.45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

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2ndovc
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.45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

Post by 2ndovc »

Took the short barreled Schofield out this morning. Loaded with a 300 grain LSWC the cartridge takes up most of the chamber.
Image

Starting with a light charge of 4 grains of Unique at 12 yds, point of impact was very close to POA. Upping the charge to 4.5 grains brought it up and tightened the group a bit.
Image
I didn't have any good reactive targets so I tried a piece of 2x6 and 1/2 plywood.
At 12 yds again, the bullet really splintered the backside of the 2x6. There were little bits of wood all around the backstop.
The bullet that went through the plywood actually bounced off the railroad tie behind it and knocked it forward.
Going to up the charge to 5 grains of Unique. I know these are pretty slow moving bullets, don't have a chronograph so the experiment continues.
Image
Also took along the Ruger Bisley and '73 to shoot some more of the 6.5 grain Titegroup / 200 gr FLP I've been working on. I wanted a load that would shoot well from both and I think I've got it. The two low shots from the Ruger were me getting used to a much better trigger.
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Relly love shooting the '73, what a great rife!

jb 8)
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Scott Tschirhart
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

Post by Scott Tschirhart »

Very good! Thanks for sharing. I do wonder about the velocity of those bullets over 4 gr of Unique but no doubt that nobody wants to take one in the belly.
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2ndovc
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

Post by 2ndovc »

I know they are slow, but thought it would be a good place to start. I couldn't fine any data in any of my books with a bullet that heavy or under 750 fps or so. Going to 5 and 5.5 next but it will have to wait until after Thanksgiving travels.

I thought for sure the 4 gr load would get stuck in the 2x6, but it blew right through and flipped it in the air. Like you said, wouldn't want to get smacked in the head with one of those.

By the way, any excuse to get out to the farm with a couple of shooters is good any day!

jb 8)
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3leggedturtle
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

Post by 3leggedturtle »

I found some! My 1992 Hercules reloading Pamphlet shows a 300gr XTP-HP with 6.8grs Unique @ 12,000 c.u.p. for 690fps out of a 7.3" barrel..... :mrgreen: Todd/3leg
30/30 Winchester: Not accurate enough fer varmints, barely adequate for small deer; BUT In a 10" to 14" barrelled pistol; is good for moose/elk to 200 yards; ground squirrels to 300 metres

250 Savage... its what the 223 wishes it could be...!
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2ndovc
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

Post by 2ndovc »

3leggedturtle wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 4:45 pm I found some! My 1992 Hercules reloading Pamphlet shows a 300gr XTP-HP with 6.8grs Unique @ 12,000 c.u.p. for 690fps out of a 7.3" barrel..... :mrgreen: Todd/3leg
That should help. Thanks Todd!

jb 8)
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Ray
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

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Scott Tschirhart
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

Post by Scott Tschirhart »

3leggedturtle wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 4:45 pm I found some! My 1992 Hercules reloading Pamphlet shows a 300gr XTP-HP with 6.8grs Unique @ 12,000 c.u.p. for 690fps out of a 7.3" barrel..... :mrgreen: Todd/3leg
That's SAA pressures. Thanks!
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2ndovc
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

Post by 2ndovc »

There's some good info in Ray's link as well. Verifies my 200 gr LFP/ Titegroup load. Just a bit under 700 fps.

Good Stuff!

jb 8)
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

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2ndovc
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

Post by 2ndovc »

Matt's site seems to be having issues this morning.

I was looking at the .452 hollow base wad cutters. No intention on loading them backwards, but I've had good luck with his HBWCs in .358 cal.
I have a box of his .38 S&W for the .38-200 Colt that I haven't shot in forever. Need to load some of those up too.

jb 8)
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Scott Tschirhart
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

Post by Scott Tschirhart »

A .452-.454 flat nosed wadcutter would be a hell of a hole punch.

On the other hand, a reversed hollow based wadcutter would be huge! In more ways than one.
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

Post by 2ndovc »

Yes, I imagine it would be. What a mess that would make.

jb 8)
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Re: .45 Colt "Bulldog" experiment

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