Loading .45 Colt - The Firearms Forum

upsguy · 02-08-2011, 11:13 PM

From what I've been reading, (maybe I'm confused) do you need to lube cast bullets when reloading these?

Also, where is the best place to buy these online?

redwing carson · 02-09-2011, 12:31 AM

Did you buy cast bullets? I would assume if you did they will be lubed already. Look at the lube grooves around the bullets they should be filled with lube. The bullets should be sized and lubed before you load them. They will be sized at about .452 for your .45 they can run .454. You will need a bullet sizer and lube die to finish the bullets if not lubed and sized. You can get Lee Alox and shake lube the bullets if the cast size is correct. When you seat the bullets in the case and the bullets start to buldge the case they are too oversized and most likely will stick in chamber. Check out Midway Supply.

RC

woolleyworm · 02-09-2011, 01:28 AM

RC pretty well covered it. There are many different types of lubes out there, some are good for general purpose use, others for specific hardness of lead / velocities / residual properties. You can make your own if you cast and size your own boolits or buy pre-lubed cast.

upsguy · 02-09-2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwing carson

Did you buy cast bullets? RC

No, I didn't buy anything yet. Im not sure what to buy, I just want to plink at the range. Is it true that long Colt needs to be .452 and .45ACP (jacketed) .451?

JLA · 02-09-2011, 07:52 AM

generally speaking yes, but I have run .452s thru my ACPs without problem...

Matt Dardas will hook you up, great bullets at a great price...
http://www.dardascastbullets.com/mm5...ry_Code=45RNFP

Alpo · 02-09-2011, 07:55 AM

I size all my 45s, Colt and ACP, .452. Never had a problem with close to a dozen 45 ACPs.

The_Vigilante · 02-09-2011, 08:15 AM

While we are on the subject is it ok to use .45 ACP JHP bullets for reloading in .45 Colt?

al45lc · 02-09-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Vigilante

While we are on the subject is it ok to use .45 ACP JHP bullets for reloading in .45 Colt?

I've done it for decades.

woolleyworm · 02-09-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Vigilante

While we are on the subject is it ok to use .45 ACP JHP bullets for reloading in .45 Colt?

It can and has been done, but typically, you'll find that jacketed bullets for acp run at .451 and for colt at .452. Best way to find out is to slug your bore and check your chamber throat ID. The 45acp bullets will work ok, just might not be as accurate.

army mp · 02-09-2011, 08:47 AM

If just looking for cheap bullets to shoot, this may be a better option; you don’t need to slug the bore with these.
http://www.berrysmfg.com/product-i14..._250gr_FP.aspx

upsguy · 02-09-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

generally speaking yes, but I have run .452s thru my ACPs without problem...

Matt Dardas will hook you up, great bullets at a great price...
http://www.dardascastbullets.com/mm5...ry_Code=45RNFP

Thank you for the link, I think Ill try these.
So these bullets from this site are ready to load, right? The blue rings is the lube? Is the purpose of the lube to help minimize lead fouling in the barrel?

woolleyworm · 02-09-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upsguy

Thank you for the link, I think Ill try these.
So these bullets from this site are ready to load, right? The blue rings is the lube? Is the purpose of the lube to help minimize lead fouling in the barrel?

Blue is the lube and it does keep the fouling down. Lube also helps to seal the bore, ever wonder why the lube rings are near the base of the bullet and not the top, lube is a pretty complex component, even if you use a simple beeswax or alox lube.

upsguy · 02-09-2011, 12:04 PM

I always thought leading was part of the deal when shooting them. I never shot anything but factory Remington lead 255gr sw since Ive had my Colt Anaconda. Ive had plenty of this stuff, (thanks Dad) and I cant wait to see if the leading will decrease or not.

Alpo · 02-09-2011, 01:50 PM

Factory lead bullets are swaged. That means the solid metal is forced into shape under pressure. They use pure lead, so it is very soft. Cast bullets are just that. Cast, and they have tin or antimony or silver or a couple of other things alloyed with the lead, that makes it harder. Factory lead ammo will almost always lead the bore.

upsguy · 02-09-2011, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

Factory lead bullets are swaged. That means the solid metal is forced into shape under pressure. They use pure lead, so it is very soft. Cast bullets are just that. Cast, and they have tin or antimony or silver or a couple of other things alloyed with the lead, that makes it harder. Factory lead ammo will almost always lead the bore.

Well, that explaines why the dang bore was always leaded up. I think I still have somewhere around 900 more factory Remington rounds left...

Is there any lead cleaning products out there that anyone can suggest that really work good?

Alpo · 02-09-2011, 03:50 PM

Lewis Lead Remover works pretty good. First time I used a bore snake, I did it over newspaper and heard the pieces of lead being scraped out, hitting the paper.

