45 Colt “Magnum”?

[@reachvictoria3386]

Excellent performance in the 1894. Looked extra snappy in the Ruger!

[@j_c_hunt]

It was extra snappy, but didn’t have the speed I thought it would for all that snap. That’s what is sorta disappointing to me for the pistol. But the rifle load will get filed as a success and remembered for future use.

[@mattnewcomb4147]

You gotta check out Accurate 11FS in the 45 Colt rifle loads. At almost 3 gr below max load it will shoot 255-260 lead gas check bullets at 1770 fps. Max load probably goes over 1900. It seems to shoot with pretty low pressures becase cases are filthy and sooty and are very reloadable with low expansion in the traffic cone shaped chamber compared to other +p loads with H110 or Lil' Gun. I have shot it so far with the Lyman 454485, which is a 454190 with a gas check. This bullet has a super high BC and when cast with softer lead and shot at 1800 fps it will still mushroom at 200 yards. I also shot 11FS with the Lee 315 GC and a Mountain Molds 345 GC and in every loading it seemed like low pressure, low case expansion and dirty cases but each load had great velocity.

[@j_c_hunt]

Good info! I’ll look into that. Thanks!

[@Lawraven]

Great information. I load my own high-pressure 45 colt loads as well. Hornady XTP 250 grain bullet over 23 grains of enforcer in the same Starline brass gives me 1650 ft./s out of my 20" Marlin. COAL is 1.59". I have tried numerous different powders and found the enforcer to be the most accurate in my testing for 45 colt. One additional revolver that will handle the high-pressure 45 colt load is the Ruger Redhawk chambered in 45 colt. They are built like a tank, even more so in my opinion than the Blackhawk. Happy reloading friend.

[@j_c_hunt]

A Redhawk is next on my list for D/A shooting. Appreciate the comment and Info!

[@stevekynard6658]

I hunted for years with a TC Encore that had a 20 inch 45 Colt barrel from MGM. My pet "45 Colt Magnum" load was from the book. 240 gr Hornady XTP Magnum bullet over 26 gr of Lilgun. They averaged 1950 fps and would shoot one hole groups at 100 yards if I did my job. Many an Alabama whitetail fell to this load.

[@thenebraskan6977]

Thanks for the great information and video. Stay safe out there 👍.

[@sonnyburnett2417]

These higher-pressure .45 colt loads (32,000 CUP) are also safe for T/C Contenders, T/C Encores, Ruger Redhawks, and Colt Anacondas (all of these models are also available in .44 Magnum - a good rule of thumb to go by). Your vertical stringing is due to an inconsistent hold on the revolver. As recoil gets heavier, the importance of using the same amount of rigidity in your grip (hands and arms) becomes greater. The bullet leaves the barrel as the gun is recoiling, so a more relaxed grip allows the bullet to hit higher, whereas a more rigid grip keeps the bullet hitting lower. As an aside, if you find you have heavy leading in your barrels that is difficult to remove, using bronze wool wrapped around your standard bronze brush will help a great deal. For more information on this overall topic, find the writings of Ross Seyfried from Guns & Ammo in the 1990s.

[@j_c_hunt]

I appreciate the advice. I have found since filming this, that personally I was probably gripping too hard trying to control the recoil, rather than “riding” the recoil as some folks put it. It’s all part of learning and getting better! Thanks again.

[@jerrywagner7346]

Hodgdon Lil'Gun also works very well in the 45lc. I get around 1250 fps out a 7.5" barreled Blackhawk with 300gr XTPs.

[@j_c_hunt]

Thanks for the info!

[@ChristianGrest]

Man those were screaming out of that rifle! The factory Hornady 225gr .44 Magnum run 1600 or so out of my 16" lever gun, so 1700+ is dang hot! You could tell ow hot they were out of your Ruger. Really cool! I'm gearing up to start trying to load .44 Special. Need some 240gr SWC bullets, but got powder and got an order in on some brass. H110 accuracy has been outstanding out of my lever gun. Really cool brother!

[@j_c_hunt]

Thanks! This is definitely going to be one of the loads I file for deer use. Check out Rim Rock for bullets. I’m gonna get some some them for my 38, but Chauncey swears by them. They seem to have good stuff at good pricing. Appreciate all the support my friend.

[@randyadams03]

Always good stuff JC

[@j_c_hunt]

I appreciate the kind words!

