Load Data for 45 Colt

[Don McDowell]

Never did chrono that 8 grs of 231, but it shot reasonably well,just not enough better than 9 grs of unigue to make the switch..

 

[RealGun]

So, simple logic tells you that a less than 10% increase will not more than double the pressure. Sometimes ya just got to use your head.

Simple logic tells us that you can load H110 down, but it's not true. There are powders that give strange results above or below a proven point or suddenly need a boost from a magnum primer. When is one qualified to second guess the data?

In another context, there would be a pile-on, if one tried to claim, without any real references, that an admittedly off-the scale load was okay to post. Why do we seem to tailor the arguments to suit the point we wish to make? I think the answer is that people need to work up to these over-max loads on their own and at their own risk.

 

[USSR]

Simple logic tells us that you can load H110 down, but it's not true.

Yes, but the reloading manuals tell you specifically not to. So my logic tells me not to do it. In fact, I refuse to use W296/H110 due to it's inflexibility.

There are powders that give strange results above or below a proven point or suddenly need a boost from a magnum primer.

Yes, but W231 is not one of them.

When is one qualified to second guess the data?

When one has loaded the cartridge and powder in question for many, many years. In the case of the .45 Colt, there are loads that are designed for old and weak designs, and then there are loads that are suitable for strong, modern designs such as the large frame Rugers. That is why you always ask what platform is being used before giving out load data for the .45 Colt.

Don

 

[RealGun]

In the case of the .45 Colt, there are loads that are designed for old and weak designs, and then there are loads that are suitable for strong, modern designs such as the large frame Rugers.

And the load in question is somewhere in between, unsupported by any manual or powder company's web resources.

 

[Haxby]

Nosler #4 shows a max of 10 gr 231 with their 250 gr jhp
Speer #13 shows 10.2 gr 231 with a Speer 260 gr jhp, 1067 fps from a 7.5" Blackwawk.

 

[35 Whelen]

I checked loaddata.com which is a site that publishes loads from many printed manuals as well as all loads that have been published in Handloader and Rifle magazines. Here are some Ruger/Contender loads from the Speer #14 manual that should answer the question and quell the bickering:

260 Speer JHP; Winchester W-231- 9.2; 987 fps
Remarks: start charge
260 Speer JHP; Winchester W-231- 10.2; 1067 fps

35W

 

[RealGun]

Haxby - Nosler #4 shows a max of 10 gr 231 with their 250 gr jhp
Speer #13 shows 10.5 gr 231 with a Speer 260 gr jhp, 1079 fps fom a 7.5" Blackwawk.

Now we're talking. I missed bergmen's initial reference to the Nosler manual. I have never given ownership of that manual any consideration, associating it with rifle loading, which I don't do. Would it be especially good to have for heavy .45 Colt loads (I have a Redhawk)?

 

[USSR]

Would it be especially good to have for heavy .45 Colt loads (I have a Redhawk)?

No, not for HEAVY .45 Colt loads suitable for your Redhawk. It's too fast of a powder for that. For heavy loads you will need powders such as W296/H110, or the two I like; 2400 and 4227.

Don

 

[RealGun]

Sorry, I meant the Nosler manual.

 

[USSR]

Even with the Nosler manual max load of 10gr of W231, you will bump up against high pressure without getting much velocity (about 1050fps). You've got to use slower burn rate powders.

Don

 

[kelbro]

Unless I missed something in the OPs description, many of you are ASSUMING that any Ruger in 45 Colt is the larger framed model rated for the higher pressures.

My 45 Colt New Model Blackhawk is not the larger framed model and as such, is not rated for the max loads.

 

[35 Whelen]

Unless I missed something in the OPs description, many of you are ASSUMING that any Ruger in 45 Colt is the larger framed model rated for the higher pressures.

My 45 Colt New Model Blackhawk is not the larger framed model and as such, is not rated for the max loads.

You did:

Are you sure? I thought the New Models (I have one in .44 Special) were only in .357 and .44 Special....?

 

[Rule3]

The "man" has some information


http://www.customsixguns.com/writings/dissolving_the_myth.htm

 

[Bud0505]

You did:

Are you sure? I thought the New Models (I have one in .44 Special) were only in .357 and .44 Special....?

I've got a 2013 Lipsey's .45 convertible that is built on a medium frame and it is not recommended for max loads.

 

[USSR]

I've got a 2013 Lipsey's .45 convertible that is built on a medium frame and it is not recommended for max loads.

I did some digging, as I was under the impression that the only medium frame SA Ruger was the New Vaquero model. However, it appears that Ruger did a run of Ruger Blackhawk Flattops for Lipsey that are medium frame revolvers. If this is the gun in question, then I would restrict loads to 25k psi, the same that John Linebaugh suggests for the S&W 25-5. Just MHO.

Don

 

[saltydog452]

Admittedly a dummy with .45 Colt asks

I 'thought' 900fps with a 265RNFP was a standard .45 Colt load since 1873?

Thanks,

salty

 

[Haxby]

Speer manual #10 says they limit 45 Colt Ruger loads to 25,000 cup.
That one shows 10 gr 231, 260 gr jhp, 1042 fps from a 7.5" Ruger.

 

[grandpawj]

Keep it rolling guys. I am following this thread with great interest. I have just finished collecting all the dies, brass, bullets, etc to reload the 45 Colt. I don't want to load the first one until I feel relatively safe in what I am doing. What started me on my quest was the desire to shoot them in my 6.6" Judge. I shot a 50 round box of 250 grain storebought Magtech's through it the other day and the leading in the cylinder and barrel was excessive to say the least. I am already seriously thinking of setting the Judge aside and getting a BlackHawk.

 

[USSR]

grandpawj,

Stick to the standard 14k psi loads with your Judge, and don't even think of trying some of the loads being discussed here.

Don

 

[Rule3]

Keep it rolling guys. I am following this thread with great interest. I have just finished collecting all the dies, brass, bullets, etc to reload the 45 Colt. I don't want to load the first one until I feel relatively safe in what I am doing. What started me on my quest was the desire to shoot them in my 6.6" Judge. I shot a 50 round box of 250 grain storebought Magtech's through it the other day and the leading in the cylinder and barrel was excessive to say the least. I am already seriously thinking of setting the Judge aside and getting a BlackHawk.

The MagTech are Cowboy loads with soft lead.at a blistering 761FPS at the muzzle

http://www.magtechammunition.com/store/p14details496.php?pagePath=00000000,00000102itemList=

 

[RealGun]

FWIW my Judge's cylinder throat measured about .454. I only use it for the .410 rounds, carried cross draw to a primary Redhawk on my strong side.

 

[Clark]

I have shot a lot of 250 gr XTP [ the blem deal in 2004 was 6.5 cents] with 24 gr H110/W296, 1.6" OAL, in two 45 Colts; Uberti Cattleman and Winchester 94.

That load works well and gets great accuracy when crimped into the cannelure. Quickload thinks it is 20kpsi, but when I mess with Quickload so the chono matches the prediction, it is 22 kpsi. It is ~ 1225 fps in the 4.75" revolver and 1536 fps in the 16.25" rifle. Both the rifle and the revolver feel like they are kicking hard.

Then I got a Ruger Blackhawk in 2004.
I fired one shot.
The sharp hammer edge cut into my hand.
I resolved not to fire it again until I fixed that.
I have not got around to it.

Maybe I should find a wimpier load for the handguns.