Vintage U.M.C. .45 Colt 28 gr Cartridge Recreation

[w44wcf]

A bit of an update....

I found that a settled 28 gr. charge of Olde Ensford was a capacity load in Starline brass. In other words, there was no airspace and no compression. By using the 1/8" Circle Fly wad, 1/8" of compression was achieved.



One could always eliminate the wad and instead set the bullets deeper in the case to achieve the amount of compression one desires. That may affect the functioning in some lever guns but not revolvers.

w44wcf

[Grapeshot]

The reduced load for the .45 Colt as made by Frankfort Arsenal employed a 1/4 inch (.25 inch) cork wad between the 250/255 grain boolit in the full length .45 Colt Case. The Schofield round was loaded with 27 - 28 grains of gunpowder, (granulation unknown) and a 230 grain boolit. My research indicated that a 250 grain boolit was also loaded in the Schofield case as well.

I think you will like the reduced load and cork wad in the .45 Colt case. I was really surprised at how pleasant and accurate that load shot after shooting a few matches with a compressed load of 40 grains, weighed, of GOEX 2Fg. I got my quarter inch cork wads from Circle Fly as well.

[medic15al]

So the 28 grain load 45 Colt was ballistically identical to the 45 Schofeld or 45 Govt load? 

[Grapeshot]

So the 28 grain load 45 Colt was ballistically identical to the 45 Schofeld or 45 Govt load? 

YES!  As found in U.S Cartridges and Their Handguns, pages 226 & 228.

[medic15al]

Thanks Grapeshot! I'm looking for that book now.