Alliant 410 and .45 Colt and 270 grain Cast Bullet

[Southern Shooter]

I want to experiment with Alliant 410, a .45 Colt bullet (Lee 452-255-RF) weighing at 270 grains (mix of clip-on and stick-on wheel weights and it is beagled). My goal is to develop a safe charge with this combination that would keep the pressure between 14,000 and 20,000 PSI. This would be fired from a 4" barrel revolver.

Does anybody have an idea of what the charge of Alliant 410 powder would be to stay in this pressure range?

Thanks

 

[rcmodel]

No idea.

But it appears to requires 1 - 2 grains less in .410 then the same loads using 2400.
So it is faster for sure.

And it is one number faster then 2400 on Hodgdon's burn rate chart.
http://www.hodgdon.com/burn-rate.html

That's not to say though, that it will behave like that behind a real 45 Colt bullet in a rifled barrel.

It seems to me you are sailing in uncharted waters right there.

Better post a double watch tonight!

rc

 

[Southern Shooter]

rcmodel

Yes, a double watch does sound called for. I think I will use my Ruger SRH Alaskan .454 Casull to check out the .45 Colt loads.

 

[RPRNY]

No idea.

But it appears to requires 1 - 2 grains less in .410 then the same loads using 2400.
So it is faster for sure.

And it is one number faster then 2400 on Hodgdon's burn rate chart.
http://www.hodgdon.com/burn-rate.html

That's not to say though, that it will behave like that behind a real 45 Colt bullet.

It seems to me you are sailing in uncharted waters right there.

Better post a double watch tonight!

rc

These are good observations. I too have looked for 45 Colt data and found none. I use it in loading 5/8 oz shotgun loads in 444 Marlin brass but I don't feel that I have enough knowledge and experience to experiment with it in 45 Colt. I have read concerns about A410 delivering pressure spikes in heavier loads. I've been meaning to call Alliant and ask but never got around to it. Would welcome any info you come up with but encourage you to take heed of RC' s well intended cautions.

 

[Southern Shooter]

Velocity

I do appreciate the cautions.

I don't want to push the 270 grain bullet, too fast. I would like to get it between 850-900 FPS. I just want a general duty type load.

 

[rcmodel]

Then I doubt 410 powder is going to work so hot for your use.

Since it is a relatively slow burning powder, in the vicinity of 2400?

It will probably not respond well to down loading to that velocity & pressure level without incomplete or inconstant burn, and a lot of fouling.

Of course all that is all a pure WAG on my part, as I have no knowledge of it's use in handgun loads at all.

Surely you can find some Unique, or a host of other suitable .45 Colt powders with a host of tested load data available everywhere for 850-900 FPS loads?

rc

 

[RPRNY]

If I were going to do it, i would likely start about 3 grs under the 2400 start load an work up to just over mid way of 2400 loads looking for pressure signs.

 

[NCsmitty]

As I understand, Alliant does not recommend any other use but for 410 shotshells. I do use it in my 410 clay target loads.

The problem with Alliant 410 is it's tendency to increase pressure as the temperature decreases.

If you choose to experiment with it in the 45 Colt, I would think starting loads for Alliant 2400 might serve your purpose, but as rcmodel indicated, proven powders and loads might be the way to go.


NCsmitty

 

[bluetopper]

In these days of powder unavailability, to shoot, sometimes you may have to venture in uncharted waters occasionally.

Start light, work up, use a chronograph, shouldn't be much to it.

 

[Southern Shooter]

Alliant 410 and Pressure Spiking

I was also told that Blue Dot can spike due to cold weather. But, I have never been told at what cold temp such might be noticed. I have been using Blue Dot (with the guidance of some experienced handloaders) in my SRH Alaskan .454 Casull with this same bullet. Velocities have been averaging 1,235 FPS. I admit the temperatures have not been below 50 degrees. But, hey, I live in an area where 50 degrees is more likely to happen than 20-40 degrees for any extended period of time.

I really don't think that I have reached a critical point with the level of Blue Dot I am loading and this 270 grain bullet. But, for now, I am content with 1,235 FPS...especially from a 2.5" barrel. The target below was at 20 yards, double-action, standing, non-supported.


Anyway, perhaps my (very limited) experience with Blue Dot gives me a little courage to start out low and build up with Alliant 410. And, as I mentioned earlier, I will use my Alaskan to gradually work up a load.

I will be giving reports and asking for feedback from the crowd, here.