Legal caliber list for CAS??

[cal44walker]

Is there a list I can find with the calibers that are approved for CAS. Obviously I'm aware that modern smokeless catridges like the 9mm are not legal but are there actual cartridge specification requirements.

For example, is it allowed to shoot a smokeless load in a 38 S&W in the main matches in a Vaquero chambered for 357 mag? Are you allowed to shorten cartridges below thier intended OAL ie making a 45 Colt into a 45 Cowboy round?

I believe the answers are yes and yes, but I want to be sure before I start loading up rounds for practice.

cal44walker

[August]

Yes and Yes.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

"a smokeless load in a 38 S&W in the main matches in a Vaquero chambered for 357 mag?"

The base diameter of .38 S&W is .386"  The .38Spl/357mag base diameter is .376".  Something will have to give to make a .38 S&W fit.

http://members.shaw.ca/cstein0/revolver.htm

[Pettifogger]

There is no such list.  Some categories limit what types of cartridges can be used, e.g., over .40 in certain categories, but there is no list.  As noted, the .38 S&W won't fit in a .357 chamber.  You can, however, use .38 Short Colt if that floats your boat.

[Stu Kettle]

Also remember there are no standard rules for CAS, there  are rules for SASS & for NCOWS.  You'd have to check with NCOWS members - they just might have rules about "period correct" calibers, but I don't know.

[Jefro]

SASS- Shooters Handbook page 9.
SASS Handbooks

What  Pettifogger said about the 38 S&W, it may work and it may not depending on your chamber and barrel bore. FWIW cutting down a 45 Colt to try to make Cowboy 45 Special may work, but you will get more frequent split cases. The thickness of the brass at the case mouth and down to near bullet seating depth is thinner just like the 45 Colt. Much easier to just buy some C45S, and more cost effective in the long run. Good Luck

Jefro Relax-Enjoy

[Abilene]

And by the way 9mm is legal with lead bullets and proper velocity.  I think Ruger made some convertible revolvers for that round.  Same for 40S&W and 45ACP.

[Bibbyman]

There are caliber guide lines and power factor minimum calculations that apply.  At the match, some sound more like air guns shooting plastic pellets. The spotter has to watch for the bullet to fall off plate to make sure it got there.

[lonedog]

I think you probably meant 38 special when you typed 38 S&W. Common mistake. As noted those are two entirely different cartridges with mucho different dimensions. You cannot use 38 S&W in a 357 but 38 special works just fine.

9mm is legal in many SASS categories. A few such as Classic Cowboy it is not. I shoot a 357/9mm USFA and RV as my favoritest main match revolvers. Need to check for rust on their 357 cylinders if I can find them. The 9mm with a pinch of powder and a little ole 90 grain pill works a treat for what we do.

[Major 2]

The OP asked "Is there a list I can find with the calibers that are approved for CAS'' ?

Stu Kettle stated "

Also remember there are no standard rules for CAS, there  are rules for SASS & for NCOWS.  You'd have to check with NCOWS members - they just might have rules about "period correct" calibers, but I don't know.


To that end then...here is the statement from the NCOWS Tally Book

Approved calibers and loads include any that were introduced prior to or during the period of 1865-1899 and that were originally introduced as a black powder load. Common examples include but are not limited to: .22 rimfire, .32-20 WCF, .32 S&W Short, .32 S&W Long, .38-40 WCF, .44-40 WCF, .44 S&W American, .44 S&W Russian, .45 Long Colt, .45 S&W, .45-70 Government. Any cartridge designation that was not originally introduced as a black powder load will not be allowed except for appropriate firearms in the smokeless cartridge division only, or for specifically-designated shooting events. .38 Special/.357 Magnum and .44 Special/.44 Magnum cartridges will be allowed if loaded with black powder or with smokeless powder to black powder velocities.
.22 caliber hand guns for main stages are to be pocket pistol/derringers only. .22 revolvers and rifles are restricted in use for specialty shoots only.

9mm and  Cowboy 45 Special will not be found on this list. 

[JohnsonBarr]

If you're looking for a shorter cartridge case to fit your .357 Vaquero, then try .38 Colt or even .38 Short Colt brass. Both would make dandy mouse fart loads.

[rbertalotto]

So, Cowboy 45spl is not allowed in all Sass events or only NCOWS events?

I was clearly told by Adirondack Jack, the inventor of the 45CB spl that it was allowed in SASS events. He went into great detail on how he got it approved.

[Major 2]

So, Cowboy 45spl is not allowed in all Sass events or only NCOWS events?


It's not approved for NCOWS

[Stu Kettle]

They're ok for SASS