[@lawrencecannon1415]

Came across this video today. I have a win 94 trails end with the 20 inch straight octagon barrel in 45 colt. Same story using Hornady FTX bullets and win 296. Laser beam accurate at the100 meter . Sub 3 moa at 200. The drawback is that they're definitely Rifle only medicine. You are not alone in the world of 45 colt rifle fodder.

[@codyjames1952]

Yes i have a Winchester 1894 16 1/2 barrel 45 LC and a 1998 Ruger Vaquero Bisley 45 LC and Ruger Bisley Blackhawk 45 ACP /45 LC carry them hiking and back packing. now old Ruger Vaquero & Bisley are like the Blackhawk's. now i would not do it with the new Vaquero they are smaller like a Colt SAA

[@Swampytheroot]

Any chance you have maximum 45 Colt loads for a S&W Governor? Found your video looking for that. Nice from the lever action.

[@j_c_hunt]

I’m not 100% up on the governor, but a quick search at what pressures .410 runs compared to standard 45 Colt tells me it wouldn’t handle anything hotter than standard loads. Standard 45 Colt runs at 14,000 psi. .410 runs at 12,500 psi. I don’t know that I would try anything hot in it. I seen a warning while looking this up on Buffalo Bores website saying it isn’t rated for Ruger or +p loads either. There are several SAA safe loads that get up near 1000 fps I’ve noticed in some of my loading manuals. When it comes to hotter stuff, I don’t know that I’d risk blowing my gun up to see. Thanks for the view and the comment!

[@lonewanderer3603]

I'm glad I have the original Vaquero so I can use these hot rounds. The New Vaquero and New Model Blackhawk just can't handle it. I think they used to be made on 44mag frames and the new ones are on 357mag frames. I emailed Ruger with my SN and they were able to tell me yes or no, so if anybody is in doubt that's the way to go.

[@j_c_hunt]

The new model Blackhawks are the same frame. That’s what mine is. But you’re right about the New Vaquero. It’s built closer to the SAA size, and cannot handle hotter stuff. I’d love to find an Old Vaquero with a 7.5” barrel.

[@ninjackson1]

Facts 🙌✝️🙏

[@MrShortanswer]

Coming from just reloading 9mm, those are some serious crimps! Must need it due to the recoil these rounds experience in the cylinders.

[@rogervincent8314]

if you want 45 colt magnum loads get some oregon trail hard cast 360grn, over 18~21 grns of H110 be sure your pistol is able to shoot these loads. i used a ruger redhawk stainless with a 4" barrel

[@j_c_hunt]

I’m using a Blackhawk, so it shouldn’t be a problem

[@cravenmoorehead5]

I use the 300 grain xtps over 24 grains of h110, they chono right around 1650 out of my 1894cb

[@j_c_hunt]

That sounds like it will be a hammer from a rifle! Any loading in 45 colt I do going forward with h110 will be for my rifle use. I’ll eventually dabble in heavier stuff in it. Thanks for the advice!

[@cravenmoorehead5]

@@j_c_hunt I actually call them my hog hammers! They do a number on boars!

[@michaelgibbs3011]

Sir, with graitude and respect, Id like to say (on the chance it may help) that the Blackhawk groups are really bad. My Ruger is like yours with the same barrel length. Please try 2400. I use a 300 grain hardcast bullet. From sand bags, the groups i get are much smaller at 25 yards. I am being truthful when i tell you that my 5 shot groups print 1" or smaller. I dearly love the 45Colt caliber.

[@michaelgibbs3011]

Oh, my 2400 powder charge is 2400 is 17 grains, plenty for deer. I have never tried 2400 above 17.0.

[@mrrifleman1695]

use 14 grns of acc #7 w/250 grn lrnfp,shoots great in my bisley n bh conv

[@JOBXR]

Is that a New ruger blackhawk? Or an old one? I was thinking about getting one that can withstand the pressures of the hot loads shown here but i dont want to get a new ruger blackhawk if it cant handle the pressure safely.

[@j_c_hunt]

It is a new model I got around 2010. It’s my understanding, All Ruger Blackhawks can handle hotter loads even back in the old three screw models.

[@TheAmmoGuy]

do you happen to know if a Taurus Deputy can handle hotter loads? great video

[@rogerwoodward9657]

Noooo

[@davidno1minton997]

Good,job

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

Ruger testing is with a 7.5" barrel.

