45 Long Colt loads using WST powder

[lostbird]

I'm looking for 45 Long Colt light loads using WST with 230-255 gr cast and jacketed bullets. Does anyone have any recommended "puff" loads they are willing to share? I know there are a lot of other powders out there for 45 LC, however, due to powder shortages WST is all I have on the shelf right now. Thanks for any help you might provide.

 

[Wil Terry]

Define ' light ' loads.
Do you have an accurate chronograph ?
Do you have Bullseye propellent ?

 

[lostbird]

Wil,

Starting loads probably in the 750-850 fps and 8,000-11,000 psi range.

No. I don't have chronograph.

I don't have Bullseye. Just WST.

Thanks for your interest
Jerry

 

[Walkalong]

It should work, but I would be guessing at what charge to start with. For me I would do that, but guessing loads for other people to use is different.

I would use my experience with W-231 and WST in other calibers and come up with a starting load. I'd load up a couple of rounds of it and test, then go from there.

 

[USSR]

lostbird,

If I were you, I would not hesitate to try loads of between 5.5gr and 6.0gr and see what they felt like.

Don

 

[lostbird]

walkalong,

I'm going to start out with 4.5.grs of WST with the 250 gr cast LRNFP bullet. Published reloading data for this same bullet with a 19 burn rate indicates a load of 5.8 grs for 231 as a starting point with that powder. WST with a 15 burn rate loaded with 4.5 grs should be a safe load don't you think? I'll work up from there in .5 gr increments. Thanks for your help.

 

[Walkalong]

Burn rate charts are no way to generate data. Powders can move up and down on the chart depending on the application.

That said, yes, it should be safe pressure wise, but, IMO, may stick a bullet. Just load a couple to start.

I would be more inclined to follow USSR's advise, if it were me.