Coffee w Buckskin Dave Velocity Long Barrel vs Short 45 Colt

I got to wondering last time I shot the lever 45Colt how much difference the 4 inch longer barrel makes in velocity and horsepower in these lever guns so I put together a little test. Stop in and see what I found.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Just to summarize the video, the difference between barrel lengths and what is gained: ------------------------ 250gr black powder: (+37 fps / +49 ft-lb) 20" 1165 fps 1179 fps 24" 1207 fps 1211 fps ------------------------ 200gr cowboy (+33 fps / +28 ft-lb) 20" 929 fps 24" 962 fps ------------------------- 250gr factory (+29 fps / +30 ft-lb) 20" 917 fps 24" 946 fps -------------------------- 300gr CorBon HP (+82 fps / +181 ft-lb) 20" 1612 24" 1694

[@Diemerstein]

I purchases a Henry Big Boy Classic in 45 colt because it's a gorgeous gun and also because it's so versatile. I don't shoot or have any cowboy loads, but lots of standard pressure loads which give about 1200 to 1300 fps for target practice. I also have several different types of +p loads, now that makes this rifle potent. Example, a Buffalo Bore Deer Grenade is a 265 grain slug with a muzzle velocity of 1900fps delivers over 2000 foot pounds of energy. It will pass through a deer at 240+ yards broadside, at 150 yards, it's more lethal than a 30-30. I have fired hand loads with a muzzle velocity of 2400+ fps, make no mistake, the 45 colt can be quite the thumper with the right load surpassing basic 45-70 and 454 casull

[@BuckskinDave]

It's a stout cartridge. Thanks for stopping by

[@juiceboxdan3148]

I have the Henry Big Boy X model. It's a 17.4 inch barrel. I've been hand loading for a few months now. I have loaded a lot of 250 bullets with 24 grains of IMR 4227 I'm right up on 1500fps. I've got some Win 296 and magnum primers for some hotter loads. I hope to see 1600fps. I would dookie my pants if I saw 1900 on the Garmin

[@WheelsandLevers]

Great stuff. I shoot a good bit of 45 Colt lever action, and I've found that you can play with velocity differences even more by using slower powders that take advantage of the longer barrels. 4227, H110, Accurate 11, these are slower burning powders (relative to most 45 Colt powders) that yield higher velocities without extreme pressure. For my 1894 Marlin with 20" barrel, I have a 1700 FPS load with 255 grain SWC using Accurate 11 that runs about 22k PSI. That's still 8k below max. Good hunting velocity without stressing the gun too much.

[@BuckskinDave]

I think if I loaded some slow powders it would make a bigger difference, I did the comparison with the loads I use the most. If I were to lad a hunting load, it would be much like the Cor Bon load. Thanks for checking in

[@jeffpittman8725]

I wondered about that. If you handled for hotter loads would the barrel length be more important.

[@mattnewcomb4147]

Have you done any other load work ups with Accurate 11? I worked up to 28 grains with a GC 454190 loaded long and crimped in the lube groove. It kicked so hard that it bent my Marlin's forearm tenon and pulled it out of the dovetail. I am wondering if the top loads are 1900-2000 fps with a 260. They sure felt like it! I also worked up loads with the Lee 300-RF but not sure of the speed. I am sure they go over 1600 fps and maybe close to 1800.

[@BuckskinDave]

Good to hear from u

[@leerichardson8911]

Dave, you qualify for the Washington County, Maine honorary poachers badge!! I saw how you were drooling over those buffalo....(----:

[@BuckskinDave]

Ha ha, thanks for stopping by

[@larryalexander4833]

Longer barrel has longer sight radius . Wich some like for better accurate shooting

[@BuckskinDave]

Especially when the eyes are getting tired(nice way of saying old)

[@larryalexander4833]

@@BuckskinDave yes sir I can relate .

