Colt 1909 DA service load

[Shawn Agne]

Just wondering what the service load was for the Colt 1909 DA. Did they shoot teh blackpowder load that the single action army shot or was there another issued load?

[RCS]

Photos show a 45 Colt & Schofield inside primed, a 45 Colt black powder and the Model 1909 US Govt cartridge. The M1909 used 8.4 grs of RSQ smokeless powder with a 255 gr lead bullet. The M1909 had a rim diameter that was .030 larger so that exraction was improved in the Colt swing-out revolver. The increase in rim diameter does not allow the use of this case in the old single action & double action models except as three shooter or every other chamber being loaded

The first photo is not related to the 45 Colt cartridges

[Johnny P]

The first loading for the Model 1909 revolver was Bullseye powder, but the load of only 5 grains of powder filled less than half the cartridge case. This allowed the case to accept a double load if the loading machine malfunctioned, which apparently happened. This lead to the adoption of the RSQ powder which occupied most of the cartridge case.

[Shawn Agne]

Is RSQ still available? I'm currently using 34gr of FFg behind a 255gr bullet.

[Johnny P]

You missed it by 101 years. RSQ was introduced in 1909 and discontinued in 1911. Unless you just like to see a lot of smoke and enjoy cleaning your pistols, I would load the .45 Colt with one of the modern powders. Bullseye was used then, so why not now?

[Shawn Agne]

Well for one of the reasons I use BP is I do like the smoke and the load is very accurate and really fills the case up so I don't double charge. Thanks for the info on the origial loading.

[Johnny P]

Well, never considered using black powder as a safety measure. How does it do in .45ACP?

[RCS]

Factory loading in 45 Colt was unique, I use unique too but there are alot of new powers for the cowboy action shooters. I just started using unique in 44 Russian too.

[Johnny P]

Unique is still going strong 112 years after it's introduction. A little smokey and dirty, so should satisfy somewhat if you like black powder.

[joem]

Try some Trail Boss powder. Low pressure and fills the case if you want. Burns pretty clean but not much smoke.