new to forum

[michehembr]

Hello,
I am new to the forums and happy to be here. I have just started reloading in the last 3 years (right before COVID). I have a question about a 45 Colt. My manual (Hornady) doesn't show the power that i want to use for reloading these. I am using a 200gr round nose. I look at the specs online for the Ramshot pistol powder, and it tells me 7.2 min to 8.4 max. once i have it measured out (7.9) in the middle and place it into the brass it just doesn't look like enough powder to even blow your nose. I don't know if its because I am used to seeing almost full brass on other loads (44 mag) or what. Can anyone please clarify this. My reload manual doesn't even have the Ramshot Pistol powder mentioned. Should I go with a different powder like Trail boss, Win 231, or A#5?
Thanks for the input in advance.
Mike

 

[JSH]

“Online” is a vague statement. Never used the powder you mention, so I have no opinion. Do not push things into service because that is what you have or all you can find, I see way to many folks just starting trying to get out on the cheap, seldom does it work and more often than not ends in a bad way.

Be aware there are two different levels of 45 Colt loads, so know which ones you can or can’t use.

For load data that your manual doesn’t have, look at bullet manufactures data or directly to powder manufacture.

I know this probably isn’t the answer you wanted or preferred or wanted.

 

[GLShooter]

That's a big case and the LC is not a real high pressure load. What you see is normal for most powders in it.

Make sure you use data appropriate for the handgun. The old Colts don't handle hot loads like the Rugers will.

Greg

 

[old codger]

If you havent done it get a good reloading manual and read it. You do not mention what 45 Colt handgun you have. Unfortunately the 45 colt is one caliber for which the type of gun you are using is very important. There are all manner of loads published that can be dangerous if applied improperly. Try to find the articles by Brian Pierce in Handloader magazine concerning the various levels of 45 Colt ammunition and guns. Your concern about the visual appearance of a load in the case totally misplaced. As has been mentioned this caliber started out as a black powder round and most smokeless loads will not come anywhere near filling the case. Trailboss is about the only powder that nearly fills the case, but is designed to give moderate velocities.

 

[michehembr]

I want to thank all who have replied to this question. I know some wanted to know what type of Colt 45 it is. It is actually a Pietta western Style Colt 45. I do not have it in my hands yet ( as my brother is bringing it to me) I guess at this point it would be just best to wait and read the manual that is in the box with the gun.
I will also be look for a good reload manual since my Hornady book doesn't have a lot of info that I may need. I'd like to get into competition shooting with this what grain bullet do you all recommend. As I had stated above right now i have 200 grain RN.
Thanks

 

[Dub]

I loaded thousands of 45 colt rounds for cowboy shooting and used 5 gr of Clays. Doesn't look like much in the case but they all worked great.

 

[MikeT124]

The 2022 Hodgdon Reloading manual (distributor of RamShot Powder) lists Ramshot Zip powder for 45Colt at 7.2 gr start and 8.4 gr max load for a 200gr LRNFP bullet. You should have no problem at the load you are wanting to use. Be very careful to not double charge with that powder as you will not have any external safety indicator as the case will not be full and the bullet will seat properly on a double charge.

You can get the Hodgdon manual for about $15, from most any of the mail order sporting goods companies.

Mike

 

[ebb]

What JSH was trying to get you to understand was that there are loads listed for older antique guns and loads for newer replicas. the newer guns are able to with stand more pressure. See what loads are safe in the gun your getting before you make a decision. A Ruger Super Black hawk with take more pressure than a colt that was built in the 1870s.

 

[bozo699]

Hello,
I am new to the forums and happy to be here. I have just started reloading in the last 3 years (right before COVID). I have a question about a 45 Colt. My manual (Hornady) doesn't show the power that i want to use for reloading these. I am using a 200gr round nose. I look at the specs online for the Ramshot pistol powder, and it tells me 7.2 min to 8.4 max. once i have it measured out (7.9) in the middle and place it into the brass it just doesn't look like enough powder to even blow your nose. I don't know if its because I am used to seeing almost full brass on other loads (44 mag) or what. Can anyone please clarify this. My reload manual doesn't even have the Ramshot Pistol powder mentioned. Should I go with a different powder like Trail boss, Win 231, or A#5?
Thanks for the input in advance.
Mike

Mike,
Welcome to the forum!… you have here the greatest bunch of guys with a lot of knowledge and willing to help!… you picked the right forum for sure. With that being said I have very little input to your direct question as I load very little for pistols usually many years apart between listings but what I will say be extremely careful not to double charge and it can and does happen, also especially for pistols before you ever throw your first charge buy several different loading manuals and read read read!…the internet also has a lot of info but don’t get it off forums go to direct sites of bullet manufacturers powder manufacturers and online loading manuals from like Hornaday, nosler, Sierra and others. Best of luck and looking forward to seeing your posts
Wayne