45 cal bullets

[dispatch 510]

I have a box of Buffalo Bullets 45 cal 285 grn hollow base,I have never shot this type of bullet,Do I need to use a wad between the powder and bullet, Also how much powder would you use? I will be useing these in a T/C Cherokee. Thanks in advance for any info. :hatsoff:

 

[musketman]

The Cherokee and the Seneca will shoot the .45 caliber maxiball, which weighs in at 240 grains, however, the additional 45 grains of lead from the Buffalo Bullet may be too much for the light weight barrels...

The Buffalo Bullet has a greater bearing surface than the Maxiball does, IMO this would create a greater force exerted on both the gun and the shooter...

If you do shoot these, keep the charges down low, I am just guessing here, but something in the 50 to 70 grain range would be best in these lightweight barrels... (lightweoght as compaired to their Hawken barrels)

 

[roundball]

I have a box of Buffalo Bullets 45 cal 285 grn hollow base,I have never shot this type of bullet,Do I need to use a wad between the powder and bullet, Also how much powder would you use? I will be useing these in a T/C Cherokee. Thanks in advance for any info. :hatsoff:

Checking TC's load data for the .45cal Seneca & Cherokee they list 60, 70, and 80grns Goex 2F (or Pyrodex RS) for their Maxi-Hunters & Maxi-Balls weighing up to 320grns...any of those charges should be OK.

When I used Hornady 285grn Great Plains bullets in the heavier .45cal Hawken, I always used Oxyoke wonderwads as a firewall over 90 & 100grns Goex 2F, and they were extremely accurate in the .45, as are the .255grn Maxi-Hunters.

Tip:
I use the next caliber size wad in a given rifle...ie: I use .50cal Oxyoke wonderwads in the .45cal rifle...more lube, probably a tighter seal, etc...works perfectly...just can't drop them in the bore, use your fingers to ensure they're positioned flat, then seat the projectile, either bullet or ball...