40-gr. blackpowder in .45 Colt... Will it fit?

[@VTPSTTU]

The whole thing looks fun. If I ever get my health and a career back, I may have to look into reloading again.

[@plowboysghost]

I hope you get both back.

[@johnmills925]

Good information for all the doubters !!!

[@denisdegamon8224]

The old original 45 Colt brass were baloon head rimmed cases and easily held 40 grain loads even with over powder card, and grease cookie with some mild compression of the black powder. Modern cases do vary slightly in interior volume with Winchester having the most volume due to thinner case walls. Modern cases also have solid case heads which do slightly reduce case volume. That fact is easily looked up in better reloading manuals. If you do load 40 grain loads, it can be done with either no card wads or thinner wads and more compression. Goex for example likes compression, while Swiss not so much.

[@tonycamaro1677]

One test is better than 100 opinions. Thank you for the info. That you bust out the guitar now and then just makes you even cooler.

[@plowboysghost]

I can't promise you that it (guitar)won't happen again.....heheh, but I'll try to practice more before hitting "record" next time. There are probably a lot people already aware that 40-gr will fit, but I figured I'd put this video up for someone, somewhere to find one day when they read the inaccurate information on forums that I did. Then they can just post a link to the video instead of arguing. I wish the camera would've focused better on the powder measure, but the scales back me up clearly, so I won't re-do it.

[@brucefrohn9834]

This makes perfect sense. The 44WCF (44-40), were loaded with 40gr black powder, so the 45 Colt should be able to hold 40gr BP, as well.

[@snoman003]

The first thing I had to learn with charcoal burners was, the case designation denotes the amount of black powder. IE: 45-110 was 45 caliber, with 110 grains of BP. Many also forget that Black powder requires "some" amount of compression to work properly. I use a drop tube to settle the powder so it will actually fit the case before compression.

[@rugerman89]

Well done sir! Loved the video and I appreciate your expertise!

[@plowboysghost]

Thank you, sir.....don't know if I've ever been considered an "expert' at anything good...heheh

[@hamm6035]

Grandad poured the powder in a coffee can, scooped the case full then a quick tap on the side, then in the press but I remember a 240 grain flat nose. Never changed in the 25 years he shot with me.

[@plowboysghost]

If it works, no reason to mess with a good formula. That's really cool that you had that with your grandfather. The Grandad I was closest to passed away in early '81 when I was 8, and he wasn't a gun guy that I ever knew of. Grandma said he used to keep a pistol in his glove box when he sold insurance house to house in Huntsville, AL (before he retired and we moved out to the country in the mid-'70s), but what happened to his gun, I have no idea. I'd love to come across it, but doubt it's possible at this point IF he even brought it with him to the house we still own. Though I'm 47, I still have two grandparents still living, but that Grandfather and I don't seem to get together much since we hardly know each other. I think he still has a gun or two of my dad's, but not sure.

[@jimroland7314]

That's the way I always did it.

[@murphy4yt]

That method results in a charge of 41 grains of fffG, at least with Starline cases.

[@patrickkelly7838]

Well, as the old saying goes "seeing is believing". can't argue with what you just demonstrated.

[@ArchieRLib]

Well done. I've been doing the same thing with black powder and 38WCF for a while now - no cards or lube cookies, just a column of crushed FFF with a lube grooved 180 on top, the way it was originally loaded. Which is to say, stout. Right at and above 1K FPS. Despite the fact that the keyboard commandos get apoplexic about it. So now I just ignore them and figure it out myself. Carry on, son. Well done indeed.

[@mickd1368]

nice vid sir. i also reload 40 grains by vol with no problem. i'm using a tiny little lee loader kit just for 45 colt and it works great, except for ocaisonally setting off a cap

[@darknitethunder]

I start reloading with my father when I was about 6 years old, my first job was to lube the newly cast 45 255-gr. LRNFP bullets. As I worked at it steadily , and I notice Dad would stop every once in a while to let the bullet mold cold down some. Eventuality I caught up with him, and got a hold of a HOT one, that's when it was my turn to take a break. Anyways I learnt a got from my Old Papa. One of the things I remember is 40 gr. Black Powder for the 45 Colt is a standard load back in the 1870's, what Dad always said, don't be afraid to compress the powder, cause that's just the way it's suppose ta works (no air space). If'n you look that our modern reloading data books, you'll even see that with some Smokeless Powder it may call for caution for compress loads *. O'h Yeah, and just one more thing there Pilgrim's, it's best ta always keep your powder dry.

[@plowboysghost]

Your papa sounds like a good feller to have in the loading room.

[@darknitethunder]

@@plowboysghost Yes Sir, Papa was one of the best at teaching the younger about being safe with all things in general and to let one learn a few things on your own, especially in the Re-Loading room (like how not to pick up How Lead Bullets). I'am in my mid-sixty's now, my Dad pass-on back in 2009. Gone but De-finely not forgotten. I'm a gonna re-name my Old 1873 Winchester after him, it is also a 45 Colt.