The best, although kinda complicated, is the Foul Out. It uses electroplating. Stainless steel rod down the bore. Bore filled with the correct solution, then plugged at both ends. Electric leads attached to both the rod and the gun. Power turned on, and the lead leaves the barrel and goes to the stainless steel rod. Use a different solution and it makes copper fouling leave the barrel and go to the rod.

If you wish to chance brain damage, you could get some mercury. I understand mercury will pull the lead right away from the steel.

JLA · 02-09-2011, 04:00 PM

so will good ol fashined elbow grease and a bronze brush, and it dont cause brain damage...

It only makes your muscles bigger

gdmoody · 02-09-2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

so will good ol fashined elbow grease and a bronze brush, and it dont cause brain damage...

It only makes your muscles bigger

It will wear your butt out, too!

JLA · 02-09-2011, 04:15 PM

That too! I just try to develop a load that doesnt lead the bore. Thats easier anyway

upsguy · 02-09-2011, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

The best, although kinda complicated, is the Foul Out. It uses electroplating. Stainless steel rod down the bore. Bore filled with the correct solution, then plugged at both ends. Electric leads attached to both the rod and the gun. Power turned on, and the lead leaves the barrel and goes to the stainless steel rod. Use a different solution and it makes copper fouling leave the barrel and go to the rod.

Is the solution that is used a one time deal everytime you use it? I have a lever-action I would like to shoot lead out of and this type of cleaning really seems cool.

Alpo · 02-09-2011, 07:26 PM

I would say so, but think. You got a lever action. 1/3" diameter, 20" long. Area is (pi)r squared. r=.15, squared .0225 x 3.14159 = .07 square inches area x 20 = 1.4 cubic inches volume. That's 23ccs, or 0.8 ounces. 4 1/2 teaspoons full, or 1/4 of a Dixie bathroom cup. That's not worth saving.

Actually be less than that, because the rod is gonna take up about half the space, so two teaspoons full.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=243419

upsguy · 02-09-2011, 07:42 PM

You're right. I really like that type of cleaning, I think Im gonna order one.

bayhawk2 · 02-09-2011, 08:55 PM

A cheap way to get the lead out is "Chore Boy."Find it in the house cleaning
section of most super markets.Cut a little section of the copper scrubbing
pad off and wrap it around a bronze barrel cleaning brush.
Run it through the
barrel and it gets the lead out fairly easy.
OR You can always go this route.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3iol0rEnn8
please don't

woolleyworm · 02-09-2011, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayhawk2

OR You can always go this route.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3iol0rEnn8
please don't

Those guys are scary !! I wonder if the cylinder even aligns with the barrel after that!

major thread drift from the OP......... but don't do this to a .45 Colt either ! ( see it relates now

)

redwing carson · 02-10-2011, 08:19 AM

Leading is a result of gas cutting. The bullets cast are under sized to bore. When the bullet enters the forcing cone the gas is allowed to flow around the bullet. The hot gas melts small droplets of lead from the outside of the bullet which attach to the bore metal of the barrel. When shooting cast aiways go a number larger than bore. I.E. .451 bore use a .452 bullet. Bullets that are swaged are very soft for bore fill at lower pressures. Bullets that are cast hard and gas checked can match jacketed speeds with lower pressures. The caution here is hard cast driven at lower pressures will lead the bore as they can not be up set at lower pressures. A bullet cast at around a 19 Brn. known as a Hard Ball makes a good all around. The Hard Ball is cast from a 1 to 1 alloy Linotype to wheel weights and gas checked. You should use a good high heat lube such as Gambini Red Rooster.

RC

02-08-2011, 11:13 PM	#1
upsguy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CROOK Co. Illinois Posts: 77	Loading .45 Colt From what I've been reading, (maybe I'm confused) do you need to lube cast bullets when reloading these? Also, where is the best place to buy these online? __________________ Your best weapon is your brain, don't leave home without it. -->

02-09-2011, 12:31 AM	#2
redwing carson Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: western wyoming Posts: 734	Re: Loading .45 Colt Did you buy cast bullets? I would assume if you did they will be lubed already. Look at the lube grooves around the bullets they should be filled with lube. The bullets should be sized and lubed before you load them. They will be sized at about .452 for your .45 they can run .454. You will need a bullet sizer and lube die to finish the bullets if not lubed and sized. You can get Lee Alox and shake lube the bullets if the cast size is correct. When you seat the bullets in the case and the bullets start to buldge the case they are too oversized and most likely will stick in chamber. Check out Midway Supply. RC

02-09-2011, 01:28 AM	#3
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,885	Re: Loading .45 Colt RC pretty well covered it. There are many different types of lubes out there, some are good for general purpose use, others for specific hardness of lead / velocities / residual properties. You can make your own if you cast and size your own boolits or buy pre-lubed cast. __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

02-09-2011, 07:52 AM	#5
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,319	Re: Loading .45 Colt generally speaking yes, but I have run .452s thru my ACPs without problem... Matt Dardas will hook you up, great bullets at a great price... http://www.dardascastbullets.com/mm5...ry_Code=45RNFP __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-09-2011, 07:55 AM	#6
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Loading .45 Colt I size all my 45s, Colt and ACP, .452. Never had a problem with close to a dozen 45 ACPs. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

02-09-2011, 08:15 AM	#7
The_Vigilante V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 123	Re: Loading .45 Colt While we are on the subject is it ok to use .45 ACP JHP bullets for reloading in .45 Colt? __________________ The_Vigilante "Keeping the streets safe." "A man can never own enough guns."

