20 August 2006, 02:47
Sharpsfifty.45 Win Mag
I have a T/C Contender .45 Win Mag and would like to load low velocity .45 colt loads in it. The win mag brass is slightly shorter but stronger stuff so I should be safe using most of the 45 colts data. Any sugestions would be great.
20 August 2006, 03:58
Dm45winmagHow slow are you trying to go? there are several reloading books out there that have data available for the 45 Win Mag.
Lyman #46 has lead bullet load data if you don't want to shoot jacketed bullets.
I own a 14" barrel in this caliber.
have you looked at
Handloads.com for more info?
Trailboss loads should work well since the pressures are so low......now you got me wondering

20 August 2006, 18:54
buckshotI don't think you need to look any further than 45 ACP data to find what you are after. Jumping from 230s to 250, I'd reduce my charge 1/2 grain if using powders like Unique.
22 August 2006, 04:09
Dm45winmagI'm not so sure about that,
A 45 ACP case is only 0.898" long, as a 45 Win Mag case is 1.198" long which leaves 0.30" of empty space to deal with. The 45 Colt case is 1.285" long which leave 0.087" between the 45 Colt and 45 WM.
Since there is "Unique" data for all 3 in my Speer #12 book, we can compare their powder capacities using a 225gr JHP listing. The limits for the 45 ACP are 5.4 to 6.0 grains, while the 45 WM shows 12.0 to 14.0 grains, The Colt listing shows 8.1 to 9.0 grains for a normal loading and 10.5 to 11.5 for a T/C & Ruger Blackhawk.
If you called any of the powder manufacturers, they would give you a "Oh Heck NO" for using ACP loads in a Win Mag.
22 August 2006, 12:09
tnekkccThe 45 Win mag brass is an 1892 7x57mm rimless case head and is not as strong as the 45 Colt case head.
I have doubled the 454 Casull charges in a 45 Colt case [in a .410 shotgun with thick chamber walls] and the brass can take it.
Extractor groove growth in Mauser case heads can start at 57,000 psi.
Be that as it may, I get the most accuracy from wimpy 45 Colt loads with 6 gr Unique and 300 gr hard cast.