Trail boss loads.

[Sleepy Floyd]

I have been loading my 45C 255 with trail boss using 4.5gr manuf IMR start load.  gives me about 606 fps.

I will be switching over to 200gr.  according to the powder manuf they show 5.5 gr for 706 fps.  I would like to be where I am with the 255gr in speed.  anybody using 200gr with Trail Boss?

[Blackfoot]

You probably won't be happy with loads that are below minimum recommendation of Trail Boss.

Lafitte

[Sleepy Floyd]

I can live with the minimum load. 

I guess what I would like to know is why the lighter bullet uses more powder?

[Blackfoot]

It be an over simplification but which takes more muscle to throw 200ft. a golf ball or a ping pong ball?  The lighter bullet requires more powder to rapidly build the pressure to get it moving and then it will loose velocity quicker than the heavier bullet.

Lafitte

[Tornado]

I use 5.8g of Trailboss behind a 200g bullet.  It leaves a fair amount of blowback, but that is a weak 45 for you.  The reason I use 5.8g is that is what my Lee dipper scoops(I can't remember the CC amount) and my powder dispenser didn't like the large flakes.

[pakm]

I'm using 5.5gr.s of TB with a 200-215 gr. pure lead bullet this load shoots to point of aim with both my .45 pistols and my 1860 Henry in .45 LC. I tried 6.5 gr.s of TB with my henry and I got a fair amount of blowback from the Rifle.  but not with 54.5 gr's of TB.(go figure!!!) and yes, it's a minum load. but it works for me. "O" both pistols are uberti's SSA with 4 3/4 in barrels.  all three guns are quite accurate with this load!
Pat(Dirty MacPill)

[Charles B Gatewood]

As mentioned, you won't be happy with the results from going below minimum. I load 5.7grs of TB with a 200gr bullet with great consistency and never any problems.


Regards,
CBG

[Sleepy Floyd]

Thanks for the info.  I have ordered my 200 gn lead.

[pedro zapata]

seems 6.5 gr. of Trail Boss  is recommended maximum ns origianal 1873 44-40 rifle, such as my 1882 dated one...Wish Lee made the Lee Loader in 44-40...would do it. There is even a trace of rifling in my 23" rifle ( has it been chopped by an inch ! )....
Pete

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

seems 6.5 gr. of Trail Boss  is recommended maximum ns origianal 1873 44-40 rifle, such as my 1882 dated one...Wish Lee made the Lee Loader in 44-40...would do it. There is even a trace of rifling in my 23" rifle ( has it been chopped by an inch ! )....
Pete

You would be much better off getting the LEE Hand Press set. When you move up to a loading press, whether progressive or single stage you can still use the hand press and die set. Here is the hand press, then order dies;

http://leeprecision.com/breech-lock-hand-press-kit.html

[Sleepy Floyd]

Just loaded up 20 rounds of 200gn RNFP  using 5.5gn Trailboss. I have a match tomorrow and I'll use them on one stage. 

[Sleepy Floyd]

The 5.5 using scooper and scale went well.  Just got a new turret with pro powder dispenser and the disks will use 5.9 gn.  Trying them this week.

[Johnny McCrae]

For my .45 Colt rounds I use 5.7 grains of Trail Boss with a 200 grain RNFP bullet.

[Sleepy Floyd]

The 5.9gn went well.  I'll try some at 5.7gn.

[Bittertrigger]

I use a pair of Birds Heads Ruger new vaqueros in 45 acp with 3 7/8 inch barrels as my match guns but use 45 colt brass cut down to 45 cowboy special brass
I use 3.5gr of TB with a 200 SWC bullet listed at 652 FPS shoots point of aim for me and very controllable and accurate.

[Molasses Mike]

I have been using Trail Boss for some time and I like it. I use 5.5g with a 200g RNFP. Tried 6.5g and felt it was more than needed. Tried 6.0g and it still felt more than needed. Ended up using 5.5g and am comfortable with it. I have a number of guns in this caliber and it works in them.

[Hans Christian]

It sounds like you are on track Sleepy.

We use 5.5 of TB under a 200 gr round nose in short barreled pistol.  The cases are smoky, but TB soot cleans right up in the tumbler.

The consensus here is quite positive on 5.5 or a bit more making a good load.