[@darknitethunder]

@Wild Tex Howdy Wild Tex; I get along with just about everybody myself too. But say; I've got ta ya when it come ta Black Powder Loading is best to ask someone that has more experience with those Taylor's Conversion Cylinders, cause I don't know much about them. And like I said my Old Gray Hair Papa told me "all ya do is dip the 45 Colt Long cartridge into some Black Powder and level in off then set the Bullet. He said that's how they did it back in the late 1800's, first series Colt 45 1873 models. And that's about all I know, other than it works fur me.

[@georgelewis7010]

The reason it got the name 45 long colt, (i hate that term) but the smith and wesson schofield revolver used shorter ammo than the 45 colt, you could use schofield ammo in the colt but not the other way around, so when the army was in need of ammo they called the 45 colt, 45 long colt so they would get the right ammo cause if you got 45 colt and you had a schofield revolver, well you were in trouble this link will explain it better than i did, hope it helps everyone intrested in this subject. www.ammoland.com/2016/09/45-colt-vs-45-long-colt/#axzz6Z4C9GNst

[@oldrabidus2230]

I loaded up some 45-70 in black powder, might as well load 45 Colt too! Thanks for the video!

[@SlickSixguns]

I haven’t loaded BP in my 45 colt before but this makes me want to

[@plowboysghost]

Aw man(!).......you've got to try it. If you're used to factory "cowboy" style loads, you'll swear 40-gr of real black under a 250-260 grain bullet is a +P. It's something you have to experience...all the smoke, flame, clouds of smoke, and the lower frequency cannon-like "BOOM"! I intend to devote a good bit more of my brass to blackpowder loading. I've loaded up about 10 .45/70's with a NOE 430-gr. bullet and 70-grains of Goex 3F. Ain't shot .45/70 bp yet, but aim to on camera, soon.

[@SlickSixguns]

plowboysghost I have a 45/70 as well I shoot a 500 grain bullet out of it like a dang freight train hitting steel

[@plowboysghost]

@@SlickSixguns I reckon it does...heheh.

[@876mpr]

I’ve never tried black powder, but I really enjoy the Lyman 454190 mold. Drops a no crimp groove conical at about 255 grains. Really accurate over Red Dot.

[@Master...deBater]

I agree...great bullet!

[@jeffersondavis2530]

Good stuff!!! Glad to see it. Too many times the "experts " have said things that were not true.

[@plowboysghost]

Yep. A few days ago I happened across a forum post on the subject in which someone declared it "WILL NOT" fit. When someone else referred them to my video showing that it will, the "expert" made a very rude comment about my screen name and said he "didn't care what ________________ I said in some video". He is EXACTLY the kind of egotistical sufferer of knowitall-itis that I made this video because of.....and he still didn't get it. I bet he didn't even watch it...😆

[@jakewayrewa5201]

I realized that my loaded rounds are with Alliant Black MZ black powder substitute, and it's been discontinued, so I had to load some with Goex BP for my test. Like you, I'm down to my last pound, so I decided to only load 20 of each load for my test. The rounds with lubed wads I used the Lee 2.2cc scoop, which is supposed to be 35 grs. After the powder and wad, it was almost to the top of the case, but compressed OK. The one with just BP and bullet I used the Lee 2.5cc scoop, which is supposed to be 39.8 gr. My cases didn't look quite as full as yours, maybe 1/10" from the top. That still gave me about .25" of compression. I'm gonna let them sit on the shelf for awhile to see if the lube from the wads contaminates the powder. (I have discs punched from playing cards between powder and wads, so that should help.) Then I'll go out and test them for fouling and leading. I used the bullets like I showed you, with the wide lube grooves filled with DIY lube. The ones with the wads had a lot of lube squeeze out when I seated the bullets, but the pure BP didn't have that issue.

[@SierraBravo347]

That's what an "Expert" is in My Book....they don't TALK, they DO! Good on you, Plowboy! Keep on Busting the Internet bubbles! 👍👍

[@plowboysghost]

Thank you. I need to shoot some more of them on camera now.

[@SierraBravo347]

@@plowboysghost Hell Yeah! Shooting gives you reloading practice, and we get to look at your Good Looking Irons. It's a Win/Win/Win 👍

[@plowboysghost]

@@SierraBravo347 I like a Triple Win...heheh

[@SierraBravo347]

@@plowboysghost yessir, a trifecta pay off big! 😆

[@loquat44-40]

I looked closely there is one possible explanation for why you can get 40 grains and others can not. That is the length of different .45 caliber projectiles of the same weight. Some of the lead .452 bullets that I have seen were not semi-wad cutter, but a more pointed shape. And I think this causes them to be more deeply seated in the case reducing the powder volume.

[@plowboysghost]

Bullet seating depth definitely affects Case capacity. There's a lot of people getting 40-gr of 3f in theirs.

[@PatRMG]

I'm just now setting up a doghouse! I'll be reloading soon enough!

