I have a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 LC and as I don't have a 45 Auto conversion cylinder, I can't use 45 Auto Rim because of the rim thickness....my question is...If I was to trim back 45 LC cases so that the internal capacity was the same as the 45 Auto, would this work ??
Not sure if this goes here or Pistols but we'll see what happens...

Roger

quote:

Originally posted by yumastepside:
I have a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 LC and as I don't have a 45 Auto conversion cylinder, I can't use 45 Auto Rim because of the rim thickness....my question is...If I was to trim back 45 LC cases so that the internal capacity was the same as the 45 Auto, would this work ??
Not sure if this goes here or Pistols but we'll see what happens...

Roger

When I owned a 455 Webley revolver I used to trim back 45LC cases to the same length as 45 Auto cases and thin the rims to fit the Webley. Although I didn't load to 45 Auto level I did load 45cal Win 185grSWC, Speer 200grHP, Hornady 250grHP and Lyman Cast 250grRN bullets. They all performed well as I imagine the same trimmed cases would in your Blackhawk. Here's loads for the Webley based on trimmed Federal 45LC cases;

Here is a good article that well help you.

https://gunsmagazine.com/ammo/the-cowboy-45-special/

Think i Got a dozen auto rim case . Two of us have the duel cylinder ruger . I'll give it a try, but didn't be in a rush.

I don’t know much about pistol reloading.

But would think no matter what parent case you make your brass from, if they fit, they should work!

I do believe it would work, but what's the point?
Why not just "light load" the 45 Colt.

quote:

Originally posted by rcraig:
I do believe it would work, but what's the point?
Why not just "light load" the 45 Colt.

Sometimes, some of us just like to try something different!

quote:

Originally posted by rcraig:
I do believe it would work, but what's the point?
Why not just "light load" the 45 Colt.

The Guns Magazine article in the link p dog has posted above explains the reasoning behind using shorter, smaller capacity cases for lighter loads in the 45LC. Similarly the cartridges for the Webley revolvers did the same, the original MK1 cartridge loaded with black powder was shortened slightly (MK11) to obtain better efficiency with the change to nitro powder.
Small charges of powder rattling around in big cases is not generally conducive to efficiency and performance.

I've loaded and fired 100s of 45 Colt "reduced/light" loads. Nary a problem.

Reduced efficiency probably means that the government arsenal can use 0.1 grains less powder, 25-50 grains less brass, weight savings per cartridge… which adds up when you order ammo by the million count, but for us lesser mortals it’s no difference.

As to improved accuracy, I can’t say I can tell the difference between a standard loaded .45 Colt and a CAS bunny fart load accuracy wise…. If it does what you want, it’s good.

Yes, the chronograph SD variation is typically higher with low density loadings, but a revolver isnt typically a platform that makes it obvious at short range.