Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Reloading 45 LC

mballai
I finally succumbed to being a true rootin tootin pistolero with the purchase of a 45 LC Ruger Vaquero. The only fly in the ointment is the price of ammo. I'm going to order some components and dies for this caliber. I've got some 230 gr FP Lead Bullets that I've used in my 1911. Any reason why this wouldn't fly for my Vaquero? Any other suggestions on LC or single action revolvers would be helpful as well.

Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
0

Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • spclark
    I 'spect the 230's could be used for 45LC; Oregon Trail's (Laser-Cast Silver alloy bullets) lists the diameter at .452 for their 45LC and 45 ACP bullets, though there's some overlap in weights: 45 ACP ranges from 155gr to 230 where the 45LC start at 200 & go to 300. http://www.laser-cast.com/prices.html There's a whole passle of facts, tips, rumors, & such over at http://www.sassnet.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=2 so you might want to point your browser of choice that way & set awhile. From another post I see your from around Cook County? There's a nice bunch of folks out near Sycamore who do this CAS stuff regularly; http://www.tbcnet.com/~kvr/ & good shootin'!
    0
  • mballai
    Very good URL-way more then I'll need for this diversion from more utilitarian shooting. It's about as close to retro as I'm going to get.

    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
    0
  • Iconoclast
    I'm just going on memory here, but as I recall it, the .45 LC takes a .454 slug, not a .452 . . . better check your loading manual before you go the 'recycle' route. They'd work, but accuracy could be affected.
    0
  • rpo242
    Yup. The pre war Colts took .454" bullets. The new ones, including
    Ruger use .452".

    You can't miss fast enough.
    0
  • mballai
    FWIW Hornady's 4th lists .451 - .452 for 45 LC--the heavier bullets being listed as the latter. Looks like the FPs should work for a start but I am wondering if the heavier grain bullets work better in the LC accuracy wise.

    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
    0
  • gskyhawk
    mballai: with a fixed sighted gun like the vaquero you may find that you have to use a different weight of bullet to get the gun to shoot where you want, lighter bullet will usually hit lower than a heavier bullet, every thing else being equal, so don't load up alot before you try them out.. also if you don't know this when shooting fast with a single action, use the thumb of your left hand to cock the hammer, just take a normal two hand hold with your left thumb coming over to work the hammer... have fun!!!!!!!!



    Edited by - gskyhawk on 09/19/2002 08:16:31
    0
  • v35
    Heavier bullets burn powder better in the 45LC in factory or lighter loadings. Hercules Herco, if it's still around, was supposed to be the cleanest powder and showed the least velocity variation.
    0
  • mballai
    I'll try a handful of the 230 FPs, but I ordered some 250 grainers for the longer haul. I figured that if that's what the SASS approved factory loads use, there's probably a good reason. Appreciate all your input.

    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity

Didn’t find what you’re looking for?