Finally did it

eric65 · Post by **eric65** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:47 pm

Yesterday I bought my first RBH in .45 Colt, first time for both model & caliber. It is a very different experience than the .357 mags that I have used over the years. I am looking for some sharing of wisdom from those who use this combination ( ie, good general carry ammo, cast bullet reloading choices etc) any info would be much appreciated.

gon2shoot · Post by **gon2shoot** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:15 pm

A 255gr SWC and 18 1/2 gr. of 2400 works for me.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 6:47 pm

My 45 Colts both shoot 300 Gr XTPs and 300 Gr. Cast Performance WFNGCs over 22 Gr Winchester 296 extremely well

PPpastordon · Post by **PPpastordon** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 10:14 pm

IMHO: The RBH in .45 Colt is the "original" .45 Magnum - if you so desire. I know it doesn't pre-date the .454; but the .454 was available only in custom, and quite expensive revolvers. Now days, I find the .45 Colt much more desirable in loadings somewhere between the magnum level and the standard .45 Colt level.

The 250-255 cast bullets at 1100 to 1200 fps and the 300 bullets at 950 to 1000 fps are about the most I desire - or need. Actually, for deer hunting one does not need any more than a 250-255 at 850-900 fps - at least I haven't found a deer in Indiana that could stop one at that velocity. I once, many, many years ago, shot a deer with a 300 grain cast bullet at only 750 fps. That particular deer could not stop that bullet, either.

The top load I have ever fired from one of these Rugers was a Golden Bear 300 grain at a chronographed 1350 fps from a 4 5/8" stainless BH. Gunsmith Larry Cooper and I fired hundreds of these rounds when testing the Golden Bear Bullets back in the early 90's. That revolver was not damaged by these loads and is still going strong!
Enjoy your .45 RBH.
Grace and Peace,

hartman · Post by **hartman** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 10:40 pm

Have a look at John Linebaugh's site, very informative as tp the potential of the 45 Colt.
I shoot alot of 8.0 gr. w-231 for general use. H-110 or W-296 with 300 grain bulets.

Have fun!
Hartman

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:45 am

Congrats on the purchase and welcome aboard, but...

eric65 · Post by **eric65** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:52 pm

Thanks for the info boys, I knew I could count on it.

I unfortunatly don't have the ability to post any pictures at this time, mabye someday. By the way, that picture of the gentleman in the green suit brings back some interesting memories!

Semper Fi to all my brothers out there in lever land!

bj94 · Post by **bj94** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 10:17 pm

The .45Colt is lots of fun, and very overlooked and underrated. It is great fun no matter what you are interested in, if you are using an appropriate gun for sure.

1. You can plink with cowboy loads.
2. You can bump your loads up to 800-900 fps for plinking, or even for hunting.
3. You can load JHP's with a stout charge of 296 and get the equivalent of .44mag loads
4. You can load 300 grain JHP's or hard cast bullets up to 340 grains or so and exceed .44mag power.