Huey
Testing the 45 Colt in rifles today...
Tuesday, November 06, 2018, 09:48

Vowed to do more shooting and testing. So setting aside an hour a day to chrono and group some of my vintage cartridge shooting irons.

Bought this Lightweight Rolling Block a couple years back. Have more Reeder 45 Colts than any other caliber. The revolvers needed a rifle for their big brother program. Along with the Rolling Block, I bought an octagon barrel Marlin 1894 from Gary. It will be scoped, the Rolling Block will retain open sights for now.

This same model gun is also chambered for 30-30 and 45-70. So, I'm sure it would handle hotter loads. But, for traditions sake, I am sticking to 14,000 psi or less.

For velocity and accuracy, CFE Pistol came in as the champ. Pushing the Matt's WC Bullets at 1300 fps. Accuracy was one ragged hole at 50 yards.

The paperwork on this gun claims a groove diameter of .453". Mine slugged at .452". The bullets were sized .452" and no leading was present.

These ballistics put the old warhorse in the same class as the modern 44 Magnum revolver. Will easily handle anything in my home hunting territory. This gun regulates as legal for our primitive weapons season.

Both gun and cartridge design are over 145 years old and still work. Says a lot..