300gr XTP in Big Boy 45 Colt?

[bdbrown66]

I know Henry recommends that you not exceed 260gr bullets in the 45, for reliable cycling. Just wondered if anyone had tried the 300 XTP's (or any 300, really) an had success with it. I've stuck to the 250-260gr bullets up to this point.

[JEBar]

just curious .... what do you believe will be the advantage to moving up to a 300 gr bullet .. .. its pretty clear that the bullets you have used were very effective

[wingnut]

I know Henry recommends that you not exceed 260gr bullets in the 45, for reliable cycling. Just wondered if anyone had tried the 300 XTP's (or any 300, really) an had success with it. I've stuck to the 250-260gr bullets up to this point.

Its an cartridge overall length problem with the Henry's. You are stuck with feeding a max length of about 1.550" for the 45L unless you do some modifications. Many 300g (and higher) bullets can be seated that deep but you may not find specific tested loads for the "short" length.

My favorite 300g bullet is the Speer Jacketed SP and it does have an upper crimp grove for a shorter loading. Its a very sturdy bullet that penetrates more than it expands. Lookup some of my posts and you will see it.

[bdbrown66]

I know Henry recommends that you not exceed 260gr bullets in the 45, for reliable cycling. Just wondered if anyone had tried the 300 XTP's (or any 300, really) an had success with it. I've stuck to the 250-260gr bullets up to this point.

Its an cartridge overall length problem with the Henry's. You are stuck with feeding a max length of about 1.550" for the 45L unless you do some modifications. Many 300g (and higher) bullets can be seated that deep but you may not find specific tested loads for the "short" length.

My favorite 300g bullet is the Speer Jacketed SP and it does have an upper crimp grove for a shorter loading. Its a very sturdy bullet that penetrates more than it expands. Lookup some of my posts and you will see it.

Are you sure about that max length? SAAMI spec for the 45 LC is 1.600". My current loads are running right around 1.585-1.590", and I have no problems with them cycling. That's why I was wondering what the COL would be if I loaded the 300's. I don't want to spend $35 on a box and then find out they won't work for me.

[JEBar]

in its current manual Nosler list the SAAMI Overall Length as being 1.600"

[wingnut]

About is about. SAMMI didn't cut the Henry chambers nor make the feeding system. Some have had the problem with slightly longer loads and some have not. I'm running mine at 1.645" but I also modified my action to feed them.

You can buy a box, make up a dummy round (no crimp) and try to feed it at a longest length desired. If it will not feed then shorten it a bit and try again. Once it feeds, load some up. If you are not satisfied with the bullet, send them to me. I'll cover your costs.

[Rifletom]

Like bdbrown66, my .45 Colt/250gr rnfp rounds are 1.585"-1.590". All feed fine. Henry BB steel.

[.45Steel]

My Henry Steel .45 colt loves and feeds flawlessly my cast Lee c452-300 boolits with a hefty load of both H110 and 2400.
These rounds measure 1.630 when crimped in the first groove from the bottom of the bullet.

[bdbrown66]

My Henry Steel .45 colt loves and feeds flawlessly my cast Lee c452-300 boolits with a hefty load of both H110 and 2400.
These rounds measure 1.630 when crimped in the first groove from the bottom of the bullet.

Ok, that's the kind of info I'm looking for, in terms of COL. What kind of accuracy are you getting with those 300gr bullets?

[fortyshooter]

Nothing like a big .45 Colt Hammer load heading towards the gong!!

[.45Steel]

My Henry Steel .45 colt loves and feeds flawlessly my cast Lee c452-300 boolits with a hefty load of both H110 and 2400.
These rounds measure 1.630 when crimped in the first groove from the bottom of the bullet.

Ok, that's the kind of info I'm looking for, in terms of COL. What kind of accuracy are you getting with those 300gr bullets?

Right now about 1 1/2" group @ 50 yrds. I say right now because I quit working loads due to a cataract. I am exactly 1 week post op from having a lens replacement. My 2nd post op check up is tomorrow and then 1 more in 3 weeks to get new glasses. Then I will start working on a good load. It shoots them 300 gr. bullets pretty good but I know it will do better If I do my part.