Proud new owner of .45 Colt-Need reloading advice

[Big Mak]

Picking up a Cimarron/Uberti Colt 1873 US Cavalry P in .45 LC.

I currently reload BP charges for 38/55 and 45/70.
Typically with FFG.

What would you recommend for bullet weight>?
FFG or Triple F? (FFFG)

This is only my 2nd revolver (I'm a closet 1911 guy!) and excited to pair this up with my Trapdoor (made in 1883) 

[Jake C]

I shoot 200 grain lead RNFP bullets over either a full charge of 2F BP (about 34-36 grains) or the same bullet over 28 grains of 2F, a thin felt wad, and some extra BP lube. I shoot that particular weight because I've found it gives me better accuracy out of my Uberti '75 Remington. The 250 grains are a bit less accurate but still shoot well enough. I've found that 2F gives me better ignition, and is a little bit lighter on the recoil; makes it more palatable to anyone I'm introducing to BP shooting. I use Olde Eynesford, by the way.

Fun fyi, I've actually got the same pistol as you on layaway right now (Cimarron 7th Cavalry) that I'm also hoping to pair with my original Trapdoor. So you'll have to let me know how yours handles BP and which loads it likes.

[Big Mak]

Will do Jake, and thanks for the reply!
Now I need to shop for some dies.
I'm thinking the RCBS Group B dies with roll crimp.

[Coffinmaker]

Mostly, your going to get two schools of thought here.

Thought number one is to run lighter bullets and reduce your recoil and or run lighter bullets with a reduced powder charge and reduce your recoil (fillers needed)

Thought number two  is to run a full case of powder and big heavy bullets.  "Shoot it like our forefathers did!!"  Forgetting to mention our forefathers probably only shot 20 rounds in the entire time they had the gun.

Thought number Three is .... Oh crap, I forgot there were three schools of thought.  Third school of thought is reduce the size of the cartridge case, which reduces the amount of powder and then include a lighter bullet.  All of which reduces recoil and no fillers.

The smaller case also helps out when you running light loads of that heathen fad smokeless stuff.  Better ignition.

I personally shoot APP .... a substitute.  Loads just like real BP, makes a bit more smoke and NO lubes are required.  Makes it's own lube.  Which means I can shoot any bullet, any lube or no lube, doesn't matter.  I'm a card carrying, dyed in the wool recoil WIMP.  No ifs, ands or Butts.  I do not like recoil.  Therefore I personally run Cowboy 45 Special cases, 2f APP and 160Gr bullets.  Quite pleasant to shoot.

Coffinmaker

PS:  Regardless of powder, bullet or case configuration, the 45 likes a nice tight roll crimp.

[Big Mak]

Your post made me chuckle Coffinmaker.

Thanks for the great info!

I am going to shoot both smokeless and BP (Typically Goex or Old eynsford is avail here)

I am thinking 200 gr for BP and 230 for smokeless, probably AA-5.

The die set will be Group be, with roll crimp.

[Coffinmaker]

I forgot the other important part.  HAVE FUN with you new gun!!

Coffinmaker

[Jake C]

Consider getting the RCBS Cowboy dies. I've switched from Lee dies (which are fine) to the Cowboy dies (which are fantastic). And they're made to handle either .45 Colt or .45 Schofield. I also recommend looking into .45 Schofield; it's a pleasant round to reload and shoot.

[Good Troy]

Consider getting the RCBS Cowboy dies. I've switched from Lee dies (which are fine) to the Cowboy dies (which are fantastic). And they're made to handle either .45 Colt or .45 Schofield. I also recommend looking into .45 Schofield; it's a pleasant round to reload and shoot.

+ 1 on the Schofield comment.

[Big Mak]

Consider getting the RCBS Cowboy dies. I've switched from Lee dies (which are fine) to the Cowboy dies (which are fantastic). And they're made to handle either .45 Colt or .45 Schofield. I also recommend looking into .45 Schofield; it's a pleasant round to reload and shoot.

Its the shell plate(AP)/Shell holder(SS) the same side for Schofield and Colt?
Edit: I guess I could look that up. DUH! We got the GOOGLER.

[Sagebrush Burns]

I am of the heavy bullet full load school.  The 45 Colt originally used a 250 grain bullet and a full case of black powder.  It is a "manly" load, but by no means a "magnum" load.  It is only difficult to handle if your expectations run toward 38 special type loads.  I've ben shooting full load 45s for forty five years now and my wrists still work just fine!

[pony express]

The colt and schofield have different rim diameters, so need different shell holders.

[Big Mak]

Thanks all!
My gun collection has .357 magnums and several 1911's in 45ACP. So far my wrists are fine. 

Great info, thank you all!
FFL info received by gun store in Texas, just waiting now..."Is it here yet? Is it here yet? Is it here yet? Is it here yet?  Is it here yet?" 

[Johnny McCrae]

+ 2 on the Schofield comment.

[Cliff Fendley]

I like 28 grains of 2f with a 200 grain bullet in Schofield brass. Makes a nice BP round for CAS.