To be honest, I'm below newbie status. I've bought a few Ruger revolvers in my time and am convinced there is none better. With help from some nice forum members here, I'm on the road to getting my first single action Blackhawk. So far I've decided I want a blued 5.5" model and hope to acquire soon. Need to know a little about ammo, factory and handloads, so I can go ahead and get a head start on inventory. Looks like something in the 250gr cast lead dept is the norm but what is a good/preferred factory ammo brand? As far as handloads, I am new to that also. Set up a Dillon RL550b at Christmas and have been loading only 9mm so far. Probably a little ways off for .45C since I'll need dies and caliber conversion. I found 700X online a while back and bought 16lbs of it. Yep, 16 lbs so I need to use it. It was a panic buy because it was only available for about 45 minutes and I jumped on it to use for future .45ACP loading in case I could not find anything else. Would like to use a coated bullet but open to using straight cast lead. Have bought some 9mm from SNS but curious who most of you use to source bullets. Again, I know little about .45Colt other than I want one.
45Colt newbie
- Thread starter J LeeCZ
- Start date
Pilgrim you already made your first mistake buying 16lbs of powder for a cartridge you have never even reloaded yet, and a gun you haven't even bought yet, what if the powder don't work well for that round or future gun? then your stuck with it all 16lbs, you really need to test and experiment with different powders and see what works best for your gun before you buy a whole wagon load of one powder.
Welcome aboard!
16 pounds of 700X could last a long, long time. I've not used/tried 700X so I couldn't say whether it would work well or not in 45Colt - it has a big case so some of the fast or low charge weight powders don't always do as well in such a large room, so to speak. The 45 Colt can be loaded with alot of powders though, so I'm not saying it can't work, just that I've never tried it. In some of my manuals I see that there are recipes using 700X powder in 45 Colt, but they are mostly all with bullets in the 200-230grn range (which of course tends to line up with the 45ACP usage). I DID just find a couple recipes with Lyman (lead cast) bullets #454190 (250 gn) and #452424 (255 gn Keith style) using 700X, so it could work. I have no idea of the accuracy/performance, but it is a published load.
The more popular/common powders for the 45 Colt can also work in your 9mm, particularly Universal, Unique, AA#5, HS-6, HP38 / W231, 2400(OK, maybe not Alliant 2400 for your 9x19, but most of the others work). I think that 700x just doesn't do as well with the heavier 250 grn and more bullets that are pretty much the "standard" 45 Colt projectile as far as established recipes go.
If you don't already have at least 2-3 reloading manuals from different vendors, I'd recommend it. Another possible worthwhile investment is getting a "OneBook reloading manual" for each of your pistol calibers - they data in them isn't always the newest, but the compile data from numerous other manuals for a single cartridge. The NRA has a good book on reloading too that covers alot of ground.
16 pounds of 700X could last a long, long time. I've not used/tried 700X so I couldn't say whether it would work well or not in 45Colt - it has a big case so some of the fast or low charge weight powders don't always do as well in such a large room, so to speak. The 45 Colt can be loaded with alot of powders though, so I'm not saying it can't work, just that I've never tried it. In some of my manuals I see that there are recipes using 700X powder in 45 Colt, but they are mostly all with bullets in the 200-230grn range (which of course tends to line up with the 45ACP usage). I DID just find a couple recipes with Lyman (lead cast) bullets #454190 (250 gn) and #452424 (255 gn Keith style) using 700X, so it could work. I have no idea of the accuracy/performance, but it is a published load.
The more popular/common powders for the 45 Colt can also work in your 9mm, particularly Universal, Unique, AA#5, HS-6, HP38 / W231, 2400(OK, maybe not Alliant 2400 for your 9x19, but most of the others work). I think that 700x just doesn't do as well with the heavier 250 grn and more bullets that are pretty much the "standard" 45 Colt projectile as far as established recipes go.
If you don't already have at least 2-3 reloading manuals from different vendors, I'd recommend it. Another possible worthwhile investment is getting a "OneBook reloading manual" for each of your pistol calibers - they data in them isn't always the newest, but the compile data from numerous other manuals for a single cartridge. The NRA has a good book on reloading too that covers alot of ground.
DGW1949
Hawkeye
I tried to help, but 200 Grns is the heaviest .45-caliber bullet that I can find a "700X" load for.
Not saying that it won't work under a 250....just saying that that particular combo don't show up in either of my manuals.
DGW
Not saying that it won't work under a 250....just saying that that particular combo don't show up in either of my manuals.
DGW
Thanks for the responses and help. The 700X was bought with the 230gr .45ACP in mind. Lyman #49 shows very accurate loading with Jacketed bullets. Just hoping to use up what I have when I start loading .45Colt. We'll see.
VA Shooter
Single-Sixer
I have the 45 colt 45 acp convertible and love it
contender
Ruger Guru
Welcome Pilgrim!
The 45 Colt is a FINE caliber. You mentioned wanting a 5-1/2" bbl. The Stainless Bisley Convertible has a 5-1/2" bbl & is a great gun to enjoy.
