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Ammo for shooting my old colt single action

mrmg
HiAll,
I have an old Colt Bisley which has been redone sometime in the past. By serial number it was made in 1900. I have some 255 grain 45 colt ammo. Can I shoot this in the old gun, or do I need to stick to a black powder load?
I suppose it's too bad that it's not a nice orginal gun, but by the same token it will make a nice gun to shot too!

Thanks,
mrmg
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • CS8161
    Is it factory loaded ammo? The factory loads are usually pretty mild, but I am not sure about a 1900 era revolver. Someone will come along to answer your question more definitively than I can. Do you reload? You can make up some very light "cowboy" loads using Trail Boss Powder and you will save a fortune over buying factory ammo. The cheapest factory ammo around here for 45 Colt is about $40 a box. You can duplicate the same load yourself by reloading for about $8 total cost per box of 50 rounds. By the way, welcome to the forums!
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  • rufe-snow
    Although 1900 is supposed to be past the transition date when Colt made SA revolvers for smokeless. I wouldn't push your luck with a 110 year old, refinished/reworked?, revolver with a unknown round count. Stick to the SASS type cowboy action loads.
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  • v35
    Early in 1900, Colt guaranteed the SAA to be safe with smokeless powder.
    Records don't indicate serial number though.
    Cowboy loads should be safe.
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  • steg
    You must bear in mind that the smokeless powder made and in common use in 1900 was considerably weaker than the powder in use today. So, although Colt guarenteed its pistols safe with this ammunition, it is not advisable to use modern ammunition, other than "Cowboy action shooting" ammunition or blackpowder loads, in your pistol.
    In all probability you will get away with firing several rounds, but odds are that you will ruin it by having the whole thing loosen up like one finds in a shot out gun. So, why ruin an antique?
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