Pietta Remington 1858 Clone With Safe Smokeless Powder Loads For Conversion Cylinder

[Miker]

I have a newer Pietta Remington 1858 clone (Stainless Steel) and want a smokeless load that is safe in my cylinder conversion and firearm in general. Cowboy ammo is difficult to get and expensive in California. We have to purchase ammo directly from or thru an FFL, pay 8.5% sales tax, a $5 fee for a background check and an 11% sur-tax for ammo.

 

I've used a box of Federal Syntack 45acp with a coated pill before but they cost $50 for 20 rds plus the aforementioned fees. If I knew what propellant they use I would roll my own. They feature a coated pill so I'm reasonably confident that using them is safe. If anyone has a different opinion on that I would welcome your input.

 

Yeah, you read that right; 45acp. I originally purchased the Remmy with a  conversion cylinder tossed in for next to free. No, I have no interest in purchasing a .45 Colt. (They are too expensive) Yes, I know that 45acp is not a traditional caliber. I have some soft lead pills, primed brass waiting on some safe loading info from someone familiar with this topic. What better place than on the SASS form!

 

Thanks in advance

 

God bless 

 

 

Edited May 5 by Miker

[Cemetery]

I use Kirst Conversions for my Ruger Old Army's, and use 45 ACP as well.

 

I just used a load that was in the middle of the range for whatever powder I was loading.

 

Example, if I was using XYZ powder, and the manual has a low of 3, and a high of 6, I would do 4.5.

 

 

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

 

I'd suggest looking around 4.0 +/- TightGroup.  I also like 160Gr RNFP.  I would suggest 120Gr Barnstormer but I have not had good results with Barnstormer in 45 ACP.  The Barnstormer itself tends to head space rather than the case mouth.  Your Mileage May Vary

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

3.5 Grains of Trailboss with the same 200 grain RNFP bullet I use in .45 Colt is a nice mild round.   It will not cycle a 1911, and is safe for use in shaved Webley revolvers.

3.5 Grains of Trailboss with a 230 grain lead RN (a "softball" load) WILL cycle a 1911, but is still pretty mild compared to GI surplus.  

Either load should serve well in your conversion cylinder.

[Miker]

Thanks for the suggestions. It's appreciated.

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Just keep in mind that published loads are usually designed to cycle a semi-auto and therefore too hot for what we do.  Do some searches for 45 Cowboy Special loads and you will find a lot.  Type this into google:   site: sassnet.com 45 Cowboy Special Loads