45 Colt data for 5.5 " SAA

[Al13]

I have been working on the 45 Colt loads. I find better performance using Oregon Trail 255 gr swc bullets than the Hornaday 200 gr swc. I'm using AA No. 5, their load data and a good crimp for these bullets. They seem more consistent.

 

[Slamfire]

My chronograph data with a 5.5” barrel is all Unique. Unique has been the most consistent powder I have used across all my 45LC's.You can compare the 5.5" data against the data for my 4” barreled 45 LC S&W Mountain Gun. I do have some AA#5 data with the Mountain Gun. Primers make a difference as you can see the same AA#5 charge, but different primers.

5 1/2" USFA Rodeo

255 LSWC (.452") 8.0 grs Unique  thrown, lot 6/21/1993, Starline cases, WLP primers
                        
25-Mar-07       T = 80 °F

Ave Vel =864                       
Std Dev =28                         
ES  =   75                             
High  =898.8                         
Low  = 800.1                         
Number Shots 24     

255 LSWC (.454") 8.5 grs Unique  thrown, R-P cases, WLP primers                                             
12-May-02      T = 84°F                               
                                    
Ave Vel =844                       
Std Dev =33                         
ES  =   117.8                         
High  =907.6                         
Low  =  789.8                                 
Number Shots 12                             

240 JHP Sierra (.4515") 8.5 grs Unique  thrown, R-P cases, CCI300 primers                                           
12-May-02      T = 84°F                               
                                             
Ave Vel =848                       
Std Dev =54                         
ES  =   146.4                         
High  =911.8                                     
Low  = 765.3                                     
Number Shots: 6

M625-9 Mountain Gun 4" Barrel

 250 JHP 8.5 grs Unique thrown, W-W cases, WLP primers
18-Mar-07 T = 55 °F V, accurate
Ave Vel = 830
Std Dev = 30
ES= 103.5
High= 893.4
Low= 789.8
Number Shots= 12


250 Nosler JHP 17.5 grs 2400 thrown, Master cases, Fed150 primers
18-Mar-07 T = 55 °F V, accurate uncomfortable recoil
Ave Vel = 971
Std Dev = 25
ES= 69.47
High= 1003
Low= 933.5
Number Shots= 11


255 LSWC (.452") 8.0 grs Unique thrown, lot 6/21/1993Starline cases, WLP primers
25-Mar-07 T = 80 °F accurate
Ave Vel = 800
Std Dev = 30
ES 99.02
High 847.2
Low 748.1
Number Shots 11


250 LRN (.452") 8.0 grs Unique lot 6/21/1993 thrown, R-P cases, WLP primers
25-Mar 07 T = 80°F accurate
Ave Vel = 814
Std Dev = 24
ES 72.81
High 847
Low 774.2
Number Shots 11


250 LRN (.454") 8.5 grs Unique thrown lot 5471, 4/3/06, R-P cases, WLP primers


25-Mar-07 T = 80 °F accurate
Ave Vel = 891
Std Dev = 17
ES 61.31
High 921.1
Low 859.8
Number Shots 27

255 LSWC (.452") 8.0 grs Unique lot 6/21/1993 mixed cases WLP (nickel)

23-Sep-07 T = 82 °F

Ave Vel = 802.5
Std Dev = 31.03
ES = 123.5
High = 867.2
Low = 743.6
N = 12

250 LSWC (.452") 10.5 grs AA#5 lot 12599 mixed cases WLP (nickel)

23-Sep-07 T = 82 °F

Ave Vel = 875.1
Std Dev = 19.36
ES = 62.64
High = 905.7
Low = 843
N = 12


250 LSWC (.452") 10.5 grs AA#5 lot 12599 mixed cases Wolf NCLP

23-Sep-07 T = 82 °F

Ave Vel = 826.2
Std Dev = 20.14
ES = 63.38
High = 862.1
Low = 798.7
N = 12

 

[Pete D.]

The most accurate load that i have found for my Ruger Vaquero is six grains of Unique and a 165 grain full wadcutter from Matt’s Bullets. Dead on at 25 yards with the Vaquero fixed sights.

 

[someguy2800]

Here ya go, exactly what you wanted. This is at the saami max for a 45 colt of 14,000 PSI. A new vaquero can take about 20,000 PSI safely so you could even go up a smidge from there if your careful.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...=1&weight=250&shellid=36&bulletid=70&bdid=219

 

[Don McDowell]

I would suggest that accuracy is probably more important in a hunting load, than a plinking load. I load for the best possible accuracy when working on a load for hunting, I want there to be no doubt about the ability to deliver the bullet where it needs to go when I put a live animal in the sights. Funny how it usually works out that the most accurate loads for the most part seem to come at or very near maximum charges. One of the reasons I have come to prefer Bludot in the 45 colt, along with the 38wcf, and 44wcf when shooting smokeless, is the velocity it delivers along with the excellent accuracy.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Why? Hunting. Accuracy is key if all you shoot is paper. But when hunting, you need a load strong enough for the game you are hunting. Your load must provide deep enough penetration, sufficient wound capacity to kill the game quickly, and as accurate as possible. Some reloading manuals such as Hornady will recommend an accuracy load, and a hunting load. When hunting black bears in the northeast, you want to be sure your load is sufficiently capable of taking the game. Yes, I could use a 44 magnum or greater, but I choose the 45 Colt because it has taken such game throughout many years. I could also hunt such game with some horribly outrageous magnum rifle as well, but I choose not to. Velocity makes ft/lbs. Ft/lbs create stopping power. etc etc....

Cast Performance, the sister company of Grizzly Cartridges makes very good cast hunting bullets that will work very well for your application. The bullets have a very wide meplat and they are gas checked. They produce bullets from 265gr to 395gr but the heavier bullets are probably best suited for the 454 Casull and .460 Magnum.

The 265gr WFNGC bullet over a stout charge of HS-6 makes a great 45 Colt hunting load. I'm not talking about Ruger Only loads, these are standard pressure loads that I shoot in my Ruger Vaquero. The wide meplat greats a large permanente wound cavity and will also break bones. http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=CP45265 I also use their bullets in the .357 Magnum with good success.