Cowboy Load data for 45acp?

[zomie]

I got a Howells conversion for my Remington 1858 New Army and am trying to find some load data.

I managed to dig up some 180 swc and 200 gr round nose lead bullets at .452. I was thinking of starting with 4 - 4.5 grains of Unique? as per the the minimum load as stated in the 49th lyman manual. I would assume this should be safe for what Howell's calls a target load. Will I need any filler for this amount? Should I go any less?

I can't find any black powder load data though. I am debating if I want to try this as metering might be a pain in the *** as my automatic powder measure has all kinds of warning signs about black powder.

Thanks for any insight!

[wild_weasel]

I use 4.5 gr of Bullseye with 200gr castor 6 gr of Unique with a 230gr cast in my 1911A1. Both accurate loads with no leading.

[J-cat]

4-4.5grs may be too light. According to Lyman, 5grs generates 7000 PSI and 700 FPS.

[G-Man WC]

Cowboy.... 45acp, or do you mean 45LC?
-g

[zomie]

Cowboy.... 45acp, or do you mean 45LC?
-g

No 45 acp Howells makes a conversion ... I had brass already so it seemed easiest

[Lead Waster]

Well are you saying you want to load .45 ACP cases with black powder? Or with modern smokeless, but at a pressure/velocity that is acceptable for a converted 1858?

I have the kirst konverter (and got zero replies when I asked 2 weeks ago!), but for .45 Colt, not .45 ACP so I've also been doing some reading and research.

it seems that you need to take a look at what bullet you want to load, then check reloading manuals to find a load that you feel would be safe in the gun/cylinder.

I think the conversion cylinders are not the problem, but the frame and forcing cone will not like high pressure/velocity rounds.

I've heard that "Trail Boss" is a good powder to use, at least for .45 Colt.

I don't think you'll need filler for a .45 ACP case, the cases are pretty stubby, unlike the giant .45 Colt case.

I think you are right just going to a low .45 ACP modern powder load. With .45 Colt, you have to worry about not filling the case up with the modern powders, so "Trail Boss" is recommended because of its bulk.

[zomie]

Yeah I thought black powder might be fun as it was authentic but then again I am shooting out of a 45 acp case soo ...

Yeah think I will just try the light loads and hope for the best

[Lead Waster]

Actually the reason I bought the EXPENSIVE cartridge converter is because no indoor ranges near me allow black powder on the range! So my BP gun just sat around useless. With the converter, I can shoot smokeless, but again, I chose .45 Colt, not .45 ACP so that might cause issues with the giant .45 colt case and non-fluffy powder.

[zomie]

Yeah I have either option here. Target Masters in Milpitas will allow black powder if it isn't busy. All of the outdoor ranges allow it but it always ticks me off when the range master lights up a smoke next to my powder ...

I got it so I could shoot indoors and for safety.

[Lead Waster]

Oh wow, I didn't realize TM allows BP!

On the other hand, when are they ever not busy? Always full of guys "teaching" their girlfriends how to shoot. ie; teaching their GFs how to muzzle sweep other people and then scream when they shoot.

[zomie]

Oh wow, I didn't realize TM allows BP!

On the other hand, when are they ever not busy? Always full of guys "teaching" their girlfriends how to shoot. ie; teaching their GFs how to muzzle sweep other people and then scream when they shoot.

ROFL, Tuesday nights at 10ish they are usually good to check out I find. I am not a huge fan of that range. You can shoot there though. I go when I want to test a new hand gun I just got as they have late hours and they are often less crowded late then trying to get into Reeds.