REDUCE the powder charge on the 200's, or go to a faster burning powder and a significantly reduced velocity (ie: cowboy loads). By reducing the velocity of the 200's to below what the 255's are running, you can increase the barrel time and raise the point of impact. However, due to the difference in barrel torque from the shorter and lighter bullet, you may see a difference in lateral impact too. This characteristic of low velocity bullet behavior is greatest in the .45colt of any revolver cartridges I've loaded/shot. The high weight and low velocity vs. recoil are exagerated more with the .45.
I'd recommend 6.0gr of Bullseye for around 700fps.
Ya just gotta love the cartridge though! I loaded/shot for over 30yrs before getting my first one, then shortly had 3!.
I do prefer the 255's at 850-900fps from my Ruger Redhawk. Very accurate and adequately powerful for any reasonable use. I just don't see the point in running them any faster. Or slower, either. I like Win231/HP38 and Clays Universal for this purpose.
I don't particularily care for the 200's in this cartridge. However, with the .45acp I much prefer the 200's over the heavier weights.
ADKWOODSMAN; The only reason a revolver barrel would dip prior to recoil would be if the inertia of the hammer fall caused the forward pitching motion. Or, you're flinching ! The Colt SA's do have a long and heavy hammer fall, but not enough to significantly move the fiream if properly held. Most of the revolvers have front sights taller than the rear relative to the line of bore due to the firearm recoiling before the bullet leaves the barrel. The higher the bullet weight and lower the velocity, the greater is this effect. Also a factor is weight of the firearm, and size and weight of the shooters hands and arms which also affect the rate of recoil, hence the high demand in recent years for adjustable sighted revolvers.