[@johnnyholland8765]

You are right when you say "what good is a firearm if you ain't gonna shoot it". I bought an unfired S-W model 29-4 made in the early 80's and paid a lot of money for it so heck yea I shot it. I am a collector but also a shooter. Oh yea thanks for calling the 45 Colt a 45 Colt and not a "long Colt" Never was such a round but folks like to call them that. Wish I could see buffalo in front of my house. All I see is cows.............

[@BuckskinDave]

Yea, I don't mind them a bit. Thanks for checking in

[@paulworkman5755]

A pleasure to see a video produced by someone that actually IS an experienced handloader and knows about burn rates and bullet weight variances vs. affects on velocities. Dave's predictions based on powder type and bullet weight BEFORE he shot the rounds followed by actual evidence on the chono tracked perfectly with what I my experience has been in every case. I soon will have a Sharps 45/70 w/ a 32" bbl. I'd love to share thoughts on load development ideas w/ Dave. (And, I'm also in the market for a buckskin shooting jacket to complete the ensemble, LOL)

[@BuckskinDave]

Welcome aboard, shooting the buffler guns is loads if fun. thanks for stopping by

[@raghnallmacaodh3220]

I have found 45 colt to be a very adaptable round when hand loading....

[@montanamountainmen6104]

I had a old gunsmith tell me years ago , longer barrels do yield higher velocity with slower powders. I've seen it and done just that for decades.

[@BuckskinDave]

Me too, short barrels are handier, but if you want the most out of a caliber keep the powder burning behind the bullet long as you can. Thanks for watching

[@jolujo5842]

LOL "CornBoard Bullets" ... That sounds best 😄 When you gonna do a video on 45 long Colt? That was my favorite pistol/rifle cartridge.

[@timbaskett6299]

Just got a Rossi M92 in .45 Colt, with the 16in barrel and I can really say I am in love with it, even over my favorite Winchester Model 1894 in .30-30!!!!

[@BuckskinDave]

I always liked the 16 inch trapper models, handy with plenty whop. Thanks for stopping by

[@R32R38]

My three rifles are in 30-30, 6.5x55 and 30-06, so you can tell I like old cartridges. Sounds like the 45 Colt would be a nice addition!

[@BuckskinDave]

Me Too. Thanks for checking in

[@denisdegamon8224]

That Swedish Mauser is a fine and accurate rifle cartridge. It's performance on game exceeds the ballistics due to it's high ballistic coefficient.

[@codyworley5623]

That corbon load kinda blew my mind, holy cow

[@BuckskinDave]

It's a goodin

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Thank you for data. Nice leverguns. Beautiful country there. Enjoy.

[@BuckskinDave]

thanks for dropping in

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

Yup longer barrel gives better. Accurcy and velocity

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for checking in

[@flintrichards945]

I like your new neighbors and good shootin as always. I really like my Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt it can handle some stouter loads that get it real close to my .44 mags.

[@BuckskinDave]

Absolutely! I had a 300 grain solid nose running out at about 1250in my old model ruger vaq. It was a real stomper. Thanks for checking in

[@denisdegamon8224]

Just don't load the extra pressure loads in a new model Ruger Vaccaro. The gun frame and cylinder demensions are closer yo the original Colt Peace Maker.

[@brianrobbins3499]

I was curious on that subject and that definitely helped me out. Thanks Dave

[@BuckskinDave]

Glad to hear it, thanks for stopping in

[@jeffpittman8725]

Great looking place you have there. Great video!

[@thealsatian4232]

I have a short Uberti 1873 carbine in .44 Special. I’ll likely use it for deer hunting this fall. A good heavy cast bullet is a killer on deer sized game. Thank you for an entertaining video.

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for stopping by

[@marksparkplug7758]

Top of the morning Dave, great information and perspective. Have a great day.

[@BuckskinDave]

Morning Mark, thanks for checking in

[@nerdygunslinger5982]

Great video sir learned something today

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for dropping in

[@TheSagerider]

Stumbled into your site this morning and so glad I did. I have been a fan of old Winchesters most of my life like most that grew up in the 50s. I got one of the Japanese 1873 Winchesters in .45 Colt a while back and have been playing with it a little. It is a fun rifle to plink with for sure. You look like you might be in my neighborhood up in Montana. Thanks for the information about barrel length, mine is 20 inches but wish I had a 24 inch.

