45 Colt - Just Getting Started!

[ESquared]

Rifletom and I have been comparing notes and sharing our progress as we sort of "parallel path" our way to our first 45 Colt reloads. We've both settled on 250 gr Missouri Bullet "Hy Tek" coated lead projectiles and Unique.
I followed Tom's lead and am starting with about 20 ea. @ 8.0 gr of Unique and 20 ea @ 9.0.
Here are 5 "warm-up" rounds that are somewhere in the middle (8.5-8.8), just to get the rifle sighted in (+/-).
Maybe later this week, depending on 1) when the Lyman globe sight shows up; and 2) how long it takes to get back in the saddle after Wednesday's cataract surgery.

[RanchRoper]

Looks good to me. I can't get my head around reloading yet.

[ESquared]

Looks good to me. I can't get my head around reloading yet.

Well, as good as you are shooting factory ammo, it's hard to make an argument that you'd get more accurate results, but it took me a long time to get my head around it, too.
But, it's fun and interesting and just extends the hobby for me. Even though you have to stick to a "recipe" when it's all said and done, there is still an element of creativity to it, as well. Hard to describe that, but there's always the element of "let's try this" that doesn't have to be risky or dangerous.
The bug may never bite you, but it's been very fulfilling for me, thanks in large part to the advice I've received here!

[BigAl52]

If you ever do RR you will wonder why you didnt do it along time ago. Especially when you see how much you would save from buying the factory rounds

[JEBar]

If you ever do RR you will wonder why you didnt do it along time ago. Especially when you see how much you would save from buying the factory rounds

couldn't agree more ..

[BigAl52]

Rifletom and I have been comparing notes and sharing our progress as we sort of "parallel path" our way to our first 45 Colt reloads. We've both settled on 250 gr Missouri Bullet "Hy Tek" coated lead projectiles and Unique.
I followed Tom's lead and am starting with about 20 ea. @ 8.0 gr of Unique and 20 ea @ 9.0.
Here are 5 "warm-up" rounds that are somewhere in the middle (8.5-8.8), just to get the rifle sighted in (+/-).
Maybe later this week, depending on 1) when the Lyman globe sight shows up; and 2) how long it takes to get back in the saddle after Wednesday's cataract surgery.

Good luck with the surgery Evan and where is the pictures of the Henry 45 Colt at?

[Mags]

.
Green! Really?

Best wishes to you for successful cataract surgery!

... 2) how long it takes to get back in the saddle after Wednesday's cataract surgery.

[ESquared]

Good luck with the surgery Evan and where is the pictures of the Henry 45 Colt at?

Thanks, Al! Here's the Carbine post, from a couple days ago!

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6011

[JEBar]

2) how long it takes to get back in the saddle after Wednesday's cataract surgery.

based on having cataracts removed from both eyes, I have no doubt that things won't go well .... I was concerned with handling recoil type issues for a few days but everything went well ....

[ESquared]

I had one eye done about 18 months ago and the first few days were irritating, but the improvement was immediate and remarkable. Same doc this time, so I'm confident it will all go as planned!

[Flinch]

Once you are back up and running and won't mind a little recoil, I would like to hear how the load groups at 50 meters or 50 yards. I am seriously considering another Henry in the near future, but am torn between 45 Colt and 45-70.

Nice rifle.

[ESquared]

I'll post a range report and target pic(s) for sure.
Debating whether it's a good idea to ask the doc "How long before I can go shoot my rifles?" as part of the whole pre-op/post-op banter...
Probably not.

[Travlin]

I just got my right eye done on Jan.8 after having the left done on 12-15 . I can now see handgun sites clearly and after being tested left eye is 20-15 and the right 20-20. The Dr. said the right eye will get better. Now on to loading .45 Colt ammo. After many years of doing it I have found a slight variance in the rims of some brands a brass. Try a .44 magnum shellholder first as it is a better fit on some brass. Right off hand I don't remember what headstasmp. The early .45 Colt brass had almost no rim because it was made for the rod ejector on the Colt S.A.A. It was later made thicker when double action revolvers with the star ejector were chambered for it. The problem comes when you are pulling the case out of the sizer or using the primer arm on the press to push in the new primers on the upstroke. I tore up a shellholder until
I caught on. Approach with caution.

[Flinch]

I'll post a range report and target pic(s) for sure.
Debating whether it's a good idea to ask the doc "How long before I can go shoot my rifles?" as part of the whole pre-op/post-op banter...
Probably not.

You definitely have to be careful in this day and age. When I ask the Doc a question to find out if I can shoot, I ask when I can start playing racquetball again.

[Rifletom]

Evan, I hadn't seen those pictures you posted Fri, as I was gone all day Fri and most of Sat. That is a splendid looking rifle! Very nice. I'm going to try and go to the range today or tomorrow for some Colt testing. Hopefully. Good luck on your surgery and take it easy. Your loads look good. Note comparison's coming up.

[ESquared]

Evan, I hadn't seen those pictures you posted Fri, as I was gone all day Fri and most of Sat. That is a splendid looking rifle! Very nice. I'm going to try and go to the range today or tomorrow for some Colt testing. Hopefully. Good luck on your surgery and take it easy. Your loads look good. Note comparison's coming up.

Thanks, T, appreciate the kind words and good wishes. Please let me know how the range visit goes, and, if you need some help posting pics, please advise.

Have fun!

[Rifletom]

Thanks Evan. Will do.

[fortyshooter]

Rifletom and I have been comparing notes and sharing our progress as we sort of "parallel path" our way to our first 45 Colt reloads. We've both settled on 250 gr Missouri Bullet "Hy Tek" coated lead projectiles and Unique.
I followed Tom's lead and am starting with about 20 ea. @ 8.0 gr of Unique and 20 ea @ 9.0.
Here are 5 "warm-up" rounds that are somewhere in the middle (8.5-8.8), just to get the rifle sighted in (+/-).
Maybe later this week, depending on 1) when the Lyman globe sight shows up; and 2) how long it takes to get back in the saddle after Wednesday's cataract surgery.

Those coated MB bullets work very well in my .44 Mag carbine...240 gr, with 9 gr. of Unique.
For .45 Colt in my 1873 Winchester rifle I load the 250 gr. hard cast with 8-9 gr. Unique.

[PT7]

Looks good to me. I can't get my head around reloading yet.

RR, I'm still pretty much at the same place you are....and may never get passed that spot!

Admittedly, the comments in support of reloading from Folk in this thread, along with others on the Forum, are compelling. I don't know if the head will ever get there. Planning to get over to ESquared's place sometime and watch him "demo" reloading some .357 Magnum rounds. Since I just got the BB .357 All-Weather, that cartridge would be the logical one for me to reload. Shall see what the head comes up with after that.

One of the current non-reloaders.
PT7

[RanchRoper]

I need like a reloading cafe in town where I can go try it, spend a couple of hours a week doing it for a few months and see if I like it....
"McLoaders" or "The Second Round" or "StarLines"....something like that.