Handloading the 45 Colt

[BruceGFL]

Over this weekend I traded into a Marlin in 45 Colt and now more than ever I am determined to buy a SAA. Having grown up like most here, weaned on Hopalong, Matt, and especially Paladin, this loyal Colt owner really wants to buy the Pony. I still have my original LEO duty weapon, a 6" Trooper MK III!
But after using the search to justify ruling out the USFA ( I plan to use her for shooting) the recurring theme is the throat measurements. Since I will be handloading, I would sincerely appreciate ideas as to what sizing of bullets to buy. I do not cast my own. I have used Beartooth in the past and been happy unless someone has a better supplier.
Or has there been an improvement in the throat reaming? I'm not planning on hefty loads as that what the 44 mag is for, just want to get a start on decent 25 yard groups.
PLEASE tell me there is a remedy so I can stay with the Pony!
Thanks to All for a great forum

[WIL TERRY]

ALL, and I do mean ALL, of my second generation and third generation COLT SAA 45COLT revolving pistols shoot just fine with .454" diameter bullets. These are easily attainable at any purveyer of 45 caliber sixgun bullets. I most highly recommend your buying the 250GR to 260GR SWC or LFN bullets. They will shoot just fine.

[MotherMopar]

I was under the impression that .452 bullets were the ideal 'default' bullet for SAA's?!?!

[Trapdoor]

0.452's are the ones that should be used IF Colt made the cylinders to the proper size. But many including mine has cylinder throats that measure at 0.456 so to prevent a lot of leading from blow-by I, as well as a lot of others use the 0.454 lead slugs. I also think that Lyman's original 255 grain 0.454 slug looks better than the new 250 grain 0.452 ones that are available now.

[Joe A.]

My SAA prefers .454 sized bullets. But I also use .452 sized bullets to good effect. In fact, I've shot more 452s in my Colt than 454s. Another consideration you may need to look at is what will shoot well and function in your Marlin if you want interchangable ammo.

I've even shot bullets designed for the 45acp in the 45 Colt.

Joe A.

[BruceGFL]

Joe A you have realized my following question perfectly. It is indeed my intention to get one Colt SAA safe load for pistol and Marlin. Is a 300 grainer to much within those limits?

[Joe A.]

I prefer staying between 250-270 grains in the SAA, that's just my opinion. There's some shooters who use the 300 grainers in a SAA, but I would definnitely not push them hard. Maybe someone who uses the 300 grainers will comment.

I've also found that going much under 250 grains in the 45 Colt, shot to shot velocity variations will increase quite a bit. That's due to the large volume of the 45 Colt case becoming even larger by seating a shorter bullet. But I still shoot them at times. My S&W model 25 in 45 Colt actually prefers the shorter bullets in spite of the velocity variation.

Joe A.

[Trapdoor]

I recently picked up a new Lyman reloading handbook and noticed that the 300 grain slug is not listed for the 45 Colt for both rifle and pistol loads. But it is for the power house 454 Casull. Why don't you want to have two different loads? It's always fun to work up loads. I think you would be compromising the performance between the two settling on only one load. Your original question was on sizing and as noted the SAA varies, but I would bet that the Marlin is closer to 0.451/2 so with that said maybe the 452 would be best. And as far as the weight should go might I suggest that you start with the 250 and go from there. It's been around for a long time with proven results.

[BruceGFL]

Hey Trapdoor, point well taken. My first thoughts were of the K.I.S.S. approach but with the stronger Marlin action this is something I should look into. Even more so with your reference to the difference in sizing.
I appreciate the help.

[Vulcan Bob]

0.452's are the ones that should be used IF Colt made the cylinders to the proper size. But many including mine has cylinder throats that measure at 0.456 so to prevent a lot of leading from blow-by I, as well as a lot of others use the 0.454 lead slugs. I also think that Lyman's original 255 grain 0.454 slug looks better than the new 250 grain 0.452 ones that are available now.

Mine are the same as Trapdoor's. I use .454 dia. 255 LSWC's and the bulk Remington .455 dia. 250 LRN's with good results. The .452 dia. lead bullet's splatter lead on the cylinder's and are not quite as accurate.