[@plowboysghost]

I've got to get me a good shed. I need something big enough for my reloading stuff, my tools, and a cot to sleep on. Another beer fridge...maybe.

[@PatRMG]

@@plowboysghost I had to take my mini fridge to my house in the city. They accused me of stealing power, so I had to move it there just so something is eating a little electricity.

[@mikepreciado7807]

Those loads yur makin are real 45 colt power. I got all the big magnums. But fell in love with the 45 colt. Keep the 45 data coming! Iam learning. Its stil a viable round

[@apfelsnutz]

Great video... If you're talkin' black powder, compressed is preferable to air space. we're making cartridges here not pipe bombs !!! Good job ! I'm sure in the old west they dipped the case into the powder bag and leveled it off and pressed the bullet in. The only difference is that #3 grade black powder was not available everywhere. Nice video !

[@Everythingblackpowder]

Great video! I load my 45 Colt and 45-70 the same way

[@453421abcdefg12345]

The obvious reason why 40 gr does not fit in the case without some compression is that early cases were folded head, whereas "modern" cases are solid head, this reduces capacity by a lot, the measurement of powder by volume was only a convenient way of measuring back in 1873, they had no portable balance that they could use then , so a measure was used, if you weigh a measured amount of different black powders you will get vastly different weights, this is because the density of say Swiss Powder, is different to Goex, the amount of "power" is directly related to weight of charge, so to be consistent it should always be measured by weight, using black powder there would be no risk of any danger from over pressure, so we get away with it! Chris B.

[@plowboysghost]

Yep. I reckon just about everyone who's not brand new to .45 Colt (and there are a LOT of .45 Colt newbs posting falsehood as facts all over these interwebz) has heard of the differences between the oldest balloon head cases and the modern cases. I'd wager that there isn't THAT much more compression with 40-gr of today's 3F in a modern case than there was of the coarser original powder granulation in a balloon head case. My point of this video was to prove, beyond and doubt, that the "experts" on so many forums who claim that 40-gr will not fit in a modern case, are full of sht....and they are. There's no telling how many of these have been loaded and shot by myself and many others, safely.....and with big grins. As you mentioned...being blackpowder, we have a cushion of safety with pressures. Mine isn't a 1:1 perfect replica of the original historic load, but it is a Hell of a lot closer than the mousephart "cowboy" loads 90% of .45 Colt owners erroneously think replicate "what they shot back then".

[@fabrb26]

You can even put 2-3 grain more using a drop tube , i manage to get 55 gr of 3f BP under a Kaido 255 gr bullet highly compressed on my cap & ball Uberti Walker , and black powder seems to really like compression

[@denisdegamon8224]

Especially Goex black powder. Not so much so with Swiss powder.

[@classicgunstoday1972]

I thought it was starline brass that had this because the walls were a little thicker. But, yes, I’ve got .45 Colt in 40 gr BP using Winchester brass in my game room

[@plowboysghost]

Quite a few of the ones I have loaded with 40-gr are Starline. Starline is all I buy when i buy new brass. They work fine for me and hold the same powder charge loaded the same way as these Winchester and PMC did in this video.

[@jusportel]

I have had no problems at all loading 40gr. of FFG, and just for fun I loaded up some with 40gr. of FG, it also fit with no problem. I do use a 30 inch drop tube… I also had no problem at all loading 70gr. in .45-70.

[@keithmiller6277]

I load black power . 45 Colt using the spring loaded powder measure that I use with my cap and ball revolvers; but with a 40 grain spout. Never had an issue.

[@plowboysghost]

I loaded up another 100 with blackpowder a few days ago. I probably have 300 loaded with 3F bp, and 1300+ with 8.2-gr of Universal. I've got another 300+ pieces of brass to load and was just trying to decide which way to load them...bp or Universal???

[@mrunderhood]

I did a video on KZbin shooting 40 gr BP. It is wonderful to shoot the old commercial loads in my 1902 SAA. By the way, It is proof marked for smokeless powder. Thanks for your Great video.

[@plowboysghost]

Good deal. Thanks 👍. I've watched your video a couple of times, before today

[@mrunderhood]

@@plowboysghost My video was unscripted and not rehearsed. I only posted because the file was too big to send my grandson in an email. I do plan on more shooting videos of my old guns from S and Wesson Model 1 forward for my grandkids. I really enjoy your videos and your take on topics Thanks

[@JWheeler331]

I don’t shoot a ton of 45 colt black powder for some reason but I have shot 45 Colt with 40 grains for over 20 years. I think I need to load up some new rounds of BP 45 colt.

[@georgegooding57]

A friend showed me how to use a drop tube. He loads for a replica 45 1873 Cavalry model, and two different cartridge rifles he has. The ones I used in my New Vaquero sure were stout.

[@plowboysghost]

That 40-gr of real bp, however you arrive at it, under a 255-ish bullet is powerful, under-rated, safely at or under the 14,000psi standard pressure spec, and big FUUU-UUN!

