reduced loads for 45LC
I'm going to be loading for an 1858 REM conversion and the instructions say that the loads need to be comparable to black powder pressure and velocity. Is there a concern when loading a small charge in the somewhat large case such as the 45LC? I would like to use 700-X since I have a great deal of it. I know it works great in my 45ACP, 9mm, 38Spec and 32WC. However, if this is not a good idea, what would you recommend? Probably use 200gr.RF bullet. BP and Pyrodex are not an option!
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In my cowboy loads for 45 colt I use 6 grains of 700 X,albeit with 255 gr.lead bullets.Very satisfactory load,not hot but just right. 0 -
I took a few moments and looked up the .45 LC in my Ken Waters Pet Loads book. I make a variety of loads for several different types of older and newer Revolvers. The biggest thing to remember is these older guns do not have the quality of steel to withstand high pressure loads. In fact, anything over 14,000 psi should not be used in these guns for any reason!Using that light weight of a bullet, I would use 7.0 grains of Unique for a nice Light bullet target load. You could also use 7.0 grains of Red Dot if you wanted a slightly hotter load. Use an OAL of 1.57 for Unique loads and 1.60 for the Red Dot. You should get about 740 fps out of the Unique and around 835 with the Red Dot.I realize you already have some powder you would prefer to use. Unfortunately, I have no recipe for it. But, also, I have found and many others have told me that Unique is the way to go for all of these old loads in these old revolvers. Its worth the $15 for a pound of Unique and the guns really like it! Good Luck!
If You Can't Buy a Pair, Get a Spare!0 -
Thank you for the info. I have used many, many lbs. of UNIQUE over the years and will continue to do so. However, one can always tell a UNIQUE shooter by looking at his hands. Full of soot! Actually I guess I didn't make myself clear. My main concern was if there would be an ignition or pressure excursion problem with a small quantity of powder in the relatively large case of the 45LC. As a rule I try to use a powder that will fill the case 3/4 or more full. I'm assuming from what you fellows are saying my fears are unfounded. 0 -
I have never had a problem because of a small amount of powder in a "large" case in the .45 LC. I would think you wouldn't either. You might mimic the Unique loads with the 700 and be fine, also.
If You Can't Buy a Pair, Get a Spare!0 -
Unique is a very dirty powder at low pressures with light bullets. Lots of unburned powder in your action. It gets much better with high pressure loads in small cases like the 9mm Luger.Try 5 grains of Bullseye in your 45LC for about 750fps. 0 -
The Lyman cast bullet loading manual lists-- 250 gr cast-4.5 gr 700x - 535 fps from 71/2 " barrel. Thats about as light as they get. If you are worried about the empty space I'd use the 250 to fill some space.FYI top load listed for 700x is 6 gr for 800 fps. Good luck, Swanie 0
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