Data for a 45 colt in a Mare's leg

[JUNKYARD DOG]

I have recently acquired a Henry 45 Colt Mare's leg rifle. I am looking to load up a few rounds and was hoping to use what I had on hand. I have read where the Mares leg is a BB action and can handle +P loads.

I have H110 powder, Starlight 45 colt brass, Hornady .452 250 gr XTP's and Federal 155 primers (i make 300 xtp loads for a win 94 ae in 44 mag). My question is where to start with the 155 primers? or don't use?

I have seen some data that starts about 19.0-20.0 grains but don't specify primer so I assume large pistol. Hodgdon lists loads for the New Ruger pistols at 25.7-26.5 but with a WLP primer and a 7.25" barrel.

My goal is to get these around 1400 fps out of the 12.9" barrel. I'll be running these thru a chrono to test.

Thanks for any feedback

[BigAl52]

You dont mention any other powder than H-110. If you are loading H-110 mag primers are a must and Im sure your load book shows that. Im not fond of H-110 but others here have good luck with it. I like 2400 and no mag primer is needed to use it. Welcome to the forum.

[JUNKYARD DOG]

I have the Hornady and Nosler current edition load books but not much info on these loads. Hodgdon online data shows only +P loads for pistols with WLP primers for H110. Hornady only shows these loads with WLP primers. Any you're aware of that may have more data? I've always used magnum primers with H110 for the 44 mag.

The H110 powder and the Fed 155's are stock i've had from past reloading for the 44 mag 300 gr XTP's. With the way things are today I had hoped to be able to come up with a working load without having to find components.

Thanks for the response

[Travlin]

With the short barrel on the Mares Leg I would think that you would not want to use heavy loads. Unfortunately H110 does not seem to burn completely in reduced loads. I would think that some Unique or Trail Boss powder would be better suited to your situation. Also Red Dot, Titegroup or Bullseye would work. I know that components are hard to get at this time but don't take a chance and get into unknown territory with a slow burning powder that is only meant for maximum or near maximum loads. There is a reason why there is no mild load data for some powders.

[BigAl52]

Agree with Travelin. H-110 is full or close to it or nothing at all. Another reason Im not fond of it.

[JUNKYARD DOG]

Thanks for the response.
Guess i'll try to find some WLP's. I've got a little Titegroup left that I can use.

[wingnut]

JYD-

I have seen some data that starts about 19.0-20.0 grains but don't specify primer so I assume large pistol. Hodgdon lists loads for the New Ruger pistols at 25.7-26.5 but with a WLP primer and a 7.25" barrel.

My goal is to get these around 1400 fps out of the 12.9" barrel. I'll be running these thru a chrono to test.

Go with the Hodgdon data. You'll be fine starting with 25.7g and a mag primer and safely work up as wanted but I would not use a compressed load. Remember, your working with pistol data (7.5 in bbl). The Mares Leg will burn the powder better in the 12.9 in bbl. In any event, you'll have less muzzle flash.
Just FYI, I've shot 300 grainers from a T/C Contender with a 10 in bbl doing 1300 fps. It was a handful.

[JUNKYARD DOG]

I changed my plans and have put the XTP's on hold for a bit. I was able to find 2 lbs of Accurate no 9, 255 gr Hunters supply L-swc bullets and traded a fellow reloader for 2 trays of WLP primers. 20.0 grains to start (Hodgdon lists 20.6 @ 1303/25,500 psi fps to start in a ruger new model) and see how the gun shoots before I start with the Heavy loads. I have shot 300 gr xtp's thru my 44 mag winchester 94 trapper model and its a thumper!