[@BuckskinDave]

Glad u stumbled in, thanks for stopping by

[@rdt417]

I'm late finding your shootin stuff. 20" colts my toy and tool. Fun to learn from your experiences. I also just found your 1/4 bore vidios thanks for spreading your knowledge...

[@BuckskinDave]

I like the short barrel too Thanks for checking in

[@slimfire54]

Thanks for this video Dave,it was awesome .I have a 2019 Marlin 1894 in 45LC and reload for it using Trail Boss powder that works well.Thanks Slim.

[@BuckskinDave]

I tried a little of that trail boss a friend gave me and it worked great in the 45 Colt, I been using titgroup cause I use it in some other cartridges. Thanks for checking in

[@richardkut3976]

Good video, thanks. Long rifle is nice, however, slight extra velocity and capacity is splitting hairs for hunting. Military is another story.

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for stopping by

[@uperrsc]

I enjoy my Rossi 92 with 20” barrel. Thanks for the vid!

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for watching

[@lessage760]

thanks sir think they should have called the corbons ass packers it easier to say hahah great show today loved it

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for watching

[@jcastle614]

Excellent video Dave. Pretty good shooting too! Love the lever actions, like to have one of those in .45 Colt. Stay safe and God bless 🇺🇸☠️🇺🇸

[@BuckskinDave]

I really like the levergun pistol caliber. Thanks for stopping by

[@kevincallahan1607]

Thanks for the video! I went with a 16" barrel, for thick brush. I would also like to have a longer version. It's on my wish list.

[@BuckskinDave]

Carbines or trapper models have their place. Thanks for dropping by

[@sixtofive]

I already knew what the outcome would be before hand, but I still enjoyed watching and hearing your thoughts on the subject. Years ago I optimised a 45 Colt load for a rifle with a 26" barrel. I found Vihtavuori N110 to be a slow enough burning powder to work really well for that load. The latest edition of the Hornady reloading manual has some rifle specific data for 45 Colt, but it's very limited.

[@BuckskinDave]

Amazing what you can squeeze out of a cartridge with some minor changes. Thanks for dropping in

[@denisdegamon8224]

Try the Speer or Lyman reloading manuals. They have a plethora of loads for the 45 Colt as well as for only the older Ruger (heavy frame) single action revolvers, which can be uploaded quite a bit / higher plus P pressures. Some of those loads rival or better some 44 magnum loads.

[@RogerSnell]

I love this channel.

[@BuckskinDave]

I have no words, thanks for stopping by

[@Wildturkeey]

Thanks so much for this video on this caliber in a RIFLE. Curious if that 300 grain Cor-bon load works through the magazine? Is it seated to long?

[@joelseymour6372]

Morning Buckskin, this comparison peeked my interest, as I recently inherited my brother's long barreled 1894 CB 45 Colt. I had bought the short barrel version several years ago, so like you I have both. I really like the handling of the short barrel. On the other hand the longer barrel just looks right, and she is a good shooter. I'll keep both, thanks.

[@BuckskinDave]

I like em both also, the longer barrel affords a couple xtra rounds. Thanks for checking in

[@patrickking2317]

Is this your property? It’s beautiful! What state do you reside in?

[@originalamerican9396]

My hunting load is a 275 grain hard cast bullet being pushed by 10 grains of Herco powder. Never chronographed it but my Uberti 1873 rifle likes it although it turns it into a single shot breach loader. I like picking off little 6 inch gongs at 100 yards off hand with it.

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for stopping by

[@petermurdoch3001]

thx for this video, i am looking at a Marlin Cowboy in 45-70 JM stamped with 26 inch barrel

[@BuckskinDave]

That's an excellent gun

[@505shango]

Great vid sir !

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for stopping in

[@kevmoful]

Beautiful out there

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for stopping in

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Great video Dave. That was very interesting. I wonder at what point barrel length slows the bullet? I know there is a "sweet spot" where you get the maximum velocity. Past that it will actually slow down. I didn't realize your backhoe was a Ford. I didn't know they made those.

