I have a couple of 1892 replicas in .45 Colt. Over the last couple of years, I have been experimenting with different high-power loads for these long guns. The .45 Colt in new firearms and using Starline modern brass is as potent as a .44 magnum. Below are some of the loads I have been using:

LEE .452 300 grain flat point gas checked bullet over 21.2 grains of H110 and a Federal magnum large pistol primer. This load gave me 1450 fps from a 16″ barrel for 1400 ft lbs. of energy. With this load, I can come near to matching the original 45/90 ballistics and exceed 45/60 loads.

Hornady .451 200 grain XTP jacketed hollow point over 21.5 grains of 2400 and a CCI magnum large pistol primer. This load gave me 1560 fps from a 16″ barrel for 1080 ft lbs. of energy and 1714 fps from a 24″ barrel for 1304 ft lbs. of energy. This load replicates the Hi-Speed .44/40 WCF load as listed in the 1927 Winchester ballistics list.

Hornady .452 250 grain XTP jacketed hollow point over 26.0 grains of H110 and a Federal magnum large pistol primer. This load gave me 1693 fps from a 16″ barrel for 1590 ft lbs. of energy and 1772 fps from a 24″ barrel for 1742 ft lbs. of energy.

I have installed receiver sights on my 1892s to make sighting easier for me because of the floating spots and beginning cataracts in my eyes. I have hopes of taking some game animals with these lever action guns in the near future.

Please double check the listed load data against other sources before using. These loads work for me in my guns. They may not work for you in your guns.