Saturday afternoon I shot my first Freedom Arms Model 97 45 Colt. This Model 97 4.75-inch revolver is tiny compared with my Model 83 475s. The handloads I shot, I was informed, were 285-grain bullets at 1250 fps. But I must say the Model 97 was comfortable to use despite its ammunition. I was impressed with it -- and I didn't expect to be.

What loading data should be used with the Model 97? Will the revolver safely accept 45 Colt loading data that would be used in Ruger Blackhawks? I suspect the owner of the revolver was loading adventurously. Muzzle blast and recoil were more severe than factory load [equivalent] 475s in my 6-inch Model 83.

check hodgen reloading data. they list loads for the freedom arms and others in 45 colt..
Its probably a full boat load. a max load of H110 will get you almost 1200 feet a second with 300gr bullets.

quote:

Originally posted by hivelosity:
check hodgen reloading data. they list loads for the freedom arms and others in 45 colt..
Its probably a full boat load. a max load of H110 will get you almost 1200 feet a second with 300gr bullets.

I did, finally, what I should have done first. Queried Freedom. The only restriction is overall cartridge length.

I would think the 97 could do 454 Casull loads in the 45 Colt brass, and anything from there all the way down to peacemaker loads. The recoil could then be tuned to the shooter's preference.