As for buying the powder, so what?
You get into reloading & you will find a use for it. And if you go with a convertible, you can use it in the 45 acp cylinder.
As for bullets. Plated, or jacketed are good, but each have "differences" you will need to follow as you load. Jacketed can take pressure & velocity.
Plated should be kept lower in power as the plating can strip off at higher speeds & power.
Cast lead. You will need to find a bullet your gun likes with the loads you choose. From softer bullets to harder ones you can choose what is needed to match your desires. I use a lot of cast myself, and when properly loaded, can't be beat.
Personally, I find a 250-290 grn lead slug running about 1100 fps to be about the best combo overall.
The 45 Colt is a FINE caliber. You mentioned wanting a 5-1/2" bbl. The Stainless Bisley Convertible has a 5-1/2" bbl & is a great gun to enjoy.
As for buying the powder, so what?
You get into reloading & you will find a use for it. And if you go with a convertible, you can use it in the 45 acp cylinder.
As for bullets. Plated, or jacketed are good, but each have "differences" you will need to follow as you load. Jacketed can take pressure & velocity.
Plated should be kept lower in power as the plating can strip off at higher speeds & power.
Cast lead. You will need to find a bullet your gun likes with the loads you choose. From softer bullets to harder ones you can choose what is needed to match your desires. I use a lot of cast myself, and when properly loaded, can't be beat.
Personally, I find a 250-290 grn lead slug running about 1100 fps to be about the best combo overall.
Thanks again. Trying to find this.
http://ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkDE/specSheets/5240.html
If unable to get, leaning towards the 5.5" blue convertible. The Lipsey's gun is allocated so may be hard to get. Have always bought stainless revolvers so thought I would get blued for the nostalgic look and for something different.
Found out today at my LGS that Lipsey's is moving into a new location and won't be available until sometime next week. Got to make myself wait.
Oh, the std Blackhawk has an aluminum grip frame while the Lipsey's exclusive is all steel. No big deal? Again, I know nothing.
http://ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkDE/specSheets/5240.html
If unable to get, leaning towards the 5.5" blue convertible. The Lipsey's gun is allocated so may be hard to get. Have always bought stainless revolvers so thought I would get blued for the nostalgic look and for something different.
Found out today at my LGS that Lipsey's is moving into a new location and won't be available until sometime next week. Got to make myself wait.
Oh, the std Blackhawk has an aluminum grip frame while the Lipsey's exclusive is all steel. No big deal? Again, I know nothing.
J LeeCZ said:
I've done the same thing with bullets, bought them in quantities of 500 to save money just to find out shooting the first 50 or so aint very accurate in my gun and now I'm stuck with bullets I don't even want to load, but can't justified buying more till I use these up, makes me not even want to go shooting when I have loads I don't want to shoot.
So over the years I've found it's best to sample buying the smallest amount available and experimenting with it first before buying larger quantities, once in a while I even find bullet companies that will send me a sample pack to test out before I buy a large box not many bullet companies will but never hurt to ask.
kodiakisland
Bearcat
700X is a really fast powder. I just don't see much use for it in the 45 colt. It should work OK for light bullets but will be a bit fast for 250s and up. I don't like any thing faster the HP38/W231 in the 45 colt. I'm sure you can make it work if that's all you have but it wouldn't be on any list I would have for the colt.
Maybe it's good for cowboy action loads. I would guess they shoot light loads with the lighter bullets.
Maybe it's good for cowboy action loads. I would guess they shoot light loads with the lighter bullets.
J LeeCZ said:
NO. First of all, buying ANY powder at ANY time is NEVER stupid, especially in our current environment. It also makes good bartering material. I recently traded 8 lbs. of ball type .223 powder, for which I had no use (but only paid $50 for) for 8 lbs. of Hodgdon Clays. Cha-ching!!
Second, 700-X WILL work in your 45 Colt and in fact can be used with a 250 gr lead bullet to achieve factory level velocities of 850 fps +/-. In Handloader #246, Brian Pearce lists a load of 6.5 grs. of 700-X which runs a 280 gr. SWC 850 fps but stays within the 14,000 psi parameters. Faster burning powders such as this are much more flexible than their slower counterparts.
Be glad you have it!
Can't go wrong with the .45 Colt 
.
Here is the article by Brian Pearce with 700x data for standard Colt loads:
https://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL%20246partial.pdf
16 pounds of powder isn't much as I am sure several posters here have much much more. However, one usually buys a pound, tests, and if he/she likes it, THEN buy in bulk .
I've personally never used the 700x powder so no help there.
Reloading is the way to go though for .45 Colt. I've never bought a factory round. And all I shoot is lead (250g RNFP or 255g SWC). Many good loads with Unique, Universal, Green Dot, 20/28, W231/HP-38, 4227, Red Dot, and many others.
