🚀 go-pugleaf

ctownsend@atlas.nafb.trw.com writes:

#	I was hoping someone could look up some ballistics for me . . .

#	I'm curious how the 45 Colt (Long Colt) compares to .357 Magnum and
#.44 Magnum in terms of velocity and energy (for their respective bullet
#weights).  Also, I picked up some Federal High Power Semi-Wadcutter Hollow
#Points;  The salesman told me these are hotter than the typical 45 Colt load.
#What are the ballistics?  Also, I've read somewhere that it may not be prudent
#to use 'modern' gunpowder in older guns; How do I know if the gun is designed 
#for modern powders or not (or how old it is, for that matter)? Is it stamped 
#with a symbol or something?

	Most .45 Colt factory loads are mild, because of some of the
older guns out there.  You'd have to tell more about your individual
gun for anyone to comment on it.  The hottest .45 Colt I've ever heard 
of from a factory is aprox equal to .45 ACP, but less than .45 ACP +P.

255 gr at +-  750-950 fps.

Lemme see, for Federal, they claim
.45 Colt	225 gr	900 fps		405 ft-lbs
.44 Mag		240 	1180 		741
.357 Mag	158 	1235		535

	The .45 Colt can be handloaded past .44 magnum levels, but
only in _some_ decent modern guns.   A call to the manufacture of 
your gun before trying any funny stuff would be wise.

JD