Same black powder load for .45 Colt & .44WCF?

[Padrino]

This has probably already been asked, but does anyone use the same volume loading of black powder for .45 Colt & .44WCF? Just trying to minimize my reloading procedures (read lazy... lol). After doing some research it seems I could load 35 grains of FFg in .45 Colt & 35 grains FFFg in .44WCF without any fillers etc. Is this a safe load? PMs appreciated as I understand specific loading advice cannot be given here.

Thank you,
Padrino

[Sod Buster]

I use the Lee 2.2cc dipper for both 45LC and 44WCF.  I only use FFg for both and don't use any fillers.

According to thier chart it is:
FFFg: 35g
FFg:   32.4 gr
Fg: 30.6 gr

I assume it is Goex in their measurement but note that not all BP is the same.  Different makes (or batches) can measure out differently.

[Padrino]

Thanks for that Sod Buster!

I was hoping that would be the case; saves time and effort using the same measure.

Regards,
Padrino 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Yes, I use the same load for both 44-40 and 45 Colt. 2.2CC of FFg.

Regarding the chart that comes with the Lee dipper set, don't take it too literally. First off, not all brands of Black Powder weigh the same. I keep a chart in my loading notebook of my favorite loads. According to my chart, 2.2CC of Geox FFg weighs about 33.5 grains, 2.2CC of Elephant FFg (no longer made) weighs about 37 grains, and 2.2CC of Schuetzen FFg, (my favorite load these days) weighs about 33 grains. It doesn't really matter, they all bulk up the same and have the same compression once the bullet is seated. The key is to put in enough powder so that when the bullet is seated the powder will be compressed by about 1/16" - 1'8". Obviously different bullets, that protrude different amounts into the case, will result in different amounts of compression.

For 45 Colt I dump in 2.2CC of FFg under a Big Lube 250 grain bullet sized to .452.
For 44-40 I cump in 2.2CC of FFg under a Big Lube 200 grain bullet sized to .428.

[Cliff Fendley]

I'm doing the same thing except I use .429 on the 44's.

[Padrino]

Thanks everybody!

Driftwood, I'm using the same Big Lube bullets you mentioned, so your recommendation should be spot on for me as well!

Regards,
Padrino

[Blackpowder Burn]

+1 What Driftwood said.  I use the identical loads and everything works great.