02-09-2011, 08:47 AM	#10
army mp V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: western Pa, Posts: 479	Re: Loading .45 Colt If just looking for cheap bullets to shoot, this may be a better option; you don’t need to slug the bore with these. http://www.berrysmfg.com/product-i14..._250gr_FP.aspx

02-09-2011, 12:04 PM	#13
upsguy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CROOK Co. Illinois Posts: 77	Re: Loading .45 Colt I always thought leading was part of the deal when shooting them. I never shot anything but factory Remington lead 255gr sw since Ive had my Colt Anaconda. Ive had plenty of this stuff, (thanks Dad) and I cant wait to see if the leading will decrease or not. __________________ Your best weapon is your brain, don't leave home without it.

02-09-2011, 01:50 PM	#14
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Loading .45 Colt Factory lead bullets are swaged. That means the solid metal is forced into shape under pressure. They use pure lead, so it is very soft. Cast bullets are just that. Cast, and they have tin or antimony or silver or a couple of other things alloyed with the lead, that makes it harder. Factory lead ammo will almost always lead the bore. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

02-09-2011, 03:50 PM	#16
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Loading .45 Colt Lewis Lead Remover works pretty good. First time I used a bore snake, I did it over newspaper and heard the pieces of lead being scraped out, hitting the paper. The best, although kinda complicated, is the Foul Out. It uses electroplating. Stainless steel rod down the bore. Bore filled with the correct solution, then plugged at both ends. Electric leads attached to both the rod and the gun. Power turned on, and the lead leaves the barrel and goes to the stainless steel rod. Use a different solution and it makes copper fouling leave the barrel and go to the rod. If you wish to chance brain damage, you could get some mercury. I understand mercury will pull the lead right away from the steel. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

02-09-2011, 04:00 PM	#17
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,319	Re: Loading .45 Colt so will good ol fashined elbow grease and a bronze brush, and it dont cause brain damage... It only makes your muscles bigger __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-09-2011, 04:15 PM	#19
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,319	Re: Loading .45 Colt That too! I just try to develop a load that doesnt lead the bore. Thats easier anyway __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-09-2011, 07:26 PM	#21
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Loading .45 Colt I would say so, but think. You got a lever action. 1/3" diameter, 20" long. Area is (pi)r squared. r=.15, squared .0225 x 3.14159 = .07 square inches area x 20 = 1.4 cubic inches volume. That's 23ccs, or 0.8 ounces. 4 1/2 teaspoons full, or 1/4 of a Dixie bathroom cup. That's not worth saving. Actually be less than that, because the rod is gonna take up about half the space, so two teaspoons full. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=243419 __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

02-09-2011, 07:42 PM	#22
upsguy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CROOK Co. Illinois Posts: 77	Re: Loading .45 Colt You're right. I really like that type of cleaning, I think Im gonna order one. __________________ Your best weapon is your brain, don't leave home without it.

02-09-2011, 08:55 PM	#23
bayhawk2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 102	Re: Loading .45 Colt A cheap way to get the lead out is "Chore Boy."Find it in the house cleaning section of most super markets.Cut a little section of the copper scrubbing pad off and wrap it around a bronze barrel cleaning brush. Run it through the barrel and it gets the lead out fairly easy. OR You can always go this route. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3iol0rEnn8 please don't

02-10-2011, 08:19 AM	#25
redwing carson Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: western wyoming Posts: 734	Re: Loading .45 Colt Leading is a result of gas cutting. The bullets cast are under sized to bore. When the bullet enters the forcing cone the gas is allowed to flow around the bullet. The hot gas melts small droplets of lead from the outside of the bullet which attach to the bore metal of the barrel. When shooting cast aiways go a number larger than bore. I.E. .451 bore use a .452 bullet. Bullets that are swaged are very soft for bore fill at lower pressures. Bullets that are cast hard and gas checked can match jacketed speeds with lower pressures. The caution here is hard cast driven at lower pressures will lead the bore as they can not be up set at lower pressures. A bullet cast at around a 19 Brn. known as a Hard Ball makes a good all around. The Hard Ball is cast from a 1 to 1 alloy Linotype to wheel weights and gas checked. You should use a good high heat lube such as Gambini Red Rooster. RC