Rossi Model 92' in 45 Colt

Thumper · May 29, 2013, 06:53:52 PM

I've been shooting this rifle using a 255g RNFP slug and 8.5g of Unique. I've had no problems over the years, but now I can't find the info that suggested that was the max load, the "lawyers' seem to have lowered it to 8g. Am I pushing the envelope or is it as safe as it seems to be?

Sagebrush Burns · May 29, 2013, 07:48:06 PM

That load is absolutely safe in that rifle. It is also perfectly safe in a Colt SAA.

Karl · May 31, 2013, 05:21:59 PM

Quote from: Thumper on May 29, 2013, 06:53:52 PM
I've been shooting this rifle using a 255g RNFP slug and 8.5g of Unique. I've had no problems over the years, but now I can't find the info that suggested that was the max load, the "lawyers' seem to have lowered it to 8g. Am I pushing the envelope or is it as safe as it seems to be?

I have to ask the stupid question - where did you find this loading data?

I also own a .45 Rossi Puma. I don't think that it has seen anything but black powder but it would be nice to know what the upper limits are.

Brass framed stainless with the long octagonal barrel.

Thumper · May 31, 2013, 10:22:12 PM

BP, is strictly fill to where you slightly compress it when seating the slug, but I guess you knew that. Look up "Alliant Powders Reloading Chart"....or something close and check out Unique. That's where they have 8g as a max load. I also had a book, The Complete Reloading Manual for the 45 Colt", that's where I found the 8.5g measure, I don't have it any more, gave it to a compadre that moved away.

Blackpowder Burn · June 01, 2013, 05:51:07 AM

I just checked the Alliant Powders online reloading guide. Their recommended cowboy load is 8.5 gr Unique with a 230 grain LSWC. For non-cowboy loads they show up to 9.5 grains of Unique with a 250 LSWC. You are well in the safe range.

Karl · June 01, 2013, 09:39:32 AM

So these are generic .45 loading charges not specific Rossi Puma limits. Since the thread title was for Rossi 92' I was a little worried that I had missed some specific Rossi limit.

Thumper - yes, I have black powder loading down pretty well but since we are land locked here it is becoming really difficult to get. I might also want to use the Indoor Range one of these winters and I do not think that they would appreciate my black powder loads.

Thumper · June 01, 2013, 06:08:09 PM

Black Powder Burn, Thanks for the info, my concern was that I was shooting 255 RNFP, it wasn't rated and I wanted to be sure the pressure wasn't too bad with the extra weight.

Sagebrush Burns · June 01, 2013, 10:26:40 PM

The M-92 is a very strong action and will easily handle "Ruger only" 45 Colt loads. There are M-92 out there factory chambered in 454 Casull which is even stouter.

joec · June 02, 2013, 12:08:33 PM

The Rossi M92 can handle 35K PSI and I load it with a 290 gr Ranch Dog GC bullet using 25 gr of Lil'Gun. Now not a pleasant load to shoot if you are recoil sensitive but boy it will stop most anything from a hog to a black bear.

Karl · June 03, 2013, 12:04:13 PM

Quote from: joec on June 02, 2013, 12:08:33 PM
The Rossi M92 can handle 35K PSI and I load it with a 290 gr Ranch Dog GC bullet using 25 gr of Lil'Gun. Now not a pleasant load to shoot if you are recoil sensitive but boy it will stop most anything from a hog to a black bear.

I worry a little about heavy loads since my 92' has a brass frame. Vanity. I doubt that I'll ever carry my 92' in the woods here since there are bigger critters than black bears to worry about and I have an old .444 Marlin. I have had more than my fair share of close encounters with bears and no gun can possibly feel big enough when you and a bear have made eye contact.

Shotgun Franklin · June 03, 2013, 01:40:15 PM

@ Karl, where you get you data. I just want to look it over. I'm a real fan of the .45.

Karl · June 03, 2013, 02:24:32 PM

Quote from: Shotgun Franklin on June 03, 2013, 01:40:15 PM
@ Karl, where you get you data. I just want to look it over. I'm a real fan of the .45.

What data?

I usually just load black powder (while my stock lasts). Fortunately it is pretty hard to mess up black powder loads for a .45.

Shotgun Franklin · June 03, 2013, 04:56:04 PM

@ Thumper, I was meaning to ask you where you got your data.

@ Karl, sorry about that, I messed my 'posters' up.

Four Eyes Henry · June 04, 2013, 07:05:05 AM

I think its a "brass" finish btw

joec · June 04, 2013, 07:09:57 AM

Quote from: Karl on June 03, 2013, 12:04:13 PM
I worry a little about heavy loads since my 92' has a brass frame. Vanity. I doubt that I'll ever carry my 92' in the woods here since there are bigger critters than black bears to worry about and I have an old .444 Marlin. I have had more than my fair share of close encounters with bears and no gun can possibly feel big enough when you and a bear have made eye contact.

Well now I agree with that depending on where one lives. A black bear is about it in my area however if I visit my oldest son in Washington State I will take my Rossi Rio Grade 45-70 along loaded with some 535 gr Tombstone Bullets. A 45 Colt in Kentucky would pretty much take most of the game from deer to black bear.

Abilene · June 04, 2013, 05:24:50 PM

Just as another point of reference for the reloading data, my LaserCast reloading manual (circa 1998) lists the following:

Standard/Cowboy loads, 250gr RNFP. 6.7gr to 8.1gr Unique (708-842 fps in 4 5/8" Vaquero)

Ruger loads, 255gr SWC. 7.6gr to 10.1gr Unique (825-1039 fps in 4 5/8" Vaquero)

Thumper · June 05, 2013, 10:28:52 AM

Like I mentioned, each bullet company has it's own data for same sized bullets

!!!

Shotgun Franklin · June 05, 2013, 05:56:24 PM

I'll stick to the powder maker's data. I know they have the equipment to measure and check their product.