[@murphy4yt]

Just got around to shooting some of those 40 grain loads. 40 grains will indeed fit, and shoot great. Only problem is you have to compress the load so much that you deform the bullet. I need to get another nose punch.

[@plowboysghost]

What bullet and dies are you using? Mine doesn't deform with soft lead.

[@murphy4yt]

250 grain soft lead hollowpoint from GT Bullets, and the dies are Dillon. I have another set of dies I’ll try.

[@HomesteadingPatriot]

My lee die deforms the nose of this same bullet and leaves a ring.. might be too sharp an edge being a new die, might need to take some sandpaper/small file to it

[@mountainmanbrooks7562]

Hahaaaa!!, you give em hell plowboy, yeah some people just think they know it all, but what a great video, it's always good to learn for someone that done this kind of stuff before, although I dont know much about reloading yet it's still good to learn new stuff, and I really hope you dont take the guitar comments I say to heart, like I said I got those toys myself, in fact I just bought a fender hot rod deluxe amp, really good buy I might add, but it's the guns I enjoy the most, and I have done wore out most all the gun channels except this one, just like how your videos dont sound like you are reading of some script on the wall somewhere, in other words you are keeps it real, now get to making that shooting video, I will have some of my gun videos ready for you after Christmas, you should get a good laugh out of my antics and lack of video editing, oh and if I were Santa claus I would fill that dim light in that room with shiny bottles of wine..lol, 🤣 .. keep em shooting plowboy!!

[@plowboysghost]

Naw, nothing said has bothered me concerning the guitar stuff. It's just that I have a better ear than I do playing ability and I hear how 'off' I am when i watch that last video. No big deal, though...really. It's just one snapshot of what hanging around here is like. There's guns, ammo/ ammo-making, whisky, cold beer, a little wine, politics, hats, frocks, dusters, leather, 4 wheel drives, hits, misses, and ever now and then good songs butchered on guitar....heheh. It's real life. I appreciate the kind words, and I look forward to your videos.

[@GenderSkins]

I dunno! Maybe all these doubters/professional/experts just do not know as much as they think they do. And maybe they are confusing smokeless info with black powder info. Or maybe they are confusing 45 colt with 45 Scofield, or 45 acp who knows. As far as I know 45 scofield is a slightly shorter round then 45 colt, but not as short as 45 acp. But I do know that 45 scofield has a larger rim then 45 colt.

[@jakewayrewa5201]

Very interesting. You gave me an idea for some tests (maybe a video) for me to do when hunting season is over. I have about 50 rounds loaded with 34 grs powder and a lubed wad and card between powder an bullet. I'll load up some like you did in this video, then shoot all 50 rounds with the wad, clean gun, then shoot the other 50. Purpose of the test will see if the more power/less lube will significantly gum up the action or detract from accuracy. Also see if leading of barrel becomes a problem. BTW, I have about 120 mixed headstamp cases (mostly Winchester) and the rest are Starline. I use only mixed brass for my black powder loads, so I can tell them apart from the Starline smokeless loads.

[@plowboysghost]

Sounds like a test I'd be very interested in. I believe I'll end up seeking a different bullet with a much greater lube groove capacity than this Lee has. This bullet with SPG ran fine in that 7.5" Pietta SAA clone I had, and seems to be good in my Cimarron (Pietta) Pistolero....but I figure 24" of rifle barrel could use more lube. I aim to test bp in my other three. 45 Colt chambered revolvers...the two Remingtons and the Schofield. I expect difficulty with the Schofield, but maybe there won't be any problems that a bigger lube groove bullet can't fix.

[@jakewayrewa5201]

@@plowboysghost I don't cast (yet) so I buy these bullets from Matt's Bullets. Big groove for lube, and if you tell them, they will ship bullets with no lube in the groove, so you don't have to remove the smokeless lube. I pan lube with DIY lube (beeswax and lard mixture). Shot well in both revolvers and 1873 Win 24", but they also had lube wads in the cartridge. I suggest you buy 100 and try them out before investing in a mold. www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=71&products_id=279&zenid=m1do9c65lk31lttm7li247llo5

[@plowboysghost]

@@jakewayrewa5201 I appreciate the heads up. I need to measure the lube grooves on these bullets i cast.

[@zombiekillerwithblood1233]

Its amazing what you can if you experiment loved this helpful tip if i may could you do a video of casting 454 round balls for the 44 caliber 1858? Or shoot a 44 caliber 1858 anf demonstrate how to reload quickly the 1858 cylinder? Thanks for another good video!

[@plowboysghost]

Well....I would if I owned a cap and ball .1858 or a roundball mould for .44 cap and ball. The only cap and ball pistol i own at the moment is that .36 Pietta Griswold, and I don't cast for it...yet. While making this video...and while typing at this very moment, I have that Cimarron 1858 Remington .45 Colt (factory gated)Conversion on my side, though. I plan to shoot some of these blackpowder .45 Colt rounds through it on video in the coming days.

