.45 colt +p or .45 coltheavy headstamped brass

[redbeardinntx]

Does anyone have any info on where I could find .45 colt +p or .45 coltheavy headstamped brass. I would like a quick way to distinguish between normal pressure shells for SAA's and heavier loaded shells for contender/blackhawk/rifle. I was looking for something other than just using nickle plated brass. I am aware that buffalo bore sells loaded shells with the above nominclature . Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[JReed]

Been shooting the .45colt a long time and have never seen such headstamping. CorBon makes +P they use standard Starline brass.

[jd45]

I would agree............I think Starline brass will stand up to full-house 45 Colt loads..............it has in my Ruger & my '92 rifles, no problem, as long as I don't go past the book. I think there's still a lingering myth that .45 Colt brass is weak. I've read it's rather the overly large dimensions of the chambers that, with heavy loads, caused brass to fail. Check the dimensions of your chambers. Freedom Arms bores the chambers in their SA revolvers to the minimum side of the blueprint spec, and as a result, brass has a long life fired from their revolvers. THAT'S where the problem is with other .45 Colt-chambered firearms, IMO. Of course, I'm no expert, I've just done a lot of reading, on my own, you know, like Abraham Lincoln. (grin). jd45

[redbeardinntx]

Thanks for the info, but I figure any modern brass to be Ok for these warm loads ie: not over published limit. I was wanting this brass for a visual check of my self, kind of a reminder. Such as , all the regular stamped stuff is ok for all the guns , with the warm stuff easily recognised to not be used in older frame revolvers. I remember some one offered custom headstamped brass but a google search did not produce desireable results. Any other ideas?

[jd45]

Sure, use your own code for the loads, for example.........a black Magic Marker on the case rim for Black Powder loads, if you use them. It's up to you to formulate a code that you understand for the different power level loads that you build. Example....red=thermo-nuclear!!!, (HA!). Good luck, jd45

[Malamute]

I started a simple system with 44 mag rounds years ago, and carried it over to 45 Colt loads. One maker/headstamp for one load type. I also use a variey of brass for factory vel 850-900 fps plinking loads, they are the RNFP bullets.

In 45 Colt I load (Rem) nickel brass for full power 325 gr bear loads. The bullets also look very different than any other type I use.

Win or starline brass= factory vel (850-900 fps/250 gr Keith swc bullet)

Rem brass = 1000 fps/250 gr Keith swc loads

[Travis Morgan]

I've not noticed any brands of brass being particularly problematic with Ruger only/redline loads. What I do is, I only use the W-W brass with the litttle cannelure on the ouside of the case for hotter than spec. loads, since I don't have nearly as much of this brass as any other. You could assess what types of brass you have, then pick a certain brand for "Hot loads only".

This gives me a visual indication (at a glance, whether I can see the headstamp or not) of which rounds are NOT okay to let other people use, unless they've been briefed on just what these loads can do, and the possible effects from shooting them, as well as making sure their gun will handle them.

[J Miller]

redbeardinntx,

I've been loading the .45 Colt since ... well since I was a lot younger. Like JReed I've never seen a .45 Colt case head stamped with a +P or any other indicator of heavy pressure.

I have my own color code for this:

Green = SAAMI spec, safe for all guns.

Blue = a bit warmer than SAAMI but still safe in all guns.

RED = Rugers, T/C, Winchester, Marlin, Rossi ONLY

BLACK = Black powder

I use the fine point Pilot markers and mark around the primers. These are permanent markers so the color won't come off till you take it off.

Joe

[CEMENTHEAD]

I know Ross Seyfried from Guns And Ammo Magazine always used/raved Federal Brass for his top end 45 Colt loads in his 5 shot revolvers. Hope this helps. Thanks, Tom

[JReed]

I have Win and Starline Brass for .45colt. I use the Win for my Colt level loads and plinker loads and the Starline for the heavy stuff. The only reason I use the Win for plinker loads is I have more of it then the Starline and I dont shoot as many of the hard hitters. Color coding is a great Idea also I used to color code but now I use the system I have now.

[Hobie]

I use a Keith bullet for the pistolas and a jacketed bullet for the rifle.

[awp101]

I use the fine point Pilot markers and mark around the primers. These are permanent markers so the color won't come off till you take it off.

Does it come off during tumbling?

[Travis Morgan]

Sometimes.

[HEAD0001]

There is a fellow on the Cast Boolits forum that has some different stamped brass for sale. I am not exactly sure how it is different, but you may want to check it out. Tom.

[J Miller]

I use the fine point Pilot markers and mark around the primers. These are permanent markers so the color won't come off till you take it off.

Does it come off during tumbling?

Not usually. I have to soak a paper towel with break clean and wipe it off.

Joe

[mike454]

Buffalo Bore uses cases with the headstamp HVY .45 colt. I asked him years ago if he'd sell me brass and at the time he wouldn't. Perhaps he's changed his mind. Heres a link to a pic of the headstamp:
http://www.gunblast.com/images/Ruger_Bi ... C-010F.jpg

[jd45]

As far as I know, Federal does NOT offer their .45 Colt brass as a reloading component...........tho I have to say I wish they did! You'd have to buy their ammo & scavenge the cases. jd

[redbeardinntx]

I havent been able to post the last few days but I wanted to say thanks for all the good info. I hoped someone knew/ remembered about who offered custom headstamped brass at reasonable prices. If for no other reason, validation that I didnt imaging the whole thing LOL . I think im gonna just load the C/B stuff in the win brass as I shoot it, and the warm stuff in new starline.
Anyways, how are the prices of Win brown box 250 gr C/B stuff around the country. The cheepest I have found it in Ft. Worth is 28.00 a box at Academy . Not a bad price but still seemes high . Yall stay low and shoot straight. Redbeard