Please educate me - 45 Long Colt

R

Ron7624

New member
Please educate me - 45 Colt

Even though I'm a hand loader - Still have my equipment, I have not rolled any in 10 years. So I just bought a pistol, my ffl is receiving it tomorrow and I need something to shoot. I may buy the dyes as I just retired and will have time to start hand loading now.

I know 45 Colt is loaded all the way from target to bear loads - I need somthing that will shoot out of a Uberti SA Cattleman. It is a brand new in box gun, but doubt it is designed to handle much more than cowboy action loads... I'm guessing that is some pretty light stuff, or is it close to standard 45acp loads?

Anyone have a breakdown of the different types of loads for that gun and what they are referred to? Are there any defensive loads that are safe?
I will use it for plinking, but have been a shooter all my live (I'm older lol) - so want to shoot something reasonable in it that's safe.
Any opinions and suggestions are appreciated.
Edit.. So in my reading I see the correct designation is 45 Colt. 45 Long Colt may be wrong but was widely seen in much of my reading.
 
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There are folks on the forum who are . .. .

ten times more experienced than I am.

But I load black powder of subs. It is a nice emotional shooting experience.
 
Yes sir, I understand there are a bunch of smart and experienced folks roaming around here. That's why I asked. There are the +P loads that I shall not venture close to, but cowboy loads are fine, I'm just wondering if the standard stuff would be ok. It's a modern day copy of the Colt SAA, so I' guessing they are ok, but i'm looking for confirmation from the folks that know.
 
As long as you're already sitting at your computer, might as well take a gander at the powder companies' reloading data web pages.
All the powder manufacturers have plenty of reliable info on their web sites.
What powder(s) do you prefer?
 
I'm not looking to reload yet. I've got to dust off my stuff, buy some dyes, etc. I just want to buy a box of 50-I'm getting a new gun tomorrow - and am wondering if standard 45 Colt ammo is ok for the Uberti. If not, I'll buy a box of the cowboy stuff.
Edit:
I've searched google for the answer and haven't found much on the strength or weaknesses of the Uberti.
 
What me worry?
If you're really concerned that a major manufacturer like Uberti makes inferior products, then play it safe and get the light stuff.
But why would that even cross your mind?
And since it did, why would you buy one in the first place?
 
@g.willikers to answer your question, I've got a couple of cans of Unique for my 44 special loads and some H110 for my magnums, so I imagine I'll use the Unique for handloading for the 45. Probably on a 250 or a 230 grain bullet. I'll have to find all that too lol
 
It sounds like if you want something to worry over, it might be the age and condition of ten year old powders rather than the gun. :)
 
Just being thorough. I've got handguns for defense, this is about the only 'toy' I've bought myself recently, and with a decent handgun costing around 800 bucks plus now a days, I am just thinking this 400 dollar purchase may need to be investigated before shooting it.
I feel sure it will be good, but if anyone out there knows something I don't, this is the place to find out
 
It sounds like if you want something to worry over, it might be the age of the powders rather than the gun.
Cute. So to you it sounds like I'm worrying? Sigh.:p
 
Well, if it helps you sleep better, if you weren't already aware, Uberti is a division of Benelli.
They have a decent reputation for making guns - and motorcycles.
Worry less, shoot more.
Now, if you were going to track test one of their super fast bikes, that's a reason to worry.
 
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Standard SAAMI 45 Colt loads (250gr/850-900fps(max)/14,000CUP) are fine.
On the other hand, shooting Cor-Bon, Buffalo Bore & Glaser are "+P" (in quotes)
and are not fine over any extended use.
 
Thanks for that. No way I'm putting any + loads through it. I was just verifying that the standard load was Okay. I've yet to buy anything for it yet, in the research stage now.
 
Remember, also, these guns are proof tested at pressures way over their intended working pressure.
So, even an occasional hefty load won't do lasting harm.
It's already been done at least once before.
See, it's too late for all that concern. :eek:
Besides, what's the worse that could happen?
It ain't like there's a shortage of old farts around here.
 
Wow, too much heat for a serious, valid question. Sheesh.

.45 Colt has two "accepted" and mostly "standardized" levels of power although SAAMI only recognizes the lower level (unless SAAMI has made a change that I am unaware of...) and frankly, there are only a few handguns that are advertised to handle the hotter .45 Colt.

The Uberti is a modern, new production revolver that will be very happy to digest the standard (low pressure) .45 Colt and absolutely should NOT be fed any of the "Ruger/Freedom only" heavy .45 Colt loads. EVER, for any reason.

I do fear that you may just destroy your pants when you see the price tag on .45 Colt factory ammo... you need to get yourself re-familiarized with your handloading skills ASAP if you plan to shoot .45 Colt.
 
It is a brand new in box gun, but doubt it is designed to handle much more than cowboy action loads.
Click to expand...

Where do people GET this nonsense?
Don't let the Internet Experts and Gunstore Commandos make you timid.

The standard smokeless load for .45 Colt has been a 250 gr bullet at 850 fps (in the longer barrels) for 75 years that I know of, I have the catalogs and load data.
The Italians have been making fair to good copies of Colt revolvers for 40+ years that I know of, I have the catalogs.
In those days, there were no tenderfeet demanding light loads, the full nitro-for-black ammo was all there was. The guns were built and proof tested to handle them.

Don't give it any of the overloaded "Ruger only" stuff and it will be fine.
 
All righty then. Thanks all, I've bought the green and yellow box / regular load stuff. Now for my new addition to come in tomorrow, then for Sat morning to roll around so I can be out of ammo again lol.
 
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