[@zombiekillerwithblood1233]

@@plowboysghost ill be sure to keep a eye out for it the 1858 44 black powder retails around 300$ if your ever interested in one the pietta version is 275$ but taylors is 315$ because its by uberti but i hope to keep seeing more videos take care of yourself

[@plowboysghost]

@@zombiekillerwithblood1233 The first revolver I ever owned was bought in 1997 (after a years of autoloader ownership). It was a Traditions branded Pietta 1858 Remington cap and ball .44, so I'm quite familiar with them. Thanks for watching and for the feedback/conversation.

[@davidno1minton997]

O,yes

[@montanamountainmen6104]

I load 35 gr of Goex 3F under a 255 Lee Semi wadcutter with a magnum primer, it shoots well but gets a tad sticky on the cylinder pin after 6-8 shots.

[@plowboysghost]

What bullet lube are you using? I had an issue with that Heritage Big Bore .45 Colt (Pietta gun) binding up after a cylinder or two through it. Don't know why it affected that gun that way but then every other Pietta built SAA, as well as the Blackhawk I've had ran a lot better with bp than that one did.. I wasn't lubing with a bp lube back then with that Heritage, but I've used SPG ever since. I don't know if it was all about the lube...but I figure it had something to do with it. I've also seen on forums that some who compete with blackpowder cartridges use red bearing grease on the basepin. I haven't tried it, but I will if I have any trouble with the three or four single actions I own that I haven't shot bp through yet.

[@montanamountainmen6104]

@@plowboysghost I use a Wad lubed with Natural Lube 2000 for BP under the bullet and the same lube on the bullet.

[@plowboysghost]

@@montanamountainmen6104 I've never tried that lube, or a wad in a cartridge, so i can't speak to that. This on the birds head Uberti gun?

[@montanamountainmen6104]

@@plowboysghost The Birds Head and my 1873 Cattleman. I can't find any other BP lube here other than Natural Lube 2000.

[@plowboysghost]

@@montanamountainmen6104 I had to order SPG. Seems like I ordered that half-pound block 2 or 3 years ago. Bout time to order another, too. I can't guarantee that SPG will fix your troubles, but I've put several cylinders through my Pietta SAA clones without trouble since i started using SPG. Before that, not much luck after a cylinder's worth.

[@centurian318]

It doesn’t help that the original bp loadings have been reduced over time because they were punishing then and in the 90’s with the advent of SASS competition, reducing the loading more for shooting against a clock. The original 45-70 govt loading was a 500 gr .45 caliber bullet over 70 gr of powder(.45-70-500). The carbine loading was reduced to, I believe 60 grains of powder and a 405 gr bullet (.45-70-405). I could be wrong but I believe the loading for the 1847 walker colt was 40gr. Of bp.

[@BigRooster616]

Unique or Goex is all you need . You can load it all . Might not be the best for everything but can load anything !

[@plowboysghost]

My regular powder is Universal

[@stargod3064]

Do I need a loading press or can I seat the bullet and primer without it?

[@History_Coffee]

The black powder community is filled with too much "I heard" and not enough "I tried". Great video

[@brianlee6849]

Excellent 👍! Great info as always. It's a major pet peeve of mine that people hear something and just automatically repeat it without ever verifying it. My father taught me to think accurately and not do this to verify things and not just repeat things just because you heard somebody else say it. Pretty sure that's what you were talking about with all that internet nonsense about you can't put 40 grains in there. LOL so I got a question. Have you ever gotten velocity numbers from this load? I'm seriously looking at the 73 I was thinking 44-40 because it was the period correct cartridge but I like the 45 colt has a little more punch and better cases. I was watching another video on 4570 and the guy said that he preferred the black powder for two reasons number one period Correct and number two he said he got much more consistent velocities from the black powder which led to better accuracy and he was one of those long-range guys from Montana. So have you seen better consistency and accuracy out of the black powder in the 45 Colt? I enjoy that you don't edit your videos makes you more real. Thanks again 👍

[@egomaniac8510]

.44 black powder was actually .454 making it a .45. the most popular cartridge in the day was .44/40 same round for pistol and long arm. The 40 was the powder charge. So why wouldn't it work?

[@campflyingdragon7628]

Hornady cases are shorter because of the bullet style they use. If their bullets are loaded in a regular case to the max oal, the case sticks over the shoulder of their bullets.

[@richardhughes7008]

My hat's off to you, Sir! Well done all the way. I am going to load the same, (and maybe hotter if I can get some of that Swiss powder). I have Starline brass, and some Remington and W-W, but I also have some old balloon head cartridges that hold even more powder. I figure my New Vaquero will handle things quite easily. I will chronograph the results. My next sip of rye will be in your honor!

[@plowboysghost]

Thanks! I've never tried the balloon head brass, so I can't advise on the strength of those cases or anything.

[@guyfox1206]

Hmmm... I heard he said that didn't have any whiskey today, are you sure it's safe to load ammo whiskey free??

