If you’re just shooting for fun, why not try roundball loads. You can save on lead & powder and have just as much fun!
Here’s some published load data for you to check out
Let’s ask GROK 2.0 what it has to say about .45 Colt roundball loads.
Prompt:
Discuss handloading or reloading of .45 cal. pistol ammunition such as .45 Colt, .45 Schofield, .45 Cowboy Special with Roundball Bullets, include information on single or double roundball loads, give specific load information if possible.
Answer:
Handloading or reloading .45 caliber pistol ammunition, particularly for cartridges like the .45 Colt, .45 Schofield, and .45 Cowboy Special, can be both an economical and rewarding endeavor, allowing shooters to tailor loads to their specific firearms and shooting goals. Here’s a detailed discussion on this topic:
General Considerations for .45 Caliber Reloading:
- Bullet Choice: For these cartridges, lead round balls are less common but can be used for practice or in scenarios where precision isn’t critical. The term “roundball” usually refers to the traditional spherical bullets used in black powder firearms, but for these cartridges, it often means using a round-nosed or flat-nosed bullet.
- Case Selection: The .45 Colt has a longer case than the .45 Schofield, which was made shorter to facilitate quicker reloading in military service. The .45 Cowboy Special is essentially a .45 Colt case trimmed to .45 Schofield length, allowing for lighter loads with less powder capacity.
- Powder: Black powder was historically used, but modern shooters often use smokeless powders like Unique, Hodgdon Titegroup, or Trail Boss, which are suited for low-pressure loads needed for cowboy action shooting or reduced recoil practice loads.
- Primers: Large pistol primers are standard, although for black powder or very low-pressure loads, some might opt for magnum primers to ensure consistent ignition.
Specific Load Information:
- .45 Colt:
- Single Roundball Loads: These are not common as the .45 Colt case is designed for conical or flat-nosed bullets. However, if one chooses to use a round ball, they would need to be cautious about bullet seating depth and powder charge to avoid excessive pressure or bullet jump.
- Double Roundball Loads: Not typical for .45 Colt due to the bullet design and the case dimensions. However, for hobbyists, one could experiment with very light loads using two smaller soft lead round balls, keeping the charge very low to prevent over-pressurization. An example might look like using 2-3 grains of a fast-burning powder like Bullseye, but this is highly experimental and not commonly found in reloading manuals.
- .45 Schofield:
- This cartridge was designed for quick-reloading in its original break-open revolver, which means lower powder capacity. Here, round balls could be more practical due to the smaller case volume. A typical load might involve a 230-grain lead round ball with around 4-5 grains of Bullseye or 5-6 grains of Unique for a velocity around 700-800 fps, though exact loads should be verified with current reloading data.
- .45 Cowboy Special:
- Designed for cowboy action shooting, this cartridge uses the .45 Colt case cut down to .45 Acp length. For roundball use, similar principles to the .45 Acp apply, focusing on low-pressure, accurate loads.
Safety and Practical Tips:
- Always Start Low: Begin with the minimum powder charge suggested by reloading manuals and work up incrementally, watching for signs of excessive pressure.
- Use Published Data: Never exceed published load data, especially with round balls which can seat deeply and cause pressure issues.
- Check for Compatibility: Ensure your firearm can handle the pressures of your loads. Older or replica firearms might not be suited for anything beyond black powder equivalent loads.
- Accuracy and Consistency: Round balls might not provide the precision of modern bullet shapes but can be fun for informal shooting. For competition or hunting, more conventional bullets are typically used.
- Testing: Always test initial loads from a safe distance behind a barrier, and check for signs of overpressure like flattened primers or case bulging.
Remember, each firearm can handle loads differently, and what works in one might not in another, even within the same model. Always consult modern reloading manuals or data from reputable sources for the most current and safe loading practices.
If you are loading .45 Schofield this data might help you as a starting point as well!
I hope you have a great trip to the range!