Confusion with calibers

T

TJBynum

Inactive
I am considering joining SASS as a lover of the "old west". But I will admit my ignorance on some of the calibers in regards to the repeating rifles. I see calibers 45LC which I know means long colt. But then I see cal 45-75; cal 40-60; cal 45-75; cal 45-60, etc., Could someone tell me where to look to find out what all these different calibers are? If the rifle is a 45LC will it take the 45-75? I am completely lost in regards to this. I thought I knew something about firearms... guess this is a stupid query. But I would appreciate some help.
 
calibers

Cartridges of the World would be a good place to start, pretty interesting readying. In most cases with cartridges as you mentioned, 45-75 means 45 caliber and 75 grains of black powder, originally they would usually include the bullet weight as a third number. Example 45-70-405 or 500, 45 cal. 70 grains of black powder and 405 grain bullet (carbine) 500 grain bullet (rifle). They did a lot of small changes from one brand to another so they could put their name on a cartridge also. Just touching the surface, but hope that helps. Good luck. Patrick aka Executioner

ps only your revolver calibers are used to main matches for SASS, such as .32 H&R, 38 special, .357 mag, 38-40, 44-40, 44 mag. 45 colt. Those other calibler, 40-65, 45-75 and so on are just for the long range or side matches. You normally want your lever rifle in the same caliber and your handguns, don't have to, but it is handier. X
 
thank you. I will buy the book, found it online. one more question... If the rifle is shown as a 45LC caliber, can other 45 caliber with different "grain" designations be used in the weapon?
 
If the rifle is shown as a 45LC caliber, can other 45 caliber with different "grain" designations be used in the weapon?
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The simple answer is no.
However some .357 lever rifles will also shoot .38 specials. Those particular rifles should always be marked as such.

Only load cartridges into a rifle that are clearly indicated on it by factory markings. The markings are usually clearly stamped right on the barrel.
 
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With the different grain loading or different calibers. Such as 44 mag/44 sp. the problem in rifles arises from the length, either when marked that they shoot both, sometimes they do just fine, but often the length of the shorter round causes a problem feeding. In your revolvers, the shorter round is fine, it may make it hard to chamber the longer round once your chamber is fouled using the short round. Cleaning of course solves this, but can be hard to get the lead out.
With the 44 mag, or .357 mag, if you choose to shoot those in your rifle, they to can be loaded down to 44 special or .38 special powder amount, just because you use the longer case, you don't need to load them up. Executioner
 
With the 44 mag, or .357 mag, if you choose to shoot those in your rifle, they to can be loaded down to 44 special or .38 special powder amount, just because you use the longer case, you don't need to load them up. Executioner
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You can't use full power magnum loads anyway. Pistols are limited to 1000 fps. or less with lead bullets only and rifles to 1400 fps or less, no jacketed rounds are permitted.
 
My Uberti 1860 Henry chambered in 45 LC also shoots the 45 Schofields ( not a problem ) ...thats about all I shoot these days are the 45 Schofield rounds in my pistols and the Henry .
the 45 Schofields lack the punch of the 45 LC ...but the targets I shoot don`t seem to mind a bit ..:D
 
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