[@plowboysghost]

Absolutely...not. It's not safe for me to do anything without at least a few sips of whisky.

[@stevenlawson9460]

Good job

[@plowboysghost]

Thank you.

[@stepabove2136]

I would love to see that load over crono for the fps. With 5.5 inch saa.

[@plowboysghost]

I need to buy a chronograph.

[@johnbiteme9118]

Thank you for the video. Very useful information!

[@MegaRiffraff]

👍🏻

[@DaleRaby]

Y'know, they make something called a powder trickler... ;)

[@brianlee6849]

How much hotter could you go with a long drop tube? I've seen guys demonstrate drop tube vs no drop in a 45-70 it makes about 1/4 inch difference. Do you load any 44-40 BP? Thanks 👍

[@WolfMusket]

Can't wait for the next shooting vid, Those are always good

[@plowboysghost]

Almost did one today, but it was fairly windy. We'll see what tomorrow looks like.

[@garrow12225]

It’s always been 45 Colt to me, I load 40gr of Olde Eynsford fffg, makes for a nice boom, I’d like to chronograph it one day.

[@plowboysghost]

I need a chronograph. I'll write that on my list....

[@ryancawdor8083]

That's what I use. I posted Chrono info above for 4 3/4, 5 1/2, and 7 1/2 barrels.

[@landonsimpson7839]

@@ryancawdor8083 what was the feet per second out of the 7.5

[@ryancawdor8083]

@@landonsimpson7839 Averaged 1026 fps at 10 yds

[@landonsimpson7839]

@@ryancawdor8083 holy hell man, that's scary. Thats one hell of a round.

[@Matzah1982]

I shoot HSM .45 colt 200 grain cowboy loads. I reckon their 250 grain bullet loads that have a hundred feet per second faster velocity are longer than the 200 grain bullet cowboy loads. The cowboy loads fit well in my Howell drop in .45 colt cartridge conversion cylinder for my Uberti 1858 new model army revolver but the 250 grain loads would be too long. Would 40 grains of black powder fit in my brass casings from the cowboy loads?

[@plowboysghost]

Yes. With compression 40gr will fit in any salami apec length .45 Colt case under a 255 gr cast lee bullet..and I'd bet most bullets of that weight or less

[@georgelewis7010]

Mike Venturino along with Steve P. Garbe wrote a book, in the book they talk about using a drop tube to put black powder in the case, SPG Lubricants BP Cartridge Reloading Primer of course they were talking about all the big single shot rifle ammo but i am sure it would work in the pistol calibres

[@stevanrose7439]

I loaded some 357s with bp and when I shot them in my smith and Wesson stainless it gummed up the cylinder so bad that it wouldn’t turn or even open. I finally got it cleaned up and working again and promised it I would never do that again to it. I have a bp revolver in 44 cal so I’ll just stick with it for my bp shooting.

[@lessage760]

Looks great sir

[@plowboysghost]

Thank you.

[@horacio1847]

Have you tried this with BP substitute? I imagine it would be too much pressure with triple7 3f. I’m going to be loading 45 colt with 3f triple7. I plan to fill the case up only to where the bullet just barely compresses the powder. Maybe less powder and a wad as filler, still doing my homework on all of this. Your thought on BP subs??? Thanks!

[@plowboysghost]

I haven't used a substitute in ,brass cartridges, but A.R. American has and mentions 40gr of 777 several times on his channel.

[@jakewayrewa5201]

Quick update: I finally got out to do the comparison test of my 45 Colt with two loads: 1) 40 g FFFg 250 gr bullet with DIY lube in groove, and 2) 35 g FFFg, same bullet, but also had 1/8" felt wad soaked in lube. I had discs cut from playing card between wad and powder. The 40 g was about the same accuracy as the 35 g, maybe slightly better with the 35 g. Fouling was slightly heavier with the 40 g load, but still functioned fine after 20 rounds. If a guy doesn't want to mess with making the lube wads and taking the extra steps in loading, then the 40 g charge with no wad will work fine. You just might have to swab the bore and/or cylinder pin after 30 or 40 rounds fired.

[@plowboysghost]

Heck yeah. Thanks for the update.

[@apfelsnutz]

Think about it... the lubed wad is behind the bullet...? Sounds useless to me... lol.

[@jakewayrewa5201]

@@apfelsnutz it seems counter productive, but it works. Thousands of black powder shooters have proved that.

[@tylorphillips8874]

I have seen the same thing I like hot black powder loads and I’ve split some cases for overloading cartridges well above 40 grains

[@SuperSneakySteve]

If you don't want to deform your nose you can add a compression die to your rotation.

[@MarcosCaminante]

I just bought an Uberti 1873 Winchester after watching your videos (1866, 1873). You are quite the enabler. Just out of curiosity, if you have shot this load from your rifles, what kind of velocity are you getting. Thanks again for the work.

