45 Colt black powder cartridges

[armoredman]

The lube I used was made from questionable components. I am going down the list of things that could be the culprit and trying to make this work. I could just shoot smokeless out of it from now on, but what's the fun in that?
That bullet looks REALLY long for an 1858 chamber! But I've never used a hollow base or hollow point mold.

[revolvercranker]

Armoredman45, no no no, guess I didn't explain that mold good. There's a long plug with a wooden handle that goes up in the bottom of that mold. The bullet is conventional length then. With it's hollow base it's not heavy. Off the top of my head I think it's like 139 grains. The hollow base lets you pack more powder in the cylinder chambers too.

[armoredman]

Aha! No, I didn't know that, thank you for explaining. 139 grains is awfully light - what charge weight are you using?

[revolvercranker]

May 1, 2024 5:41:17 GMT -5 armoredman said:

Aha! No, I didn't know that, thank you for explaining. 139 grains is awfully light - what charge weight are you using?

I've always zipped them along pretty good. In the 30 to 40 grain bracket depending on which gun I'm using.  Also anymore I just use 777.  If I have some cast I'll weigh one to be sure of the weight.  Truthfully I use cast 45 acp bullets the most. 

[armoredman]

That was suggested and the same buddy loaned me a 230gr LRN mold, too.

[armoredman]

SPG Tropic lube arrived today. First chance I get, I am going to see how well I can make it all work.

[armoredman]

So after some help from another board as well as here, I have some more to try out. Loaded with Olde Eynsford 3F, tapped, (still no drop tube, so I am simulating it) so the powder is approx 1/8 below the neck. How do I know, I scored the brass with a sharp nail and a 1/8" inch washer. Loading without weighing was REALLY freaky at first.





Bullet is still the Lee 200gr, NOT Tumble Lube, lubed with SPG tropic lube and sized to .452.





CCI Small Pistol Magnum primers. Loaded and excess lube removed from the exterior. My, those look nice.



Problem is, it's so dagdgum HOT it might be a while until I get to the range. Wish me luck!

[bryanaustin]

It would appear that the 255gr lead bullet only used 35gr of black powder, while the 250gr lead bullet used 40gr.

LINK: The first 66 years of the 45 Colt Cartridge