RE-Loading info needed

[harley121]

Has anyone here experimented with accuracy loads for the Uberti Cattleman in colt 45 cal, 5 ½” barrel? If so, what combination gave the best accuracy at 25 yds?
OR
What off the shelf ammo gave the best results?

Many thanks,,,
Bob

[rodinal220]

I haven't done alot of experimenting because the first load I used was so accurate and consistent I didn't mess with success.

I read alot about how the .45 Colt being the big black powder round could be temperamental with smokeless loads.I wanted to use Unique as many recommended it but I didn't have any on hand.Seeing as how I mostly use Winchester 231 for all my standard pistol loads I tried it.

I read about positional problems with the light smokeless loads and velocity spreads.I experienced none of that.I chonographed alot and got very low velocity spreads.I got 715-730fps(725 avg),which I thought was good.Fast ignition even with the powder "up" position by the bullet.

The load I settled on was the starting load.I used the data from LYMAN'S 47th reloading handbook,page 423 for the 250gr lead FP.

This load was consistent and very accurate and extremely mild.It also shot extremely well out of my Marlin rifle.

I haven't used Trail boss yet,but it wasn't around at the time but looks very promising.Winchester 231 has given me excellent performance in a mild CAS application.

I use Starline brass,Winchester LPP and Gardner's Cache 45 Colt 250gr LFP.I use a slight roll crimp to "iron" out the expander flare and lightly grip the bullet.Overall length of 1.600" YMMV.


****Please use caution when using smokless powder in these big old black powder cases.Very easy to double and even triple charge the case. ****

[cmshoot]

I have a load that I use in my 4.75" Colt SAA's, Rossi 1892 carbine, and 1930's Colt New Service.

Starline brass, 250grn RNFP from Georgia Arms, 7.0 grains of Unique and a Winchester LP primer. Shoots great in all my stuff.

[splashtx556ftw]

Universal powder burns a lot cleaner. near the same grains as unique

[wildrider]

Does anybody use Vithavuori n320, n340 or n350 powders? I'm happy with 7.5 gr of N320 and a 230 or 250 gr bullet in my Single Shot rifle, but I'm still looking for the right load for my .45 Colt 7 1/2" Cattleman.
P.S: I just bought a 1873 Short Rifle (and some 250 gr Flat nose lead bullets): shall I use the same load of the 10" longer barrel Single Shot?