what would be a safe load for a 45lc R&D Cylinder?

[Wagon Box Willy]

Howdy Pards,

Like the subject says, what would be a safe load for a 45lc R&D cylinder in a Pietta NMA?  If I'm correctly understanding what I'm reading here it seems that ffg is the preferred size but how full should the cartridge be?

Also, I'm contemplating the Lee Classic kit from Kempf and will load both smokeless and BP....sound ok?

Thanks,
Willy

[Deadguy]

The cylinders themselves are proofed to SAAMI specs, so, theretically, the cylinders themselves are safe for any standard .45 Colt loads.  HOWEVER, the gun itself was designed for blackpowder loads.  That's why the manufacturer of the cylinder says to use "Cowboy loads only.".  Any blackpowder load is safe, so just use whatever blackpowder load you find that functions best and is most accurate in your gun.  As far as smokeless loads go, only load them to "Cowboy shooting" specs, not for the sake of the cylinder, but for the sake of the gun itself.

[Wagon Box Willy]

Deadguy, thanks.

So much to learn 

[Dirty Brass]

Deadguy, thanks.

So much to learn 

Yeah, but so much fun along the way!   

[HorsePen Henry]

Howdy Pards,

Like the subject says, what would be a safe load for a 45lc R&D cylinder in a Pietta NMA?  If I'm correctly understanding what I'm reading here it seems that ffg is the preferred size but how full should the cartridge be?

Also, I'm contemplating the Lee Classic kit from Kempf and will load both smokeless and BP....sound ok?

Thanks,
Willy

When shooting black powder fill the case up until the bullet crushes the powder before it seats. No space left at all. For smokeless loads I use charges on the low end and use a card wad over the powder to hold it against the primer. I have found I get a cleaner burn with smokeless powder that way. Just my minimal experience. Your mileage may vary.

Horse Pen

[Wills Point Pete]

 I think I would get close to the old Cavalry Load for an open top. The 28 grains black under a 230 grain bullet did well, all through the Indian Wars. I believe the Army Ordnance folks filled the excess space with a cork wad, grits does just as well. I use a 250 grain, also over that lighter charge more often than I bother with the 230. Mainly because my only 230 grain mold is a round nose for the .45 acp. It works but doesn't carry enough lube.

[Fiddler Green]

  I believe the Army Ordnance folks filled the excess space with a cork wad, grits does just as well.

Now the big debate: Do you put butter on those grits or milk?

Bruce

[Fingers McGee]

Now the big debate: Do you put butter on those grits or milk?

Bruce

Neither, you use instant cheese grits with bacon.  Yum Yum 

FM

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Here is what the little pamphlet that came with mine says:

".45 Long Colt 'Cowboy Ammunition' is nationally available from a number of well known manufacturers. This ammunition is loaded for a maximum muzzle velocity of 750 to 850 fps., and these are the specifications we recommend.
Black Powder reloads can be loaded with up to a maximum of 34 grains of FFg black powder or black powder equivalent."

Personally, I like to load mine a little bit light, the recoil in a light Remmie with a full charge of Black Powder and a 250 grain bullet is a bit uncomfortable for me. That's why I helped develop the J/P 45-200 bullet. I load the J/P 45-200 over about 28 grains of FFg Black Powder in a Schofield case. A very mild load in my Remmies.

By the way, putting a card wad in a Smokeless load is NOT a good idea. You will not find such a practice recommended in any loading manual. Leave the powder loose, don't put any kind of wad in a Smokeless load.