Max Loads for 45LC in Rolling Block?

[slingworks]

I've come across a modern Rolling Block for sale that needs a reason to move over to my house....

It's a Pedersoli Rolling Block Carbine in 45LC.

A "Baby" carbine (20" barrel) that from a quick look seems to be the same rolling block action as on every other Pedersoli steel framed copy. The "Baby" is a steel frame, it's not aluminum.

I see they list the standard sporting rifles in a range of calibers: 45-70, 38-55, 30-30, 357mag and so on. All specd for modern CIP smokeless loads.

Probably a hard to answer question based on a slew of variables, but how hot do you think a guy could load the 45lc and still be within safe operating pressure ranges on this action? I'm thinking more along the line of hunting rather than plinking.

I'd like to use/work up a load somewhat closer to a 44mag than a 45LC cowboy load and not have to worry about anything coming back my way.

I do have 2 other 44mag carbines (Ruger Marlin and a Uberti 1873), so I'm not hurting for one, just want something a bit different.

Anyone ever work up a warm/hot load for one in 45 Colt?

 

[SeabeeKen]

Anyone ever work up a warm/hot load for one in 45 Colt?

Why? Why not preserve the old gun with milder loads?

 

[dellet]

Short answer is that the rifle will hold more pressure than the brass.

Depending on exact model, check to see the highest pressure cartridge it was chambered in, then account for bolt thrust based on the cartridges.

Pedersoli rifle are all proof tested, cartridge pressure +30%. So if your same model rifle was also chambered in 357 magnum, proof load was 40,000 +.

You can find the pressure for offered cartridges in the manufacturer instructions for the rifle.

https://www.davidepedersoli.com/storage/app/uploads/public/628/3a4/389/6283a43892f98831799297.pdf

 

[old codger]

I have the same gun. My advice is do not push it. I would stay with the standard recommended loads for the 45 Colt shown in the reloading manuals. I believe they would be classed as 14,000 psi loads. The reason I say this is the poor way that model handles gas leakage. A blown primer or even a work hardened case mouth can allow gas to leak from the action which does not seal or redirect the gas as well as a bolt or lever actions do. I ran into this with some cases which had work hardened mouths to the point they did not seal in the breech and I could see gas and feel powder particles escaping the action. Your face is pretty close to the breech of the rifle and I highly recommend shooting glasses when you fire this gun. You can minimise this by annealing cases after each firing but if pushing the gun with higher loads you could get a blown primer.

 

[ISS]

The new Handloader came yesterday in the mail. Brian Pearce has an article RE 45 Colt loads in lever rifles. It would be a perfect place to start; and know you are safe.

ISS

 

[slingworks]

Thanks for the posts gents.

Seabeeken, it's a new rifle, not a vintage roller. If it were original I probably wouldn't push it much.

Somewhat besides the point, I almost bought a vintage 1902 7mm roller over the weekend. It was of course a heavier rifle, heavier receiver etc. Had a fairly good bore. I like the 7x57. I decided against it because of the age and uncertainly of strength/safety.

I wish Pedersoli would make a repro 1902 roller! LOL

Old Codger, That's probably a good point. I've been known to leave my shooting glasses at home on occasion.....

I wonder if you may have had some issues with cases not sealing so well from the modest pressure? I had a Winchester 73 carbine for a while in 45lc and I had some issues with cases not sealing. (typical factory loads). I never loaded anything for it because of what it was (Miroku built. I do have a Uberti 73 in 44 mag and have shot a couple hundred factory 44mags through it, but I feel it's a slightly different animal).

 

[old codger]

The 45 Colt beginning loads in some manuals might not completely seal the chamber. (too low chamber pressure) The cases will be smoked. The gun will handle any normal factory loads safely. Just keep your cases annealed and unless you have a primer leak everything will be OK. I have fired maximum loads as shown in the Lyman manual with no problem as long as I keep my cases annealed. Cases which have been fired several times will work harden the mouth and will begin to leak. Pick a good bullet and work up to the max loads in the manuals for standard loads and you should be able to kill anything up to white tail deer .
It is a fun gun to shoot and is accurate. Good luck.