[Jonl51]

Greetings,
I have a M1873 SAA with the 71/2 inch barrel, .45cal, made in 1887 that I am considering shooting. I’m assuming only
black powder loads should be used, but are they readily available and what powder loads would be recommended?
The gun is in good condition, but I would still have my gunsmith check it out before shooting it. Thank you!

 

[Jonl51]

Here it is. Regards

 

[azshot]

Correct, only shoot black powder loads. They used to be available from 2-3 sources, you'll have to check. During this era, most ammo has been scarce. All BP loads are the same - full. Just pick a bullet weight and see how it does. If it shoots low, buy another with a heavier bullet. Yes, heavier.

 

[Jonl51]

Correct, only shoot black powder loads. They used to be available from 2-3 sources, you'll have to check. During this era, most ammo has been scarce. All BP loads are the same - full. Just pick a bullet weight and see how it does. If it shoots low, buy another with a heavier bullet. Yes, heavier.

Thank you! Appreciate your help. Jonl51

 

[Hoot]

I don't have experience with BP loads, so take this with a grain of salt. I've never shot these, but got them just in case I find an early 1st Gen.

I bought my BP loads (38-40 and 45 Colt) from Buffalo Arms. They're not cheap, but I don't know what the going rate is, if there is one. They're out of 45 Colt right now, but sign up for their back in stock notification and they'll email you when it is available. I did, and it worked like a charm.

Black Powder & Smokeless Ammo | Shop Black Powder Ammunition at Buffalo Arms

Black Powder & Smokeless Ammo at Buffalo Arms Company Sells over 12,000 Black Powder Cartridge Rifles, Black Powder, Cowboy Guns, Gun Books, Gun Videos, Obsolete Brass, Reloading supplies

www.buffaloarms.com

 

[Ktall]

I have 3 Colt SA's in .45 Colt, and shoot the heck out of them. One is my granddads Colt he bought in 1918. IN that gun I had to replace the hand. Remember a Colt is not a Ruger. Any factory load marked .45 Colt will work in your gun just fine. All my reloads are up to but NOT over factory specs. No reason your Colt wont last long enough to be handed down to your grandkids. And Like someone mentioned above..Its not a magnum gun.

 

[Jonl51]

I don't have experience with BP loads, so take this with a grain of salt. I've never shot these, but got them just in case I find an early 1st Gen.

I bought my BP loads (38-40 and 45 Colt) from Buffalo Arms. They're not cheap, but I don't know what the going rate is, if there is one. They're out of 45 Colt right now, but sign up for their back in stock notification and they'll email you when it is available. I did, and it worked like a charm.

Black Powder & Smokeless Ammo | Shop Black Powder Ammunition at Buffalo Arms

Black Powder & Smokeless Ammo at Buffalo Arms Company Sells over 12,000 Black Powder Cartridge Rifles, Black Powder, Cowboy Guns, Gun Books, Gun Videos, Obsolete Brass, Reloading supplies

www.buffaloarms.com

Thank you Hoot!

 

[Bartleylaw]

Black Powder only in your 1887!!!
I bought some from AAAPaul a member here on the forum.

 

[azshot]

... Any factory load marked .45 Colt will work in your gun just fine...

Not true, his gun is pre-smokeless powder and pre Verified Proof by Colt. It's for black powder loads only.

 

[MarkInTx]

You are correct in assuming you have a BP Only gun.
Hoot beat me to the punch in suggesting Buffalo Arms. They are a quality outfit.

45 Colt 250 Grain RNFP Black Powder Ammo Box of 50

www.buffaloarms.com

 

[Jonl51]

Black Powder only in your 1887!!!
I bought some from AAAPaul a member here on the forum.

Thank you!

 

[Jonl51]

Not true, his gun is pre-smokeless powder and pre Verified Proof by Colt. It's for black powder loads only.

Thanks again.

 

[Jonl51]

You are correct in assuming you have a BP Only gun.
Hoot beat me to the punch in suggesting Buffalo Arms. They are a quality outfit.

45 Colt 250 Grain RNFP Black Powder Ammo Box of 50

www.buffaloarms.com

Thank you! Regards.