Single Action ammo question

[PirateSteve]

I recently picked up a USFA single action revolver with a cross pin frame in 45 Colt. I'm going to eventually reload, but I'd like to get some factory loads to start.

My question is whether or not this gun should be shot with smokeless powder loads. I'm not looking for the hardest hitting 45 in the world, but rather something reasonable, and black powder velocities are just fine with me.

Does anyone have a recommended factory load?

[knight0334]

You can use smokeless. You cannot however use the "+P" or heavy loads meant for the Rugers.

Figure 250gr slugs @1000fps as max, or about 14K-15Kpsi. Stay away from the 15000psi and higher loads.

[Pukindog]

If you value that piece do not use Black powder. it is corosive. the entire revolver will have to be taken apart and cleaned.
Here are a couple I use in my Colt SSA's. All are 200 grain lead flat nose
6.5 grains of Trailboss 850 FPS This is about the closest you will get to the original BP load.
6.9 grains Bullseye 950FPS
7.5 grains Unique 950 FPS

Take care,


Jeff

[GRIZ]

Smokeless powder is fine. Your gun is basically the same design as the original 1873 Colt. Stay away from loads listed for Rugers and Contenders.

[WVBob]

As said, stay with the basic loads and don't use black powder. .45 Colt can be a lot of fun.