[@plowboysghost]

I don't believe I ever did run it through one of my long guns, but then I also don't own a chronograph, so I'm afraid I wouldn't be much use in figuring the velocity.

[@brucebranson2488]

The round was call 44 / 40 or 25/20 or 30/30 caliber/ powder measure.

[@motobator1895]

Hey from SC! Great vid! New sub here. What primers do U use with these. I plan on powder coating these same bullets instead of lube. Ur thoughts?

[@plowboysghost]

Glad to gave you. I used CCI LP magnum primers with these blackpowder loads.

[@SpiritoftheOutdoors]

I LOADED 70 GRAINS IN MY 45/70 THIS WEEKEND . I THINK ILL LOAD MY 44 SUPER BLACKHAWK

[@plowboysghost]

I've got a dozen or two loaded up with 70-gr of 3F Goex under a 430-gr NOE bullet, but I haven't shot them since I loaded them 2+ years ago... I'll get to it, one day.

[@SpiritoftheOutdoors]

@@plowboysghost we loaded ff but one crushed the case so i wanted th powder out and get the primer because they are gold now and that powder was a solid block. I cant see how the fs make much difference once its compressed like that

[@SpiritoftheOutdoors]

By the way we were shooting a buffalo classic h&r and it grouped fine at 100 yrds

[@plowboysghost]

@@SpiritoftheOutdoors Heavily compressed, I don't know that the "F" makes a lot of difference between 2 and 3F

[@brianlee6849]

The internet heroes also say you can't load 70 grains black powder in a 45-70 and that was the original load with a 405 grain bullet. Have you loaded 45-70? Thank you 👍

[@plowboysghost]

I have several rounds of .45/70 loaded with 70-gr of 3F Goex under a NOE 430-gr bullet...no drop tube, either.

[@brianlee6849]

@@plowboysghost Nice 👍 . I plan to get the blued walnut 22" with 2/3 magazine and I want to load for it. I will start off with doing black powder. I also wouldn't mind having an old JM 1895 cowboy long barrel. Thank you 👍

[@brianlee6849]

@@plowboysghost so I'm assuming that all the internet heroes that say a 3855 can't hold 55 grains under the factory 255 grain bullet are also full of crap. Lol I do plan on getting a 24-in 94 octagon 3855 I want to put a tang sight on it I feel like it would be a great deer rifle or black bear or hog or even elk if I wanted to within a reasonable range. Thank you Hope you're doing well this winter

[@rustyyates421]

Why wouldn't it fit. The 44/ 40 was a smaller ( slightly) case than a 45 case and of course the 44 had 40 grains of gun powder.

[@plowboysghost]

The claim is that the old balloon head cases would allow for loading 40-gr and the newer cases won't. We see that is false.

[@playsportfun3356]

Those old black powder rounds were designed to fill the brass to the top. No need to measure.

[@plowboysghost]

Thanks!

[@danpos1971]

I really appreciate this video. I have been. Into black powder cap and ball for a while, and just looking to buy either an Original Henry or 1873 Winchester. I plan on shooting black powder i it. Can't decide between 44-40 and 45 Colt. Leaning towards 45 Colt for the extra bang.

[@plowboysghost]

I have owned a Uberti built Henry in .44-40, but that was the only one. I frequently think on buying my first revolver in that caliber, but I've resisted since I don't load .44-40. I'm heavily invested in loading .45 Colt....a caliber that I have owned dozens of guns in and currently own six so chambered.

[@danpos1971]

@@plowboysghost Do you see a noticeable difference in shooting 44-40 compared to 45 Colt? Does 45 Colt have more power? Louder? more recoil? Both are very light recoil. I'm not new to firearms. I just haven't had the opportunity to compare the two. The reference point is a Winchester 1873 rifle. Not hand guns.

[@plowboysghost]

@@danpos1971 I only shot blackpowder .44-40 and I've only shot my standard 8.2 gr Universal /Lee 255 gr bullet load in a .45 Colt chambered long gun, so I don't have enough experience to advise on the differences.

[@danpos1971]

@@plowboysghost I appreciate your honesty. Thanks.

[@seantnper881]

Is this load safe to shoot in a new vaquero?

[@plowboysghost]

Absolutely.

[@Andre-lt5nm]

Awesome! This is the kind of videos gun people really needs.. What mold do you use for that 255grs? Have you tried the real capacity of 44-40 brass? (Starline for example)

[@plowboysghost]

It's a Lee .452-255Rf bullet. I haven't loaded .44/40.

[@Andre-lt5nm]

@@plowboysghost thanks! Ok maybe can hold 40grs of fff who knows

[@fabrb26]

i'm pretty sure using a long drop tube you can even put close to 45 grain by volume into this case

[@plowboysghost]

No idea. I'm tapping on the cases to settle the powder, in my loading.

[@fabrb26]

plowboysghost try it if you can 😉👌

[@plowboysghost]

@@fabrb26 10-4. Thanks.

[@raghnallmacaodh3220]

This is one of many reasons why I like 45 colt....