.Here is the article by Brian Pearce with 700x data for standard Colt loads:
https://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL%20246partial.pdf
16 pounds of powder isn't much as I am sure several posters here have much much more. However, one usually buys a pound, tests, and if he/she likes it, THEN buy in bulk
.I've personally never used the 700x powder so no help there.
Reloading is the way to go though for .45 Colt. I've never bought a factory round. And all I shoot is lead (250g RNFP or 255g SWC). Many good loads with Unique, Universal, Green Dot, 20/28, W231/HP-38, 4227, Red Dot, and many others.
You know, I'm using WW231 right now for lighter loads but if I had nothing available but 700X, I would have jumped on 2 kegs of it myself. So, no big deal.
My favorite loads with 231 run between 6.5 grains and 7.0 grains with a 250 - 255 lead bullet in 45 Colt so that 6.5 grain load quoted above should work just fine.
I burned a pound of 700x in 9mm and 45 back in the 80's just to try it out and it did the job. I tried a lot of powders back then and there really wasn't a lot to fault about the 700X. I just happened upon a great price for kegs of 231, among others, and ordered a bunch.
I'll look in my Lyman 46th (?) and see if there's anything to offer in addidtion to your Lyman 49th...
My favorite loads with 231 run between 6.5 grains and 7.0 grains with a 250 - 255 lead bullet in 45 Colt so that 6.5 grain load quoted above should work just fine.
I burned a pound of 700x in 9mm and 45 back in the 80's just to try it out and it did the job. I tried a lot of powders back then and there really wasn't a lot to fault about the 700X. I just happened upon a great price for kegs of 231, among others, and ordered a bunch.
I'll look in my Lyman 46th (?) and see if there's anything to offer in addidtion to your Lyman 49th...
308 Scout said:
Got to disagree with part of what your saying, I see nothing wrong with buying in quantity in a powder you have tested and proven it works well in your gun, but buying in quantity just because it will work is a bad idea unless you got it for a bargain price you couldn't refuse, but the OP didn't say it was a bargain or that he bought for cheap, I'm guessing he paid full retail since he didn't state otherwise, also when it's not popular powder all reloaders use, it could be very hard to trade off or sale if you don't like it, if it were one of the popular powders like W231, W296 or Unique, Clays etc.... that would be more like a investment and easily traded off or sold, who here is going to trade a popular powder for one you never tried?
Lyman 46th is the same as Lyman 49th for 45 Colt with 700x and 255 grain bullets. They list a max of 6.0 grains 700x.
Look your your Lyman manual, they have several loads listed with 700x for 9mm, 45 auto and 45 Colt.
Look your your Lyman manual, they have several loads listed with 700x for 9mm, 45 auto and 45 Colt.
Nice of you to take the time to look up for me. Picked up some more large pistol primers, waiting for 45Colt brass stock at Starline. Now to decide on the bullet source. SNS doesn't cast what I want and don't have experience sourcing cast lead bullets. Buy mainly plated and FMJ for my 9mm loading. Going to look for 255gr as it seems to be a good design to get me started. Did a lot of google searches last night. Dardas, Missouri and a few others.dougader said:
You can check for bullets with Meister:
http://www.meisterbullets.com/asccustompages/products.asp?AffID=&categoryid=22&navParent=0&Start=30
or Missouri:
http://www.missouribullet.com/results.php?pageNum_rsCWResults=13&category=5
or Dardas:
http://www.dardascastbullets.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?
I've used Meister with good results, and I like Missouri because you have your choice on bullet hardness with 12 BHN for light cowboy loads or 18 BHN for high velocity loading. Everyone likes a good SWC bullet, but those RNFP bullets can be good, too. More expensive, but Beartooth Bullets makes an excellent 255 grain RNFP bullet with a very wide meplat... but you will have to wait several months for your order with them.
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/index.htm
http://www.meisterbullets.com/asccustompages/products.asp?AffID=&categoryid=22&navParent=0&Start=30
or Missouri:
http://www.missouribullet.com/results.php?pageNum_rsCWResults=13&category=5
or Dardas:
http://www.dardascastbullets.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?
I've used Meister with good results, and I like Missouri because you have your choice on bullet hardness with 12 BHN for light cowboy loads or 18 BHN for high velocity loading. Everyone likes a good SWC bullet, but those RNFP bullets can be good, too. More expensive, but Beartooth Bullets makes an excellent 255 grain RNFP bullet with a very wide meplat... but you will have to wait several months for your order with them.
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/index.htm
WESHOOT2
Hunter
I used the Meister 255g for most of my 45 Colt target and casual shooting, and kept some loaded for around-the-house black bear pests.
I still use that Meister in my 45 ACP autos.
Good bullet.
Dry Creek has a perfect 325g Keith.
Beartooth and Cast Performance offer high-performance choices.
The Swift A-Frame jacketed is the best HP.
I still use that Meister in my 45 ACP autos.
Good bullet.
Dry Creek has a perfect 325g Keith.
Beartooth and Cast Performance offer high-performance choices.
The Swift A-Frame jacketed is the best HP.
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