brass recommendation for such loads is to stick to Starline due to its higher strength case head. Might want to use a primer brand with a different color to help keep these loads out of lower strength guns. I take a red Sharpie and color the primers on my hot .45 Colt loads.

[akriet]

In what category would the Colt New Service be placed?

[shorty500]

Sept 6, 2023 18:02:39 GMT -5 akriet said:

In what category would the Colt New Service be placed?

While not really weak by design I’d favor staying to industry standards or belie regardless of exact chambering due to age

[handloadingnotes]

Sept 6, 2023 11:51:14 GMT -5 de1216 said:

Noting the few rifles listed among the firearms and their place among the "Seven Levels", where should we put the Ruger No. 1 once we have one rebarreled and chambered in 45 Colt (with a throat that allows heavier cast bullets)?

The point is brought up because once one is loading/using various higher "level" loads in revolvers, and happens to be fond of Ruger's classic single shot...... why not have one converted to the very popular 45 Colt?

So if it is done, what can the Ruger No. 1 handle?

D.

Interesting question!

From a practical standpoint, I'd wager that the ability to accommodate a cartridge loaded to a very long overall length matters more than pressure in terms of boosting performance. Being able to seat a heavy powder-coated bullet waaay out there lets you get a lot more powder in the case. With heavy bullets and a long barrel I expect it'd be possible to outperform a 454 at pressure a few tiers lower, by simply putting more powder in a round that's too long to fit in a Freedom Arms. Someone could say that's not a 45 Colt anymore since it won't fit in most 45 Colt chambers.

Brass flow will be a problem at what 70,000 to 80,000 PSI?

I don't know what the strongest primers are rated at, but that's another limiter.

I am curious about the idea of an 8th level of pressure. Because extrema and hot rods are always interesting. But it's not something I'd want to play with. And I'm not seeing a practical upside. 5 Shot 45 Colt builds are interesting because they give you the performance of a bigger gun without making the gun bigger. I'd love a Ruger #1 with a 45 Colt chamber. They're classy and fun and have a hell of a safety margin for working up loads. But I think the #1 platform is best maximized with another chambering. Even if you worked up a dangerous brass-destroying 120,000 PSI 45 Colt load I don't think it would outperform a 458 Win Mag #1 loaded with regular off the shelf ammunition.