45ACP loads for Taurus LBR

[DavidRees]

I'm hoping to get one of these guns soon. Very interested in what people find shoots accurately in these guns. I'm planning to shoot Timed & Precision 1 (the old "Police Pistol"), so only really need light loads, since the maximum distance shot is 25m, and recoil is a disadvantage in the timed sections of the comp.

I have a selection of bullets of various design and weight put by (195 SWC, 230 LRN), and I have several of the Viht pistol powders available.

Does anyone have any load data they would care to share in this calibre, particularly for the Taurus LBR, or from the old days with .45ACP revolvers?

I'll report back in time on the results I get, so all can benefit.

David.

[GRSporth1]

Used to shoot one, it liked 200 grain SWCs with 4ish grains Bullseye or 4.7ish gr N320.

You will need to buy it some decent grips too - the factory ones are pretty hopeless.

[DavidRees]

You will need to buy it some decent grips too - the factory ones are pretty hopeless.

Thanks for the load data; I'll keep it to hand when I get started loading for it.

Can you advise on what is wrong with the standard grips on these revolvers? Suggestions as to a make or type of grip which would suit would be very welcome.

[Sim G]

Main problem with grip replacements is the rod out of the back. You will need either a set of Pachmayr "Gripper" as they have an exposed back strap, or Hogues.

The grip size/type is the same for all of the Taurus LBRs and it is "Large Square"

[DavidRees]

Thanks for the grip info -- I suppose it is not too difficult to fettle a hole in any new grips, but I'll look at the brands you suggest.

[meles meles]

How do revolvers fare with .45 ACP ? We presume you shoot them using moon clips or a modified cylinder.

[DavidRees]

One solution is what is known as moonclips, either two per cylinder (therefore 3 rounds in each clip, and the clip is shaped rather like a crescent moon -- hence the name!) or a single clip, which can hold 6 rounds. Both can be a pain to get rounds into, and esp. when removing spent cases, it can be a bit fiddly. There is a special tool to help with the latter chore, which I have somewhere from my days of owning a S&W revolver chambered for 45ACP.

Another solution is to use cases with a rim, made esp. for such revolvers. The cartridges have the name 45 Auto Rim. Makes the revolver work just like a normal one, without clips. Hard to obtain, and expensive, but at least you are likely to know whose case is whose when picking up brass after the shoot!

David.

[GRSporth1]

The original grips are too thin and didn't fill the palm of the hand well enough for me.
Pachmayer or Hogue grips are the ones to go for. I used Hogues on mine.

There is a 3rd solution to the ACP case issue - it is possible to have a stepped cylinder (i.e. one where the case headspaces properly on the rim). I'd stick to 45 Auto Rim for fun/practice and use the moonclips for comps.

[dromia]

The three round clips were called half moon clips and the six round ones were called moon clips.

[majordisorder]

I use 4.8g of Unique with some very nice 200g cast bullets from DodgyRog to good effect in my .45acp rifle. Little if any recoil felt.