QUESTIONABLE .45 COLT DATA

BULLETS & BRASS

- Brian Pearce

Q: I have thoroughly enjoyed Handloader Magazine for nearly 30 years. There is no other journal that even approaches the information that you and your writers provide. And I especially appreciate the technical information and new handloading data that you provide. I have always found your insight and data to be spot on and that is why I am writing to you today.

Like so many others, I have had a difficult time finding components in the past couple of years. When loading the .45 Colt, I originally used Alliant Unique, but based on your recommendations a few years back, I switched to Accurate No. 2. I have been very pleased with the accuracy and clean-burning nature of that powder. However, since the component crunch, I have not been able to find either powder. Recently, my searching turned up a couple of pounds of Hodgdon Titegroup at a local dealer that I instantly snagged. When I sat down at my loading bench, I had misplaced your “Pet Loads” article on standard pressure .45 Colt handloading data, so I referenced another published source for loads and assembled a few hundred rounds. That load consisted of cast bullets from Lyman mould No. 452664 that weighed 262 grains from my alloy with lube installed and a specified charge of Titegroup powder. I used new Remington cases capped with Federal 150 standard Large Pistol primers with bullets being roll crimped to the bottom of the crimp groove. These loads were specified as suitable for the Colt Single Action Army, so I thought that I was on safe ground.