45 Colt and Lil Gun

On another thread, I read that Lil Gun may have some damaging effects on guns. I Thought I would start another thread concerning the 45 Colt load specifically, and the use of Lil Gun. I am shooting a 335gr hardcast, and using 19.3gr of Lil Gun right now. Is this going to be one of those loads that damages the gun in the long run, or is it safe? I am running this load through a Colt Anaconda, and DO NOT want to ruin it because of a poor choice in powder. Thanks to Junebug, I also have a bisley SBHH in 45 Colt coming, and I don't want to screw that one up either.

Is the load mentioned above safe to use without any adverse affects, or do I need to change it up? If I need to find a different powder, I'd rather do that, and then use the remaining pounds of lil gun as a backup supply, or use it in a different caliber, or use it for trade on something.

I just shot some in 4" redhawk 45 colt. I used Hodgdons recommended 20.5 gr with a 300 gr wfnpb.......one hole. Now I can't find Lil' Gun anywhere.

For your bullet they say 17.0 - 20.0 grs. I would like to hear what the long term effects are supposed to be. The pressure is lower than 296/H110.

Lil Gun has damaged the forcing cones in two of my revolvers. Freedom Arms advises against it. I won't use it in any of my revolvers. I'm not sure if it is okay for single shot handguns. I don't want to take a chance I reckon.

Yeah the long term effects are my concern. I may drop the charge down a bit. The current 19.3 seems to be working well as far as accuracy goes, but I'm now tempted to start at the very lowest load, and see what happens there. As long as velocity is still around 900 - 1000fps, and accuracy is as good as what I get now, I may switch in order to save the damage to the gun.

I'm hoping I'm just paranoid, and that all of this is a non issue. I'll probably give Jack Huntington a call later today and pick his brain on the matter. I'm using Lil Gun in the 500JRH I had him build, and he suggested the lil gun load I'm using. I'll see what he says, and I'll get back with ya.

Recoil -- What powder did ya switch to?

I never overheat my revolvers so I think that with Lil Gun it is just the nature of the beast.

Thanks!!! Think I'll be looking for something different...

PM sent Recoil.

I don't think you can beat H110! Not by much anyway!

Why wouldn't H110 have the same effect on forcing cones if it is so close to lil gun on the burn chart?

I have read about the same issue with forcing cones and Lil gun powder-I was going to try it until reading about some of the shooters having problems with it.

The way I understand it, the issue is the temperature at which the powder burns. The pressure is related to the composition of the powder, shape and coatings applied. I would guess the temperature is one of those things where it is what it is, and is probably not factored into the design of a powder. I think the powder was developed for the 410 shotgun, and I believe the Hornet or one of those small volume centerfire rifle rounds.

Craig

Lil Gun burns HOTTER than the others, although similar in rate. This is why I think some have problems.

Thanks Rod. I was finally able to get a tech on the line at Hodgdon. He stated that ANY of the magnum powders, like Lil Gun or H110, will have barrel and forcing cone issues eventually. Its just part of magnum loads, which does make sense.

Therefore, I am going to quit shooting the Lil Gun loads, and move to tightgroup. I like recoil, and full house loads, but I HATE the idea of burning up a Colt Anaconda, a Bisley SBHH, or a Huntington Custom. I'll get a beat up 45 Colt if I want to run full house loads, but for now, I think I'll focus on the tightgroup type powders, and slow my velocities down to the 1000fps range.

Anyone wanna by 6+ pounds of Lil Gun? If not, maybe I'll load it at the lowest end and see how it does.

I use it in my 480 SRH because it gives me much more consistent velocities than H-110, especially in lower temps. Also less powder & recoil at a given velocity, & at least comparable accuracy. I haven't seen any damage in my gun, but I haven't shot 1000s of rounds yet either. From some sources I have read it seems the issue may be one of lighter bullets with very high velocities (.454C?). I am shooting 400gr bullets at around 1200fps.
By the way RT, I'll take the Lil Gun if you'll drop it by...

Hey Vance! I talked with a Tech from Hodgdon, and he said using heavy bullets and less than full house charges takes away a lot of the damage. I've been contemplating on keeping it, but then again, with the guns I'm using, I don't know that I want to take the chance.

Its to much to GIVE away, but if ya wanna buy it, I'll split the hazmat fee on it. I'll do the same for anyone else that wants to buy it.

Raptortrapper. PM sent.
Mike

Raptor, I'd love to have it but shipping it up here & hazmat is real expensive. Thanks though!