[@chuckventers2273]

I’m shooting 2400 in my 5.5” SBH with 240 XTP I don’t know what kind of numbers I’m getting but seems to be doing good still kinda experimenting with it like seeing the Blackhawks and the Marlins great video

[@j_c_hunt]

So far I’ve had awesome results with unique and 2400. Thanks for stopping by!

[@larryalexander4833]

👍 Following along with the 45 testing. I have a Ruger bisley 45 and a Rossi. ✝️🙏

[@larryalexander4833]

I've been looking at some loads for 45, 44 mag using unique, green dot and ?? I came across three containers of Green dot so gonna look at it first.

[@j_c_hunt]

I’ve read blue dot does pretty good in 45 Colt, but haven’t had any to try. Good luck with it!

[@larryalexander4833]

@@j_c_hunt I might have some. Do you have a source for load data for Ruger loads

[@DonutGuard]

Now, when you say, "a rifle" do you mean Marlin only? Because as far as I know, and I may be wrong, only an older Marlin 1894 like what you've got can handle the higher pressures safely and reliably.

[@sixshooter4570]

I love the .45 colt too, I believe that my Standard Manufacturing 1873 SAA could handle this load because the manufacturer states it can handle +p loads. Not to mention that the complete revolver is made from 4140 steel. What say you? I also have a Ruger Old Model Vaquero and a Ruger Bisley New Model BlackHawk that I know can handle this load. I also have a Marlin 1894 Cowboy Competition Carbine, stamped JM.

[@rogerwoodward9657]

Noooo....it is a SAA clone....

[@sixshooter4570]

​@rogerwoodward9657 I would double-check with the manufacturer before I tried.

[@charliebritt6365]

No offense but don't use this in no clones as you will like get a face full of steel. I would measure with calipers the thickness of the cylinder walls on any pistol before using these loads. I load warm but for a Blackhawk.

[@sixshooter4570]

It's completely made from 4140 steel. If it's no more powerful than the +p, then the manufacturer stated that the +p is safe to shoot.

[@muzkat101]

Man, Oh, man!! Talk about "Pop!" You're getting about a foot of barrel rise on the Blackhawk. That's got to be a wrist-killer.

[@maxgamer714g]

Check my story for years I did not like 45 felt that it dropped like a bowling ball or kicked way too hard but I got a 45 Colt and after five shots very much like that

[@calebwitt207]

Ruger Redhawk?

[@j_c_hunt]

What’s the question about the Redhawk?

[@matthardiek1818]

The reason they were shooting low is they were getting out of the barrel faster and the gun didn't have as much time to rise. First thing I learned when I started reloading

[@luket7771]

The intro is awesome 😂

[@j_c_hunt]

Based it off the old 90s gun and training videos. Just a touch of nostalgia.

[@dinsixiengmay9781]

Geez 😵‍💫 I load mine 1/2 grain below strating load, and she a beast.

[@garyK.45ACP]

The DO sell handguns and rifles in .44 Magnum, if that is what you want. I have 2 .45 Colt revolvers. Both are S&W Model 25s. I do not attempt to load .45 Colt ammo beyond what the loading manuals suggest. I also own 4 .44 Magnum revolvers. If the .45 Colt is not enough, I use one of the .44 Magnums. If that isn't enough, I have rifles chambered from .22 Hornet to .375 H&H. 🤷‍♂ The .45 Colt is a fantastic cartridge. It is not a .44 Magnum.

[@j_c_hunt]

The thing about 45 Colt VS 44 magnum is, 45 Colt can be loaded to perform the same if not better than 44 with less pressure. I’m not taking away from the 44, as I like it also what I’ve shot of them. But 45 is pretty versatile. The loading I did today was straight from my Lee loading manual for Ruger/TC, it just didn’t perform like the claims in the manual with H110. It’s a “magnum” in the sense it’s a lot hotter than standard 45 Colt, but in the end this particular load didn’t perform in the sense I thought it would per the load manual. Thanks for the great conversation and insight!

