Looking for bullets to load 45 Colt for Win 94

[ZigZagMarquis]

I'm looking for bullets to reload some 45 (Long) Colt rounds to shoot in my Winchester 94 lever action... that is chambered for 45 Colt.

I've found Hornady #12458 255gr FP-Cowboy readily available via Midway and the Hornday reloading manual calls that out in their rifle section, but what about any jacketed FP bullets in 45 for reloading some LCs (i.e. not hollow points)? Any ideas?

Used to be able to purchase 45 Colt factory ammo that would go through my Win 94 just fine that had FP jacketed bullets, but cannot find it for sale anywhere. What 45 Colt I do find appears or is labeled for pistol and the bullet / point profile doesn't look like it would be "safe" to stack in a tubular mag of a Win 94.

Last, but not least, I've heard conflicting stores about "Cowboy Ammo"... some say its just fine... others refer to it as "Cowboy Crap" that will just lead up your barrel and is downloaded so they can "cheat" (not deal with "manly" recoil that period realistic ammo would produce) and you'll run the risk of lodging a round in the barrel of your gun!

Thoughts?

** puts on flame suit **

[Kid Sopris]

Well if you download those soft 45 bullets to Tinkerbelle Status, ya might get some leading. I have used Oregon Trail/Laser Cast bullets for years without lodging one in the barrel, (which reguire's Powder) and with excellent results. However if you are looking to turn up the volume, try some Hornady XTP.

I am using some .357 JFP XTP, 125 Gr. and turning out 3,000.00+ fps from a 20" Barrel, with excellent accuracy and results.

[haggis]

Hornady makes FTX® bullets for use in tubular magazines. The bullets have a flexible polymer tip that is safe in lever guns. They have 0.452" bullets in 225 and 250 grains, among others.

Buck

[ZigZagMarquis]

Hornady makes FTX® bullets for use in tubular magazines. The bullets have a flexible polymer tip that is safe in lever guns. They have 0.452" bullets in 225 and 250 grains, among others.

Buck

Any issues or "tricks" seating such a critter?

[Kid Sopris]

Using FTX bullets with the Poly Tip, may get deformed or crushed in your reloading dies, unless you call the Die company and tell them what your are loading so they can change out the seater for you. Usually not available for Pistol calibers. But, I did add a different seater for my .30-30, obtained from Redding at no charge.

[ZigZagMarquis]

Using FTX bullets with the Poly Tip, may get deformed or crushed in your reloading dies, unless you call the Die company and tell them what your are loading so they can change out the seater for you. Usually not available for Pistol calibers. But, I did add a different seater for my .30-30, obtained from Redding at no charge.

Good to know. Thanks.

If I could find a place that had Sierra #8820 240gr JHC or #8830 300gr JSP, I might go with either of them, but cannot find anyone with them in stock. Will keep looking.

[Chuck Would]

Last, but not least, I've heard conflicting stores about "Cowboy Ammo"... some say its just fine... others refer to it as "Cowboy Crap" that will just lead up your barrel and is downloaded so they can "cheat" (not deal with "manly" recoil that period realistic ammo would produce) and you'll run the risk of lodging a round in the barrel of your gun!

Thoughts?

** puts on flame suit **

Not every SASS shooter is using "poof tink" loads. A lot of shooters have moved down to .38/.357 to reduce the cost of ammo. Some have even gone to 95 grain bullets in their pistols to reduce recoil. I've even seen some shooting .32's to get even cheaper and reduce recoil even more. Course, most of them are "squaw pawing" (shooting two handed) as well. Best part of the game is you can play anyway you want. You only have to please yourself. Not the critics. Me, I still perfer a .45 with a 250 grain bullet. Shooting duelist, I like some recoil to get feedback that my pistol actually went off when I pulled the trigger.

I've shot some of the factory Cowboy loads in both my pistols as well as my lever gun. Thought they were all pretty decent. Mostly, a tad bit more recoil than my reloads.

Tell you what, grab a couple Single action pistols and a shotgun to go with that lever gun and come out and shoot a match. Let's see how you do. Come to New England, and I'll even pay your entry fee.

[smkummer]

What little factory cowboy ammo I have fired in 45 Colt and have seen fired has some real velocity that will clear any rifle barrel as the manufactures know it will be fired in a rifle also. You may be trying to compare reloaded "mouse fart" cowboy loads with factory cowboy loads. Of course, almost nobody buys factory ammo due to costs.

[ZigZagMarquis]

Not every SASS shooter is using "poof tink" loads. A lot of shooters have moved down to .38/.357 to reduce the cost of ammo. Some have even gone to 95 grain bullets in their pistols to reduce recoil. I've even seen some shooting .32's to get even cheaper and reduce recoil even more. Course, most of them are "squaw pawing" (shooting two handed) as well. Best part of the game is you can play anyway you want. You only have to please yourself. Not the critics. Me, I still perfer a .45 with a 250 grain bullet. Shooting duelist, I like some recoil to get feedback that my pistol actually went off when I pulled the trigger.

I've shot some of the factory Cowboy loads in both my pistols as well as my lever gun. Thought they were all pretty decent. Mostly, a tad bit more recoil than my reloads.

Tell you what, grab a couple Single action pistols and a shotgun to go with that lever gun and come out and shoot a match. Let's see how you do. Come to New England, and I'll even pay your entry fee.

Thanks ChuckWagon, but I'm not interested in SASS at this time... I've already got a drinking club.

I'm interested in finding reloading componets for 45 Colt that aren't just other than 255gr FP soft lead bullets for making cowboy loads, but will probably end up trying them at some point if that's all I can get.

I'd really like to find something along the lines of 250gr FMJ-FP. PMC used to make them, but I guess no more?

[Colt75]

Take The Kid's advice and look at Oregon Trail Bullets. Seriouly. Cast hard enough so they can be guaranteed not to lead your barrel and great customer service. Prices are good also. JMHO.