Reloading for Cowboy Action Shooting: Tips and Tricks

Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) is a unique and exciting shooting sport that combines the nostalgia of the Old West with the precision and discipline of modern marksmanship. Participants use period-appropriate firearms—typically revolvers, lever-action rifles, and side-by-side shotguns—and compete in scenarios that evoke the feel of the late 19th century. One crucial aspect of success in CAS is having reliable, consistent, and safe ammunition tailored to both your firearms and competition rules. Reloading your own ammo not only saves money but also allows you to customize loads for optimal performance.

This article delves into the art and science of reloading for Cowboy Action Shooting. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced shooter looking to improve your reloads, you’ll find valuable tips, tricks, and insights supported by examples and expert advice.

Understanding the Basics of Reloading for Cowboy Action Shooting

Reloading is the process of assembling firearm cartridges by hand rather than purchasing factory-made ammunition. For CAS shooters, reloading offers several benefits:

Cost Efficiency: Factory ammo can be expensive, especially for calibers like .45 Colt or .38 Special that are common in CAS. Reloading reduces per-round costs significantly.
Customization: Tailor powder charges, bullet weights, and primers to suit specific firearms and competition requirements.
Consistency: Properly loaded rounds improve accuracy and reliability during fast-paced stages.
Historical Accuracy: Some shooters prefer using cast lead bullets or black powder substitutes to maintain period authenticity.

However, reloading also demands attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols. Improper loads can damage firearms or cause injury. Understanding cartridge components is essential:

Case: The brass shell that holds all other components together.
Primer: The small explosive charge that ignites the powder.
Powder: The propellant that generates gas to propel the bullet.
Bullet: The projectile fired from the gun.

The main calibers used in CAS include .45 Colt (most popular), .38 Special, .44-40 Winchester, .32-20 Winchester, among others. Each caliber has its own recommended reloading data available from sources such as Hornady’s Handbook or Hodgdon’s Reloading Data Center.

Selecting Components: Choosing Bullets, Powder, and Primers for CAS

The performance of your reloads depends heavily on selecting appropriate components tailored to cowboy action shooting’s unique demands. Here are some considerations for each component category:

BULLETS

Cowboy Action Shooting typically uses lead bullets rather than jacketed ones to replicate period-correct ammunition and reduce barrel wear on older guns. Common bullet types include:

Cast Lead Bullets: These are traditional and cost-effective. They offer good accuracy at moderate velocities. Many CAS shooters prefer bullets sized slightly larger than standard to ensure a good seal in older barrels with looser tolerances.
Semi-Wadcutter Bullets: Popular due to their clean hole-punch targets and reliable feeding in revolvers and rifles alike.
Flat-Nose Bullets: Often used because they replicate original bullet shapes from the era.

Example: Renowned cowboy action shooter Tom Gunner uses cast lead semi-wadcutters sized at .452″ for his .45 Colt revolver loads, achieving a balance between accuracy and reliable cylinder gap sealing.

POWDER

Cowboy Action shooting favors moderate velocities consistent with historical ballistics—typically subsonic or low supersonic speeds—to maintain firearm longevity and comply with club rules limiting power factors. Powder choice must reflect this balance between performance and safety.

Pistol Powders like Hodgdon Titegroup or Alliant Unique: These powders burn cleanly at lower charges suitable for revolvers chambered in .45 Colt or .38 Special.
Semi-Rimmed Rifle Powders like Hodgdon H110 or IMR 4227: Often used in lever-action rifle loads (.44-40 Winchester) where slightly higher velocities are desired but still within safe pressures.
Black Powder Substitutes (e.g., Pyrodex): Some shooters prefer these for historical authenticity; however, they require different handling techniques during reloading.

PRIMERS

Cowboy Action competitions generally require non-magnum primers unless specified otherwise by range officers or match rules. Popular choices include Federal 100 (small pistol), Winchester WSP (small pistol), or CCI #500 (large pistol) depending on cartridge type. Primers must be consistent to ensure uniform ignition across all rounds during rapid fire stages.

The Reloading Process: Step-by-Step Guide with Safety Tips

A systematic approach to reloading ensures both safety and quality control.

Follow these steps carefully when preparing your CAS ammunition: Inspect Cases: Start by examining spent brass for cracks, dents, or any signs of wear that could affect performance.

By adhering to these practices, you can ensure reliable and safe ammunition for your Cowboy Action Shooting events.