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Posted: 7/27/2014 3:36:28 AM EDT
I want to load cowboy loads in .45 colt for my howell conversion.
the problem is I can't find much data that's actually marked as cowboy loads.  
I especially can't find data that used the powders I have on hand.
I was planning on loading a RNFP somewhere around 250 grains.
I have a ton of winchester autocomp, a fair ammount of red dot, a little win 231, and mabey 1/4 LB of unique.

so I'm looking at 45 colt loads and I see tons of loads that fit into the 700-800 FPS range I've read that I should stay within, but they are not specifically listed as "cowboy loads".  are these safe?
is there a specific PSI I should just watch out for exceding?

I just want to know if I have to use data that says "cowboy" or if I just have to stay in that lower velocity range (or under a specific chamber presure)
Link Posted: 7/27/2014 3:54:42 AM EDT
[#1]
Google trail boss powder
Link Posted: 7/27/2014 3:58:36 AM EDT
[#2]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Google trail boss powder
View Quote

I know what it is but it's main ingredient is unobtanium.
I have to work with what I can get.
Link Posted: 7/27/2014 7:10:06 AM EDT
[#3]
Cowboy data would be best since most conversions I have seen are not as stout as non conversion firearms.  Cowboy loads tend to be on the bottom end of the power spectrum and would be best for a conversion firearm.  With that said, Trailboss is a good powder and is not unobtainium.  I see it at local gun shows all the time and my uncle who loves to shoot .45 acp has been using Trailboss for a while now and just purchased some recently.  

Do an internet search for .45 Colt Cowboy Loads and you will find many different listings people use.
Link Posted: 7/27/2014 10:13:19 AM EDT
[#4]
I see all kinds of loads that I THINK are OK but the lack of any real pressure or velocity specs on what constitutes a cowboy load leaves me unsure.
Link Posted: 7/30/2014 8:28:45 AM EDT
[#5]
Go with the minimum load for that bullet weight and powder .
Link Posted: 7/31/2014 6:34:20 AM EDT
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Go with the minimum load for that bullet weight and powder .
View Quote

that's what I was thinking, but how do I be sure that even that is a safe pressure?
what is the max chamber pressure of a .45 colt black powder load?
Link Posted: 7/31/2014 8:54:20 PM EDT
[#7]
Winchester 231 = HP-38
I use 6 gr. of HP-38 with a 250 gr bullet in my Kirst conversion cylinder in a 58 Remington / Pieta
Hodgon Cowboy action data calls for a min of 5.8 gr. to a max of 7.1 gr of HP-38
I hope this helps . You could post this in the reloading section or have a mod move it over to the reloading section for more info .
The guys in that section are very knowledgeable .
Good luck
Link Posted: 8/1/2014 8:14:57 AM EDT
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Winchester 231 = HP-38
I use 6 gr. of HP-38 with a 250 gr bullet in my Kirst conversion cylinder in a 58 Remington / Pieta
Hodgon Cowboy action data calls for a min of 5.8 gr. to a max of 7.1 gr of HP-38
I hope this helps . You could post this in the reloading section or have a mod move it over to the reloading section for more info .
The guys in that section are very knowledgeable .
Good luck
View Quote

I wanted to post it here because I thought I could find more people with experience in this type of loading in here.
I suppose I have gotten what I'll get in here so I have no problem with it if a mod is willing to move the thread to reloading to see if anyone in there has experience with it.
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