Reloading for .45 Long Colt

[GunNut666]

I just got my hands on a U.S. issue Colt 1909.
I have some 300gn Hornady XTP Hollow Points and I am having a hard time finding load data for a jacketed 300gn bullet.
Secondly, I am wondering if anyone out there know what sort of pressures the 1909 can handle? I have shot 255gn bullets from Freedom Munitions and they were great, just want to be cautious with the 300gn.

Thanks everyone!

[bubbapug1]

Send me your powders and the estimated OAL and I will run them in quickload for you. I have the bullet data if they are 0.452, 300 grain, Hornady XTP MAG #45235 .

If you have the estimated velocity from the Freedoms munitions ammo we can probably back out the pressure, or you can call and ask them. Your pistol has a heavy frame, but a quick call to colt may answer your question. But...why not run loads around 11,000 psi anyway, which is around 700 fps with those heavy bullets, and go easy on that old gun!

[JagerDog]

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

Stick to standard Colt (not Ruger/lever) loads.

[bubbapug1]

Here are a few recipes from Quickload...use at your own risk, these are not certified by a factory....please double check with published load data

I estmated your OAL will be somewhere around 1.65" based on the stuff I have here, but my max is 265 grain SWC lead.

1.650" OAL

6" barrel

300 grain XTP - .452, 300, Hornady XTP MAG 45235

bullseye - 5.2 grains, 11207 psig, 737 fps

Unique - 5.9 grains, 11167 psig, 740 fps

Blue Dot - 9.9 grains, 11213 psig, 766 fps

Hope that helps.

[GunNut666]

Here are a few recipes from Quickload...use at your own risk, these are not certified by a factory....please double check with published load data

I estmated your OAL will be somewhere around 1.65" based on the stuff I have here, but my max is 265 grain SWC lead.

1.650" OAL

6" barrel

300 grain XTP - .452, 300, Hornady XTP MAG 45235

bullseye - 5.2 grains, 11207 psig, 737 fps

Unique - 5.9 grains, 11167 psig, 740 fps

Blue Dot - 9.9 grains, 11213 psig, 766 fps

Hope that helps.

Awesome! Thank you very much for the info!

[Tom-ADC]

I'd find some cast 250 grain and Trail Boss powder and blast away. If you can slug the barrel it may be .454. I like trail boss gets the job done and doesn't beat the gun up.
Probably just me but I'd reserve those 300 gr XTP bullets for Rugers and rifles.
That said I'm afraid Trial Boss my be hard to come by.

[John Browning]

I'd find some cast 250 grain and Trail Boss powder and blast away. If you can slug the barrel it may be .454. I like trail boss gets the job done and doesn't beat the gun up.
Probably just me but I'd reserve those 300 gr XTP bullets for Rugers and rifles.
That said I'm afraid Trial Boss my be hard to come by.

This. The 1909 is not designed for 300 grain bullets and there is no way in hell I'd put them through that gun. Find some cast 250s or 200s and some Traill Boss or Unique. A 300 grain bullet in a 1909 is just asking for trouble.

[opos]

I love bunny phart loads ... 200 grain soft lead (12 hardness) "Cowboy #4 from Missouri bullet...Trail Boss (won't specify load...but it's common)...soft, easy on shooter and gun..accurate...I agee..300 grain is not the best idea in the older level guns (IMHO)

[bubbapug1]

I love bunny phart loads ... 200 grain soft lead (12 hardness) "Cowboy #4 from Missouri bullet...Trail Boss (won't specify load...but it's common)...soft, easy on shooter and gun..accurate...I agee..300 grain is not the best idea in the older level guns (IMHO)

5.8 to 6.1 grains trail boss. Works great!! That's my go to load anyway.

The best place to buy them (missouri #4 RNFP - 200 grain) is at powder valley, ditto for zero cast bullets too.