The Accurate Reloading Forums
Shot capsules in a 45 colt
02 October 2009, 21:34
jebb45Shot capsules in a 45 colt
Anyone have any loading information for the 45 Colt using shot capsules ??

03 October 2009, 05:55
daniel77I'll assume by shot capsules you mean rat shot. I've never heard of anyone reloading these. That doesn't mean that it can't be done, but I would think that if you have a use for rat shot, it would be pretty limited, and therefor, not worth reloading for. Go buy a box and save yourself a lot of trouble.
Can't recall ever seeing it for this caliber either, but that's not to say that it doesn't exist. If you fire off a 45 indoors, be prepared for a very loud bang and a bunch of smoke. Good luck, and maybe someone else knows a bunch more about this than I do.
I googled "45 colt rat shot" and found a link right off. Not sure I'd try what the guy suggests, but here it is...
"I've used quite a bit of .22 rat shot. But I also like making .45 Colt rat shot cartridges. Basically, you drop a couple or three grains of Bullseye in the case, then seat a gas check all the way down. Pour in the shot, then use another gas check upside down and crimp as normal. I've used both 8s and 9s and both are devastating."
the link:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=346493I wouldn't think that pellets going down a rifled bore would be a good thing, but maybe that's just me.
03 October 2009, 07:45
armed_in_utahSure.....Speer make the plastic capsules (#8785) with 25 per pack...fill 'em full of #7.5 shot pellets and a charge of 7.5/Unique....go shoot rats/snakes & even pine hens..they also make the capsules for the 44 & 357....
04 October 2009, 06:18
jebb45Daniel77
Yes your right, you don't know much about 'em.
armed_in_utah
That's the information I was looking, I will get the information from Speer, Thanks!!
04 October 2009, 09:36
daniel77No one else responded to you, so I thought I'd try. Nice way to respond,
This was not necessary. You do not know much concerning this subject. BTW, it's "you're" and it stands for you are
04 October 2009, 11:35
N E 450 No2I have reloaded Speer shot capsules for the 44 Mag, and the 38 Special/357Mag....
However now that Speer offers factory loaded shotshells I just buy them.
I have used them in 22lr, 22 Mag, 38 Special/357Mag, 9mm, 45 ACP and 44 Mag.
THEY WORK GREAT. I have killed stuff with all of them.
Mostly with the 45 ACP and the 44 Mag. With them I have [and the wife too] killed snakes, rabbits, squirrel, quail ptarmargin, and grouse.
And I mean several of each.
I never go anywhere in the field with out some Speer shotshells.
I carry some with me when ever I go out the door at my place, as there be SNAKES all about.
I do not see the need to reload them as the factory Speer product works great.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
04 October 2009, 12:48
Idaho SharpshooterI've been doing mine like the post suggested: gas check cup side up, shot in, gas check cup side down, and a mild crimp. NOT, a taper crimp. Even 7 1/2's will work well enough. Back in Illinois I could kill full grown copperheads and the occasional water moccasin at 6-10 feet.
Rich
04 October 2009, 12:59
txhunter77As far as the value of loading your own shotshells, it its well worth it. Buying CCI 45 LC shotshells at $13-$15 per 10 shells compared to 25 shot capsules for $6-$7 plus the lead shot, that's a no brainer if you intend on shooting more than a few rounds.
My load with #8 shot is 5.5gr Hodgdon Titegroup with the capsule seated to 1.75".
This load produces about a 3ft pattern at about 10-15ft
04 October 2009, 17:20
daniel77How does the rupture of the capsule work, or rather when does it happen? Are there loose pellets going down the bore, and if so, couldn't they damage rifling? Just curious. If you can damage the rifling with a cleaning brush, it doesn't seem like shot would be too good for it, to me at least.
05 October 2009, 09:13
gumboot458Would they work on Snowshoe Hare ????
.If it can,t be grown , its gotta be mined ....
05 October 2009, 11:52
N E 450 No2Yes, they would work great on a snowshoe hare.
If you are going to reload the Speer capsules are the way to go as you can pack in a lot more shot vs using gas checks on a regular brass case.
Also you could load bigger shot such as No6 or No4.
The plastic capsule is most likely broken on firing.
I have seen NO evidence of rifling damage, and I have shot a few hundred of them.
Heck, right now I am wearing one 45 ACP magazine full of Speer 45 ACP Shotshells, as I have been out and about on my place and might run across a snake at any time.
They kill small game, and birds GREAT.
I have killed way more animals with Speer shotshells than "regular" bullets with a handgun.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
06 October 2009, 09:41
gumboot458I got this bright idea about getting a 460 S&W so I could load shot shells , or Bear Dozers in the same rosco .. I was wondering about like #4 or T shot , ???? .. dON,T KNOW MUCH ABOUT SHOTTY GUN STUFF ....
.If it can,t be grown , its gotta be mined ....
06 October 2009, 10:22
N E 450 No2gumboot
I think you can shoot the Speer shotshels in the 460 S&W.
No reason why they should not work as good as the Speer 44 Mag shotshells.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
11 October 2009, 23:35
gumboot458First try will be something with the 44 mag prolly . . Lots of possibilities ..... Bunnys be ware !!!
.If it can,t be grown , its gotta be mined ....