Hey- I just got a FA83 and saw they did not recommend shooting 45 Colt in the 454 cylinder. Why?
And loading 454s w/45 Colt dies? Also, are there any 83 grips around?
Thanks for any info you may have,
Tom
Mainly because the 45 Colt case is shorter and if you shoot a lot of 45 colt and don't clean, it may make a constriction ring (carbon and lead buildup) where the mouth of the 45 Colt case sits when it's fired. If you shoot 454 afterwards, with the longer case, it may create excess pressure due to the constriction ring.
And FA 83's have tight chambers.
If you plan on shooting 454 rounds after shooting 45 Colt, just make sure the cylinder is cleaned first.
Loading 454 with 45 Colt dies works. Mine are labeled for both. Just be sure to put a good crimp on it if heavy 454 loads.
The same really goes for shooting 357 Mag after a bunch of 38 special rounds. 44 mag after 44 special....you get the picture.
Thanks! I can clean my chambers cheaper than I can buy a 45 cylinder...
Mainly because the 45 Colt case is shorter and if you shoot a lot of 45 colt and don't clean, it may make a constriction ring (carbon and lead buildup) where the mouth of the 45 Colt case sits when it's fired. If you shoot 454 afterwards, with the longer case, it may create excess pressure due to the constriction ring.
And FA 83's have tight chambers.
I've shot 45 colt out of my FA83 for decades and never ever had a problem
John, I know that you are an experienced handloader, so does that mean you can chamber a 454 in your cylinder, just asking. I remember when I had a FA 454 I had to size my cast bullets .451" because of the close tolerance's of FA guns, a .452" bullet would not chamber. I never shot 45 colt's out of my 10" gun.
Dick
John, I know that you are an experienced handloader, so does that mean you can chamber a 454 in your cylinder, just asking. I remember when I had a FA 454 I had to size my cast bullets .451" because of the close tolerance's of FA guns, a .452" bullet would not chamber. I never shot 45 colt's out of my 10" gun.
Dick
Yes I can chamber 454s as well. My throats were too tight when the 4 3/4" was purchased and a trio back to FA cured that. I have loaded and chambered hard cast @ 454 sized and lobed diameter
Mainly because the 45 Colt case is shorter and if you shoot a lot of 45 colt and don't clean, it may make a constriction ring (carbon and lead buildup) where the mouth of the 45 Colt case sits when it's fired. If you shoot 454 afterwards, with the longer case, it may create excess pressure due to the constriction ring.
And FA 83's have tight chambers.
I've shot 45 colt out of my FA83 for decades and never ever had a problem
Yes....Any 454 will shoot 45 Colt as you know from experience.
Okay- here's another question- throats measure .453 so size bullets to what? I was surprised when a dummy made with .454 bullet chambered fine in all chambers.
Thanks again for your help-
Tom
Not to get to far off topic here but these throat measurements are surprising me a bit. The 454 I had was about 30 years ago & as mentioned was a 10" gun with fixed sights & I could not get a .452" bullet to chamber in any cylinder, it had to be .451" & they shot great. Wasn't a problem just seems a bit odd compared to what I'm reading.
Dick
Not to get to far off topic here but these throat measurements are surprising me a bit. The 454 I had was about 30 years ago & as mentioned was a 10" gun with fixed sights & I could not get a .452" bullet to chamber in any cylinder, it had to be .451" & they shot great. Wasn't a problem just seems a bit odd compared to what I'm reading.
Dick
Still have that one it is my favorite. I had read that 45 colt dies would not work with the 454 but they worked perfectly
Factory said my gun was made 1990. Bullets driven thru chambers measure .453. Trying some sized .454 tomorrow.
Any 454 brass or an extra set of grips available? It has Pachmayrs on it- I'd like to try others if I can get them without a second mortgage on the farm. The gun took the first!
Thanks,
Tom
Starline makes 454 brass. I got mine from Midway