Rossi Model 92' in 45 Colt

[Thumper]

I've been shooting this rifle using a 255g RNFP slug and 8.5g of Unique. I've had no problems over the years, but now I can't find the info that suggested that was the max load, the "lawyers' seem to have lowered it to 8g. Am I pushing the envelope or is it as safe as it seems to be?

[Sagebrush Burns]

That load is absolutely safe in that rifle.  It is also perfectly safe in a Colt SAA.

[Karl]

I've been shooting this rifle using a 255g RNFP slug and 8.5g of Unique. I've had no problems over the years, but now I can't find the info that suggested that was the max load, the "lawyers' seem to have lowered it to 8g. Am I pushing the envelope or is it as safe as it seems to be?

I have to ask the stupid question - where did you find this loading data?

I also own a .45 Rossi Puma.  I don't think that it has seen anything but black powder but it would be nice to know what the upper limits are. 


Brass framed stainless with the long octagonal barrel. 

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[Thumper]

BP, is strictly fill to where you slightly compress it when seating the slug, but I guess you knew that. Look up "Alliant Powders Reloading Chart"....or something close and check out Unique. That's where they have 8g as a max load. I also had a book, The Complete Reloading Manual for the 45 Colt", that's where I found the 8.5g measure, I don't have it any more, gave it to a compadre that moved away.

[Blackpowder Burn]

I just checked the Alliant Powders online reloading guide.  Their recommended cowboy load is 8.5 gr Unique with a 230 grain LSWC.  For non-cowboy loads they show up to 9.5 grains of Unique with a 250 LSWC.  You are well in the safe range.

[Karl]

So these are generic .45 loading charges not specific Rossi Puma limits.   Since the thread title was for Rossi 92' I was a little worried that I had missed some specific Rossi limit. 

Thumper - yes, I have black powder loading down pretty well but since we are land locked here it is becoming really difficult to get.  I might also want to use the Indoor Range one of these winters and I do not think that they would appreciate my black powder loads.   

[Thumper]

Black Powder Burn, Thanks for the info, my concern was that I was shooting 255 RNFP, it wasn't rated and I wanted to be sure the pressure wasn't too bad with the extra weight.

[Sagebrush Burns]

The M-92 is a very strong action and will easily handle "Ruger only" 45 Colt loads.  There are M-92 out there factory chambered in 454 Casull which is even stouter.

[joec]

The Rossi M92 can handle 35K PSI and I load it with a 290 gr Ranch Dog GC bullet using 25 gr of Lil'Gun. Now not a pleasant load to shoot if you are recoil sensitive but boy it will stop most anything from a hog to a black bear.

[Karl]

The Rossi M92 can handle 35K PSI and I load it with a 290 gr Ranch Dog GC bullet using 25 gr of Lil'Gun. Now not a pleasant load to shoot if you are recoil sensitive but boy it will stop most anything from a hog to a black bear.

I worry a little about heavy loads since my 92' has a brass frame.  Vanity.  I doubt that I'll ever carry my 92' in the woods here since there are bigger critters than black bears to worry about and I have an old .444 Marlin.  I have had more than my fair share of close encounters with bears and no gun can possibly feel big enough when you and a bear have made eye contact. 

[Shotgun Franklin]

@ Karl, where you get you data. I just want to look it over. I'm a real fan of the .45.

[Karl]

@ Karl, where you get you data. I just want to look it over. I'm a real fan of the .45.

What data? 

I usually just load black powder (while my stock lasts).  Fortunately it is pretty hard to mess up black powder loads for a .45. 

[Shotgun Franklin]

@ Thumper, I was meaning to ask you where you got your data.

@ Karl, sorry about that, I messed my 'posters' up. 

[Four Eyes Henry]

I think its a "brass" finish btw 

[joec]

I worry a little about heavy loads since my 92' has a brass frame.  Vanity.  I doubt that I'll ever carry my 92' in the woods here since there are bigger critters than black bears to worry about and I have an old .444 Marlin.  I have had more than my fair share of close encounters with bears and no gun can possibly feel big enough when you and a bear have made eye contact. 

Well now I agree with that depending on where one lives. A black bear is about it in my area however if I visit my oldest son in Washington State I will take my Rossi Rio Grade 45-70 along loaded with some 535 gr Tombstone Bullets. A 45 Colt in Kentucky would pretty much take most of the game from deer to black bear.

[Abilene]

Just as another point of reference for the reloading data, my LaserCast reloading manual (circa 1998) lists the following:

Standard/Cowboy loads, 250gr RNFP.  6.7gr to 8.1gr Unique (708-842 fps in 4 5/8" Vaquero)

Ruger loads, 255gr SWC.  7.6gr to 10.1gr Unique (825-1039 fps in 4 5/8" Vaquero)

[Thumper]

Like I mentioned, each bullet company has it's own data for same sized bullets !!!

[Shotgun Franklin]

I'll stick to the powder maker's data. I know they have the equipment to measure and check their product.