.45LC Ammo

[Big Bullet]

Looking for some guidance on choice of .45 LC ammo for my new Uberti 1873 Cattleman. I do not currently load my own and will start out with factory loads. I know most (if not all) of the "cowboy loads" are a good choice for plinking, but I am looking for the hottest factory cartridge that can be SAFELY shot in this gun and would be good choice for hunting / self defense. I have asked Uberti for the design limits on max pressures, etc.........no response. Help?

[Ken Prather]

900 fps is the max from what I have been told.

hope this helps.

[whitewolf81@msn.com]

I have found Winchester Super X 225gr. Silvertip HP. They are marketed as personal protection and the fps at the muzzle is 920, which I know is over the recommended limit, but they seem to do well in my new 1873 Cattleman. I hope it helps.

[Roofuss]

Would this also hold true for the 1860 Army conversion in .45 LC as well ?

[clayflingythingy]

In the Uberti I would probably load up Federal 225 grain LHP's in 45 Colt.

[Roofuss]

Ok, Thank You !!!!

[HOGWILD]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.45_Colt
good luck finding any AMMO!

[Roofuss]

Not a problem we reload, and have lots of brass.

[jtg452]

Roofus,
Remember, you are dealing with an Open Top design. I suggest keeping it light to moderate. Beating the arbor and the wedge to death ain't a good idea. Beat on them enough and the hole for the wedge gets wallowed out. That messes up the headspacing and cylinder gap. Just 'cause it will chamber and safely shoot a 255gr bullet @ 950fps don't mean it's a good idea to feed it a steady diet of them. Personally, I'd stick with reloads or factory ammo that are more along the lines of under 800 fps and maybe even go down in bullet weight to a 200gr. If you already reload, I'd even go to BP. Lower chamber pressures that way and that means less stress on the action. If you are worried about getting the BP loads mixed up with your smokeless ones, use .45 Scholfield brass for them. The modern version is basically the same for .45 Colt as .38 Special is for .357 Magnum.

[micowboy]

Has anyone bought or used one of these yet? I am in the process of buying a old west gun. Been looking at all brands. So many to choose from, it's hard to decide. Need some input from all of u to see what u all like. Thanks