Hi Gents, wasn't sure where to ask this as it concerns the rossi circuit revolver carbine version of the above with 18" barrel... not the handgun.Mods feel free to move or delete.

I am looking to reload for it and firstly wondered if anyone has any experience with them and what power its safe to load them to? I know +P loads are a no-no but wondered if it still leaves some room to load hotter than standard factory ammo.

On the caliber itself having not reloaded pistol cartridges before I am mostly after a bullet option or two to get the most range out of the 45 colt for small game and pests out to 100 yards.

Not sure where to even start... I see a lot of spitzer jacketed options like the barnes etc and also the myriad of lightweight hardcast semi spitzers and so on. Thanks for any thoughts on the best way to go.

Don't know about small game, but I use 300gr. cast bullets in my Ruger. You may not be able to take advantage of these in your gun, however.
Peter.

I would try target wadcutters at moderate velocity. For small game they should be terrific.

You never know when a Saber tooth rabbit could be lurking in a brush pile!!!

I have to believe that a 260-grain SWC at ~850 would be adequate on a lot of game out to 100 yards, and that is a standard Colt loading, suitable for even the Colt SAAs. I think I would load using the "#1" load data and see how well things group for you.

The Lyman 260 grain Keith style ahead of 13.0 of HS-6 works well on a lot of game.

quote:

rossi circuit revolver

Isn't this the 410/45 Colt aberation?
Why not use 410 bird shot?

Jim

I tell you a 357 158Jsp 1800 fps is to much for small game.

But I think a Lead SWC at around 800 or so would work just fine.

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:
I tell you a 357 158Jsp 1800 fps is to much for small game.

But I think a Lead SWC at around 800 or so would work just fine.

Thank goodness I read this! I was about to use my 6" S&W 27 for hunting with .38 Special 148 gr DBWC for squirrels. I'll try to keep the velocity below 1800 fps.

That vel is out of my 18 inch carbine barrel.

I don't own, and have no experience with the Rossi Circuit Rider revolver carbine. I will say though, that small game at 100 yards with one does sound a bit ambitious to me.
What I do know is that a .45 Colt can be a great small game revolver:

I like to use a 255gr semi wadcutter over a charge of 8-10grs of Unique. Out of your carbine it should be around 1000fps at least. That should be more than adequate for any small game you would encounter. It would also take down deer sized game as well. I wouldn't attempt to load much over what is recommended for standard pressure 45 Colt loadings out of your Rossi. My friend has a Judge and he tried shooting some +p loads from it and he had some issues with sticky extraction in his cylinders. Best to stick with standard pressure.