Reeder Custom Guns - Correct cast bullet size for 45 Colt?

So I have a number of 45 Colt chambered revolvers, and I’m not really interested in slugging the barrels or measuring the throats honing all those cylinders.

What I am interested in is a more or less “go to” size for all my cast needs. If the assumed bore size is .452 since these are all modern revolvers, would I be fine at .002” over, and just run a .454” sized lead slug? Again, I realize my *throats* may be a little larger (probably), or smaller (still likely), but I’m trying to keep things simple across multiple revolvers.

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I meant to type .452, since modern 45 Colt bores are allegedly .451, from what I can gather.

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I have had rugers that ran from .450-.454. I prefer to stick to .452 bullets to simplify my life. I sent one ruger to gary that had .454 throats and had him install another factory one that has .451. Now it shoots great with the same bullet I like to use out of the majority of my 45s. OThers I have used the lapping compound on the bullets product to slightly open up the tighter ones.

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I don't disagree with you, however, I have a couple of Redhawks and an Anaconda, so measuring throats **accurately** means dis-assemble to get the cylinder out. Ain't as interested in that endeavor as I am finding a good, all around projectile that works across the platforms.

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WOULD HAVE TO DIS-ASSEMBLE TO MEASURE? PLUG/PIN GUAGES WORK JUST FINE W/O TAKING THE GUN APART.

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you can push .454 muzzleloader ball or fishing sinkers through them. They are soft lead and easy to do. Then measure with a good micrometer.

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- No text -

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IN MEASURING NOT HONING

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You may run into trouble trying to chamber bullets larger diameter than the throats. My Freedom arms 45 Colt has .451 throats, trying to chamber .452 diameter bullets is difficult, especially when the gun is dirty. .454 diameter bullets wont chamber
If you have some cast bullets on hand that are different diameters, see what size slides through the throat of each revolver….or just go .452 and hope none are smaller, but accuracy may not be the best.
I have a 1956 vintage Colt SAA that has .456 diameter throats, it shoots really good with .456 sized bullets, not as good with undersized bullets.
Lee sizing dies are pretty cheap, about 20 bucks (excluding inflation)..
Hope this helps

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WANT GOOD RESULTS. FORGET BORE SIZE. YOU NEED BULLETS SIZED TO THE THROATS. I USE EVERYTHING FROM .451", .452",.454" AND EVEN LARGER DEPENDING UPON THE CYLINDER THROATS. IF YOU WANT A "ONE-SIZE" FITS ALL, WHICH DOESN'T. TRY .452" AND HOPE.

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Going .454 (GENERALLY) the largest you will encounter unless you have a bunch of pre-war antiques. Your gun will size the bullet down to whatever each individual throat actually is. Then it will slide down the bore and be sized down further OR plow onward a bit loosely.

I’ll take oversize throats compared to bore size any day.

I generally do what Taffin suggested, .452”. One thousandth over perceived bore size. I usually can’t shoot good enough to split the hairs, and remain blissfully pleased.

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https://www.grainger.com/search/machining/precision-measuring-tools/pin-plug-ring-gauge...

They will last a lifetime and you can slit the cost with a couple of buddies.

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years. Might be a low cost option, getting the Chinese version. Just measure the outside with a mic. Not as nice as a pin gauge set, but alot cheaper.

Correct cast bullet size for 45 Colt?

(Edit) to add .452 SIZE, not .454

Again you really need to check the throats

On the subject of throats...

WHY WOULD YOU THINK YOU

Pin gauges would be best, but if you had to

To hone them to uniform diameter

YOU SAID YOU WERE INTERESTED

Use bullets to check your throats

THERE IS NO "SIMPLE" IF YOU

I think your thoughts have a little validity

get a good set of pin gages

I have a set of these in Starrett that I've had for 30 some

Try link again...

I Bought .454" Sized Mold