Reloading .45 Colt

[RySean]

I'm new to reloading, my roommate just got a Dillion XL650. He's using it to reload .45 ACP. I want to reload .45 Colt (my Henry can handle hot cowboy loads as well as standard pressure loads, but my preference is cowboy loads if it's not too much of a pain).

I've been doing a lot of research on reloading for .45 Colt, but I'm trying to reuse as much of the material we have for the .45 ACP already. My roommate bought Hodgdon H110 and realized it's no good for .45 ACP, he said I can use it for my Colt reloading. We also have Hodgdon Clays powder to use if I need it (although I'd prefer to take advantage of the H110).

The real issue is ammo. He bought 1000 bullets (Rainier LeadSafe Bullets 45 Caliber (451 Diameter) 200 Grain Plated Round Nose). The ideal situation would be one in which we could share bullets to bring down costs, but I haven't found much info about reloading FMJ .45 Colt.

Any suggestions on measurements to reload .45 Colt using the Rainier 200 grain bullets with the H110 powder (assuming it can be done at all)?

Any other suggestions would also be appreciated.

Lastly, I haven't chosen/bought brass yet, so any recommendations would be nice too

[bohoki]

no on the 110 ya sure you dont have any 30 carbine you need loaded up cause that will work

5.5 grains of clays ought to do ya

[bumpo628]

From the Hodgdon reloading data center:
200 GR. CAST LRNFP, .452" dia
Hodgdon, Clays
OAL = 1.600"
Min load = 4.6 grn, velocity = 777 fps, pressure = 5,900 CUP
Max load = 5.9 grn, velocity = 931 fps, pressure = 13,100 CUP

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

They have no data for the H110 and 45 colt. It looks like H110 is good for .357 mag and .44 mag (among others).

[z-bob]

I don't think I would use lightweight plated bullets with H110 powder. You can use it with 250 grain or heavier jacketed bullets or hard cast bullets. (and a pound won't go very far)

Get some Unique, Universal, or Red Dot powder and you can share it, and it'll work just fine with the 200 grain bullets.

[RySean]

Alrighty, thanks for the replies guys. I'll probably use the Clays powder with the 200 grain FMJ bullets since it's the easiest thing for me to do here, and let my roommate deal with selling the H110.

[shtr45acp]

Ken Waters "Pet Loads". Consider getting a copy. Good luck

[DougJ]

I saw your mention of FMJ's and have to ask what they are. You need to make sure you're not using a RN profile bullet in that carbine or you could have a serious mishap in your magazine tube. You can only use flat point in a tubular magazine.

Proceed with the load data info, I hope to soon have an SAA clone in this caliber.

[RySean]

Yeah, I'll be using flat point bullets, I've heard of the possible detonations in the tube magazine when using round points.