[@brianlee6849]

Great info 👍. Do you have the rifle velocity on this load? Thanks

[@clanceyrussell8773]

I'm about to load .41 colt with blackpowder for the first time. Using a hollow base bullet. Going to use 20 grs of poweder. How important is it that its compressed? Getting nervous because the 1877 cylinder walls are so thin

[@backlash00]

What do you gain over say 30 and 35 gr? Any chrono data?

[@marktwain2053]

The Army Quartermaster Corp. used the .45 Long Colt designation to differentiate it from the Schofield round, which was significantly shorter. It would not be good to send a shipment of the Colt rounds to a contingent armed with the Schofield revolver. Sending the Schofield round to units armed with the Colt SAA wouldn't be a problem. They were both replaced by another cartridge just a couple of years after the introduction of the Schofield. I have seen commercial ammo boxes from the early 1880s that are marked .45 Long Colt.

[@plowboysghost]

I've not seen a single ad, box, etc .. mentioning ".45 Long Colt".

[@marktwain2053]

​​@@plowboysghost Not saying they were ubiquitous, but they did exist, and it stands to reason that the military would refer to them as such for the reasons stated. But I will have to say that I stated it wrong, they were listed as .45 Colt (Long) by the Ordinance Department.

[@independentthinker8930]

45 colt, 45 A.C.P.

[@hkadera]

Now I want a snubbie in .45 Colt loaded with BP...or a Judge with BP and buckshot...or a...

[@plowboysghost]

You could start a forest fire with a snub nosed .45 Colt and a full charge of blackpowder.

[@MimeswithRhymes]

All of mine are short too.

[@Hercules1-v9m]

Obviously you can fit 40 grains. Just compresses a lot. You do it. I do it. Many people do it.

[@landonsimpson7839]

Are your bullets soft cast or hard cast?

[@plowboysghost]

Soft.

[@landonsimpson7839]

@@plowboysghost thanks for the reply.

[@plowboysghost]

@@landonsimpson7839 No problem

[@williamcrawford7982]

45colt regular? 🤗☑

[@plowboysghost]

Yep...regular. (not unleaded...heheheh)

[@fabrb26]

did you know the velocity of that load ?

[@plowboysghost]

Commonly, it's right at 1000 fps out of a 7.5" barrel.

[@jimf3932]

Would a card wad fit with that same charge? Something like playing card thick?

[@denisdegamon8224]

Probably, but it is best if you first use a compression die to compress the powder and wad before seating the bullet. 100% pure soft lead will slightly deform the bullet. It is called bullet slump....learned about that in loading precision / compressed BP loads in my Shiloh Sharps buffalo rifles. I have compressed my 4570 loads up to 1/4" with a card wad and grease cookie under my 535 grain postell or 520 grain government bullets. Goex likes a fair amount of compression. While Swiss BP only likes a very little compression to burn effeciently. By liading only 35 -36 grains of fffg Goex with a card wade over the powder seems to seat said bullet lightly on the powder with just a hint of compaction.

[@mikepreciado7807]

I got a uberti cattleman. U thing it ill take it? Got the components 👍

[@plowboysghost]

A .45 Colt load of 250(ish)-gr bullet on top of 40-gr of Goex 3F? All day long (aside from blackpowder fouling and the obligatory cleaning). That's the bullet weight and pressure level that the original( ie: not strong enough for smokeless like your Uberti IS strong enough for smokeless) 1873 Colt SAA could and did shoot. That load will be well within safe pressure limits of your Uberti Cattleman.

[@mikepreciado7807]

Good deal. Can't wait to see an here this ol cannon👍

[@plowboysghost]

@@mikepreciado7807 Let me know how you like it when you do shoot it.

[@mikepreciado7807]

45 WCF?

[@plowboysghost]

.45 Colt. I've never heard of ".45" WCF.

[@apfelsnutz]

@@plowboysghost Old terminology for 'winchester center fire'... applied only to the first center fire cartridges, not the 45 Colt which is a more modern cartridge.

[@Beuwen_The_Dragon]

Dinae be seeing how folk think you can not load 40 gr in a .45 Colt.. I mean if the slightly smaller tapered 44-40 case can take 40 grains, then the big fat .45 Colt sure can too. ^.-.^

[@plowboysghost]

Exactly.

[@mikepreciado7807]

Ive ben itchen to try it. What powder 2f 3f? How bout velocity?

[@plowboysghost]

3F Goex, and I don't have a chronograph to test it...though from others' videos, I expect 950-a hair over 1000 fps from a 7.5" with an in spec cylinder gap.

[@davidlane791]

:)

[@52stevedo4]

It can't be done . I've ben frinking wisky . I thought i text abn back you up !

[@linasmagnum]

Romans 1:22-32 (KJV) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools No safe space here, it'll be "hate speach" for'em ;)))

[@plowboysghost]

Heheh...

[@MrBenski81]

Yawn, never fired a shot!!