Ruger Old Army .45 Colt loads

[CW4USARET]

Just purchased .45 Colt cylinder for my ROA. I know that I have to use lead only bullets at around 800-900 feet per second. Any suggestions for reloading?

jrf

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I'd first check my reloading manuals for normal loads for the .45 Colt . . . not any "Ruger only" stuff.

 

[CW4USARET]

I finally settled on two loads a 250 grain conical lead bullet (.453) over 6 grains of 700X and a 200 grain conical lead bullet (.452) over 5 grains of 700X. Both loads should keep me in the 800 fps range. Now if the weather ever breaks here we will see what they do.

jrf

 

[daveg.inkc]

Try 6 grains of Red Dot. This is a good load for .45 C.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

https://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/powderlist.aspx?page=/reloaders/powderlist.aspx&type=1&powderid=3&cartridge=36

I have always liked 8.0 grains under a .452" 250gr lead bullet. JMHO

What does the cylinder's manufacturer recommend?

 

[crstrode]

As far as conversion cylinders go, the gun itself (Ruger Old Army) does not enter into the realm of your concern. Any manual published load will be safe for the gun - the cylinder, well, that's a different story. Ask the manufacturer.

The revolver is stronger than two Sherman tanks. It is the cylinder that matters.

 

[Mus408]

Why do you have to stick with lead only bullets?

 

[Ale-8(1)]

You don't have to, it's just a classic standard for the .45 Colt, and they tend to be less expensive than jacketed bullets.

Go here https://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/RecipeList.aspx?gtypeid=1 and check out all the .45 Colt loads for all the bullet types.