[@BuckskinDave]

They did way back when, at least this one. I think there would be more difference with rifle caliber rifles.

[@panzerdeal8727]

I'm kinda liking the 20 inch..BUT I'm in Ohio. We're limited to 2 rounds in the rifle magazine anyway, so extra length, and + 2 rounds isn't beneficial. The Velocities and hitting power on the Corebon [?] ammunition is pretty good in both. JMO.

[@writehandman2833]

I was curious as to how the 300 grain Cor-Bon would perform out of a rifle. Thanks for the comparison.

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for stopping by

[@Leverguns50]

I was planning to make a similar video with the 92 Rossi Long barrel versus short barrel , I thought I’d be more velocity difference. You’re very good with that lever action very little barrel wobble at all between shots

[@BuckskinDave]

didn't mean to horn in, just got me thinking the other day. I think you could capitalize on the longer barrel if you loaded the slowest powder u could safely shoot, but don't think it would be enough to matter much. Thanks for checking in

[@BuckskinDave]

I would be interested to see what ur results are

[@Leverguns50]

Morelli's Tactical Advantage no problem at all I just learned a lot from you, I always learn a lot from you

[@rdt417]

Load thouse Rossi's Levergun. We can all learn from you two.

[@garygray97]

Thank you sir. Interesting. How about the 4” of extra sight radius for accuracy? Maybe another test?

[@BuckskinDave]

Most people would benefit from longer sight radius. In general tho much depends on the quality of the eye looking down it Thanks for checking in

[@braxtonrussell998]

So are there newer SAAs that can take the 1600FPS rounds you were shooting? I'm looking at getting a combo rifle and pistol in 45 Colt for hunting and I don't want to blow up the pistol obviously. Or are only newer design pistols capable.

[@BuckskinDave]

I would consult the manufacturers info on what type of ammunition that id safe in the gun you plan to buy. I was shooting through old model Ruger Vaqueros.

[@brianlee6849]

Great test. That was a lot of fun and yes I was drinking my coffee. Lol. I agree the short barrel would be better for cowboy shooting. I would choose the 24" but not for the slight velocity advantage. I would set mine up with a tang aperture sight and I would want the extra advantage in sight radius. How much more accuracy do you feel you gain at 100/200/300 yards with 4 more inches of sight radius? That would also be a fun test... Thanks for sharing 👍

[@BuckskinDave]

That would depend on many factors but generally longer sight radius is gonna be a bit more accurate. Thanks for checking in

[@denisdegamon8224]

Actually it's not the length of the barrel that makes it more accurate. It is however the longer sight radius that makes it easier for your eyes. And also any slight movement when using shorter radius sights increases the aiming error in alignment of the sites.

[@brianlee6849]

@@denisdegamon8224 Yes . If you read my comment I was talking about sight radius increasing accuracy. My question was how much do you gain in accuracy from 4" of sight radius or even more because I was thinking about getting the 24" and adding a Tang sight. I know it's not about the barrel length. Thanks 👍

[@guaporeturns9472]

I have a number of 30-30 lever rifles and I definitely can shoot my 1951 mfg 336A with its 24 inch barrel much better offhand than any of my 20” Marlins or Winchesters. Just seems better balanced. At closer ranges on deer and bear sized critters it doesn’t really matter much but at a little longer ranges I can definitely tell a difference in "offhand "shootability” Not sure about the velocity difference (maybe 100-150 FPS?) but it just feels steadier in my hand. Longer sight radius helps but it’s just easier to shoot accurately for me. I definitely like the carbine in the brush though.

[@garyhammond2213]

Another lever action machine gunner.

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for checking in

[@sentinel208]

Nice video. I have the Uberti 1873 rifle with a 24" barrel. Can those Corbon rounds be safely used in that rifle?

