I been shootin a Ruger SBH 44M w/ a 7 1/2' tube since 1987. I load that and also for my cousin's 45 LC and numerous other rounds. I have a 'hankerin for a Ruger 45 LC that I can load up to Magnum loads. Been loadin 44M w/ 19.5 to 20.5 grns of H110 and 300grn WNLGC Castcores. I been wantin'
to do some hot loads w/ a 45 LC for awhile. Any suggestions on the Ruger 45 LC? Thanks in advance.

Kingd.

I would suggest the following article that includes data.
http://www.customsixguns.com/w...solving_the_myth.htm

Also Hodgdon's webpage with 45 Colt ( Ruger, Freedom Arms and T/C data only)
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

This will get you started and pointed ( hopefully )in the right direction.

I have done some load work with a Bisley Vaquero 45LC in what I would consider top end loads. The hardest hitting load was 23.5 grains of H110 under a Leadhead brand 335 grain gas check cast bullet and a Magtech small rifle primer loaded into Starline 454Casull brass that was trimmed to 45LC length. This load was accurate and ran 1390 ft/sec, but wasn't for recoil sensitive shooters. I tried this load in 45LC brass and the bullets would jump crimp under recoil and lock the cylinder. I didn't like the Bisley hammer on the gun and installed a standard Blackhawk hammer which is of less mass than the Bisley style and encountered mis-fires with the small rifle primers and so I decided to keep with more moderate loads and lighter (270 grain) bullets. I am not suggesting for you to try to duplicate my load, but am giving you this information so you will know the pitfalls of the 45. I still like the 45LC very much.

I appreciate the info gentlemen.

Luckyducker,
Just a suggestion, but you might try a wolff extra power hammer spring, and federal primers on that casull brass.

quote:

Luckyducker,
Just a suggestion, but you might try a wolff extra power hammer spring, and federal primers on than casull brass.

Kaboom, I might just try that if I get an itch for that load again. Who knows?

quote:

Originally posted by Luckyducker:
I have done some load work with a Bisley Vaquero 45LC in what I would consider top end loads. The hardest hitting load was 23.5 grains of H110 under a Leadhead brand 335 grain gas check cast bullet and a Magtech small rifle primer loaded into Starline 454Casull brass that was trimmed to 45LC length. This load was accurate and ran 1390 ft/sec, but wasn't for recoil sensitive shooters. I tried this load in 45LC brass and the bullets would jump crimp under recoil and lock the cylinder. I didn't like the Bisley hammer on the gun and installed a standard Blackhawk hammer which is of less mass than the Bisley style and encountered mis-fires with the small rifle primers and so I decided to keep with more moderate loads and lighter (270 grain) bullets. I am not suggesting for you to try to duplicate my load, but am giving you this information so you will know the pitfalls of the 45. I still like the 45LC very much.

Something to note,

If you are having trouble with 45 colt jumping crimp, its likely a die problem not the brass. Generally you need .003 undersize brass for your bullet after you "expand" it in your die. Likely your expander plug is too large. ( this is "cured" by using the 454 brass but that invites other problems, one you've already encourtered.) If your you can remove the expander plug, polish it down until you still have the suggested neck tension. This will cure the problem.
When you use the 454 brass, you have already increased chamber pressure due to the thicker, ( read less volume/case capacity ) brass. You've already stated the problem with the rifle primers. The suggestion for the switch to a extra power wolfe springs is spot on and even is benificial for standard cartridges. A 28 pound hammer spring is suggested.

I don't mean this in any condecending way or intend any offence, just that the dies are generally the problem. I sincerely hopes this will help with other avenues for solution.

Todd

Use a .44 Mag expander plug. This increases the neck tension and helps reduce crimp jump.

quote:

Originally posted by kaytod:
Kingd.

I would suggest the following article that includes data.
http://www.customsixguns.com/w...solving_the_myth.htm

Also Hodgdon's webpage with 45 Colt ( Ruger, Freedom Arms and T/C data only)
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

This will get you started and pointed ( hopefully )in the right direction.

Some awesome advice here. Hodgdon's load data is very good too. Back in '08 I took my 4-5/8" NMBH in 45LC to Alaska as backup on a Grizzly hunt. I had it stoked with the LBT 335 gr WFN GCs pushed by Hodgdon's max load of Lil'Gun. The 62" bull moose we spotted was too tempting to pass up so I dropped him @ 15 yds with the 45. I'm now shooting the 285 gr WFN PB, also by LBT but use H110 instead.



I'm now shooting the 5-1/2" Bisley NMBH special ordered by Williams Shooting Supply.

http://www.ruger.com/products/...specSheets/0470.html

Alan