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@j_c_hunt I did not question the physics of it. I just make no attempt to "magnumize" non magnum cartridges. I rarely use even "maximum" loads from the manuals. I just use a gun chambered for a cartridge delivering the performance I seek for the task at hand. In my "magnum" revolvers I most commonly shoot light cast bullet loads for practice. Wadcutter of semi-wadcutter designs. In fact, in the .45 Colt, I often use .45 Colt cases trimmed down to the length of a .45 ACP and seat the bullets in a .45 ACP seating die. These also work well in my S&W Performance Center .45 Schofield. With light charges they give much better consistency than light charges in a huge case. In a lever rifle, they would increase magazine capacity, if that is a consideration for you. But you would have to test if they function properly. Likewise, I use mostly .38 Special and .44 Special cases/loads in my .357 and .44 Magnum revolvers with light wadcutter loads. I handload for every centerfire firearm I own and cast at least one bullet for each. I currently handload for 81 different cartridges.

[@j_c_hunt]

@garyK.45ACP so far in my journey down this addictive hobby, I’ve found I like cast bullets vs jacketed myself. I do have a desire to find some Speer semi jacketed stuff to shoot, but it’s all out of stock most places I look. I recently started casting my own, so I’ve been studying the science into getting good quality, consistent bullets. I like trying the hot stuff in the 45 Colt realm, because the Blackhawk can take it. I’d love to have a Model 25 or Colt M1909 to shoot standard stuff from. I think the next thing on my list of wants in the magnum realm is a DA 41 magnum of somekind.

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@j_c_hunt I use wheelweights I collected in the 70s and 80s for cast bullets. I used to put buckets at service stations (when gas stations had mechanics instead of groceries) and pick them up once a week. I have, literally, tons of wheelweights. I am sure they will last the rest of my life. And since I am now retired and in my "forever" home, I will never have to move them again! I use them as is for everything, rifle and handgun, revolvers and semi-autos. I never owned a .41 Magnum but I do cast a 210 gr. .41 magnum bullet I use for reduced loads in a .405 Winchester rifle. My grandkids can shoot their great, great grandfather's rifle that way. I do not own a Model 1909, but I do own a Model 1917 Colt in .45 ACP. Unfortunately, the cut down .45 Colt cases won't work in it because the rims aren't thick enough and they aren't reliable. They chamber fine, but give too many "clicks" and not enough "bangs". I use .45 Auto-rim cases in that revolver. "Moon clips" are a pain in the @ss.

[@j_c_hunt]

@garyK.45ACP I’ve been using wheel weights also. Problem today is, out of 16 pounds worth of weights, I ended up with 9 pounds of lead and the rest was either zinc, steel, and some polymer. I have some pure lead around for muzzleloader use I could mix some tin with I guess to get it to the right BHN. I want to find either a 4” Smith 57 or a 5.5” blued Redhawk. Guess we’ll see what the future brings. Thanks for the advice and conversation

[@kevinbietry7527]

.45 Colt was really one of the first non-magnum, magnum power level handguns. The term magnum refers to high pressure for caliber or a powder charge of black powder greater than the caliber. .45lc meets none of these in a traditional since but can still work out up to 500ftlbs at muzzle with bp in a 7/12" barrel. This brings it in competition with .357 magnum.

[@maxgamer714g]

It's hard to believe but yes the cylinders will explode it might crack or it might completely explode luckily mine exploded up and not in my friend's face

[@maxgamer714g]

That may even blow up a new vaquero they're not indestructible my friend they are pretty but those are for low power cowboy

[@mrrifleman1695]

ps,goin to test in my r92 soon as wheather gets above 40 here in wv

[@petermurdoch3001]

my Cowboy guns are , Uberti cattleman, 45lc in a righthand crossdraw, on my right hip is a 1973 Ruger Superblackhawk 44remmag, over my right shoulder is a Chiappa Maresleg, 45lc, i carry a JP Marlin Cowboy 45-70, for reloading i have 1000 45lc lead, short on Pistol primers, 44remmag i have 2000 store bought, anyone has extra pistol primers, ill take some

[@j_c_hunt]

Large pistol primers have been tough to source here lately. Good luck in the hunt for them!

[@petermurdoch3001]

@@j_c_hunt super difficult for me, Calgary, Alberta here

[@j_c_hunt]

@petermurdoch3001 dang, hate to hear that. Maybe someday it’ll change.

[@petermurdoch3001]

@@j_c_hunt finding less expensive 45lc Herters, Sellier & Bellot, American Eagle 44RemMag is 100$ per 20 at Cabela

[@j_c_hunt]

@petermurdoch3001 man that’s crazy to think it’s that high up there.

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

Try running unique in your ruger👍👍👍

[@j_c_hunt]

Stay tuned…😬

[@theeasternfront6436]

I have been reloading for a decade now, I think I have see one single can of Unique ever.