45 Colt load data

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techmike
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45 Colt load data

Post by techmike »

I have been loading this caliber off/on for a while with no issues, LSWC for a lever gun, and JHP for my Judge. Load data used is from Speer #12, but it seems to conflict with a newer Lyman book I acquired.

Speer book - 200 gr LSWC, SR7625 - 7.1 to 8.1 gr. Lyman book - 200 gr bullet # 452460, SR7625 - 9.0 to 10.0 gr.

Speer book - 250 gr LSWC, 231 - 7.2 to 8.0 gr. Lyman book - 250 gr bullet # 452664, 231 - 6.5 to 7.4 gr.

I understand the bullets are not identical, test guns were different, but the large difference in powder charges concerns me.

Anyone set me straight on this?
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evan price
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Re: 45 Colt load data

Post by evan price »

Lyman's data is based on a specific bullet cast using the Lyman mold # shown by the bullet in the lyman book, with a specific alloy of lead, sized and conventionally lubed.

Speer's data is based on the Speer cold-swaged bullet which IIRC is a softer alloy and uses a dry lube. Can't push them as hard without leading.
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Sevens
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Re: 45 Colt load data

Post by Sevens »

All I can do to help is quote some numbers from handy sources...
My Speer #11 says 7.1gr (849 fps) to max of 8.1gr (964 fps) for the 200gr LSWC with SR7625

Speer #11 also says 7.1gr (835 fps) to max of 7.6gr (889 fps) for the 250gr LSWC with W231
...those are similar to your Speer #12

I have an IMR guide from 2005 and it shows a max load for the 200gr cast LRNFP as 7.3gr (795 fps) with SR7625
however...
My 2007 IMR guide says the max for a 200gr cast LRNFP is 9.1gr, 996 fps.
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techmike
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Re: 45 Colt load data

Post by techmike »

Thanks guys.
"The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms."
- Samuel Adams, Massachusetts Ratifying Convention, 1788
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