[@BuckskinDave]

I don''t use them, thanks for stopping by

[@denisdegamon8224]

I am inclinded to say no. That 1873 action is not very strong and was built for lower pressure black powder level loadings. It may handle say like a Remington jacketed 240 or 200 grain standard pressure loading. I would call Uberti and adk one of their techs.

[@oldrabidus2230]

Lil Gun does magical things to velocity in the 45 Colt in a lever gun.

[@BuckskinDave]

That's a good powder for these big cases. Thanks for dropping by

[@brianlee6849]

Do you remember what the black powder load was? Probably 35 grains? Thanks 👍

[@BuckskinDave]

Something like that, just enough to get some compaction. Thanks for stopping by

[@brianlee6849]

@@BuckskinDave Thanks 👍

[@andymcgowan9819]

What about slow burning rifle powder in the 45 Colt shot from the carbines?

[@BuckskinDave]

Might be something to try, thanks for stopping in

[@braunreinhold6020]

This will be interesting but I've always been partial to longer barrels.

[@BuckskinDave]

Long barrel slow powder more velocity. Thanks for checking in

[@braunreinhold6020]

@@BuckskinDave Point on Sir, I'm heartened to see I'm not the only old guy still around. Thank you again for educating the young crowd.

[@braunreinhold6020]

@@BuckskinDave I forgot to mention if you have six hooter and a rifle in the same caliber, then you're way a head of the opposing competition.

[@jakegrubb7630]

Do you always measure your powder by volume or do you ever do it by weight ?

[@BuckskinDave]

Volume, 80 grains volume is about 77 grains weight. I don't believe black powder is efficient enough to make a difference.

[@denisdegamon8224]

@@BuckskinDave That also depends on the maker and granulation grade of the black powder.

[@BuckskinDave]

@@denisdegamon8224 I have found loading a 50 90 if I weight it, and put it down the dump tube it fills the case more consistently I use 1 F in it

[@jakegrubb7630]

I'm asking about your black powder side lock rifles !

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for watching

[@WheelsandLevers]

How's it going with the buffalo across the road?

[@BuckskinDave]

I like them, they are a lot quieter than cows, thanks for checking in

[@denisdegamon8224]

There is a point of no return / gain in velocity, due to the fact that it is a pistol cartridge. Bullet composition, whether it be a jacketed or hard lead bullet.

[@john1cheree]

on average there is about 50 lbs in one inch of barrel length, on the 30-06, when cut the barrel down to shorter length it get down to 308 power.

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for checking in

[@robertwalters4676]

Sir, your cowboy loads got 133 ft per second increase (1062 verses 929 fps) in velocity and not 30 fps. A "general rule of thumb" is 20 fps, per added inch of barrel.

[@rtaggs8178]

Wait till the buffalo get out and odds are they will. They are no fun trying to round them up. I have personal experience with them.

[@BuckskinDave]

They have gotten out twice that I no, quick return is the key

[@rtaggs8178]

@@BuckskinDave I saw a yearling jump straight up the side of a hill like it was nothing. I stayed in the truck after that.

[@panzerdeal8727]

772 foot pounds with BP @ 1179 in the 20 inch, 814 foot pounds in the long tom....nice

[@BuckskinDave]

It's a stout round

[@panzerdeal8727]

I'd say so.@@BuckskinDave

[@braunreinhold6020]

26 to 28 inches would be the ticket.

[@TheSagerider]

So you got new neighbors. Going to have a welcome party? If they start doing tequila shooters it’s time to go home, heard they get can pretty rowdy when they drink.

[@juiceboxdan3148]

I had a beer while watching instead of coffee.

[@BuckskinDave]

Thanks for checking in

[@Leverguns50]

First

[@BuckskinDave]

Wow, that was quick, must have caught you uploading something. Thanks for watching

[@Leverguns50]

Morelli's Tactical Advantage I always love your videos, like to check in see what you’re up to

[@RunFast64]

@@Leverguns50 I like both of you guys.

[@Leverguns50]

SpinFast thank you

[@wonkachocolates6133]

45 Colt has its MAX VELOCITY ar 13 inches of barrel length.