CRIMPING THE .45 COLT

BULLETS & BRASS

- Brian Pearce

Q: A friend recommended that I try cast bullets from RCBS mould No. 45-250-FN to obtain better accuracy in my USFA PreWar model .45 Colt. He gave me a few handfuls of unsized bullets to try. However, when I went to load them, I noticed that their weight was actually 264 grains instead of the indicated 250 grains. Should I reduce my normal 6.0-grain charge of Alliant Red Dot powder? If so, by how much?

Also, in looking at this bullet design, I am not sure where to apply the crimp. It appears that it has two grease grooves and no crimp groove. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Incidentally, I read Handloader from cover to cover every issue. I thoroughly enjoy your articles as well as those by John Barsness and Mike Venturino. Please keep up the great work. New Castle, PA