Recommendations for Newbie reloader...

[IrvJr]

Hi All,

I've recently decided to start handloading .45 Colt cartridges for my Ruger Blackhawk (.45 Colt/.45ACP).

At the moment, I'm only interested in loading standard pressure (and not the heavier Ruger-only) loads for this gun. I've read a couple of books regarding handloading including the ABC's of Reloading and Modern Reloading (by Richard Lee). I currently own all of the tools required to load handgun cartridges, including carbide dies for .45 colt.

I need to purchase, however, reloading components and I am seeking some advice from the expert loaders (forgive me if these question are totally naive):

1. What reloading manual do you recommend? The book Modern Reloading is also a reloading guide, but I'm interested in having an alternate manual as a reference.

2. What powder do you recommend that I start with? As I mentioned before, I'm primarily interested in standard pressure, moderate velocity (800fps, 255gr bullet) loads - nothing too hot to start. I'd like to find a versatile powder that I could also use to load other cartridges later on (such as .44sp/.45acp).

Also, I read somewhere that I should look for a powder that will overflow the casing if I accidentally double-charge a round. Is this really important?

I've heard the name "Unique" mentioned a lot. Is this a good powder for my needs?

3. I'd like to develop a load that uses a jacketed or copper-plated bullet for use at local indoor ranges. Has anyone used the total copper plated bullets from Rainer? Do I load these bullets using the load data for a regular cast lead bullet or do I use the load data for a regular jacketed bullet?

4. The load manuals that I have list a lot of loads that use Unique and cast lead bullets. However, they do not list loads for jacketed bullets and Unique powder. Can I safely apply the load data from the cast lead bullet loads to the jacketed or copper plated load or would this not be appropriate or safe to do? For example, if my load manual list 7.6 gr of unique for a 250gr cast lead bullet, can i use the same amount of the same powder for a 250gr jacketed or copper plated bullet?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

As an answer to question one, the latest version of the speer manual is an excellent resource.

I don't load the caliber you're primarily interested in, so I can't help you there.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Grumulkin]

Q. What reloading manual do you recommend? The book Modern Reloading is also a reloading guide, but I'm interested in having an alternate manual as a reference.

A. I like the Hornady reloading manual. In many cases, it mentions what powder work the best for a particular cartridge. I also have Barnes, Lee, Lyman and Speer manuals.

Q. What powder do you recommend that I start with? As I mentioned before, I'm primarily interested in standard pressure, moderate velocity (800fps, 255gr bullet) loads - nothing too hot to start. I'd like to find a versatile powder that I could also use to load other cartridges later on (such as .44sp/.45acp).

A. Go with what the manual recommends. Unique should work in these cartridges.

Q. Also, I read somewhere that I should look for a powder that will overflow the casing if I accidentally double-charge a round. Is this really important?

A. It's personal preference. I prefer powders that I can't double charge but if a powder worked particularly well for me and was one I could double charge, I would probably still use it but I would be VERY CAREFUL.

Q. I've heard the name "Unique" mentioned a lot. Is this a good powder for my needs?

A. I think it would be good for you.

Q. I'd like to develop a load that uses a jacketed or copper-plated bullet for use at local indoor ranges. Has anyone used the total copper plated bullets from Rainer? Do I load these bullets using the load data for a regular cast lead bullet or do I use the load data for a regular jacketed bullet?

A. I've never used Rainer bullets. Use the data for jacketed bullets.

Q. The load manuals that I have list a lot of loads that use Unique and cast lead bullets. However, they do not list loads for jacketed bullets and Unique powder. Can I safely apply the load data from the cast lead bullet loads to the jacketed or copper plated load or would this not be appropriate or safe to do? For example, if my load manual list 7.6 gr of unique for a 250gr cast lead bullet, can i use the same amount of the same powder for a 250gr jacketed or copper plated bullet?

A. I would only use published loads that used Unique and jacketed or copper platted bullets. If you use data from cast lead bullets with harder jacketed bullets, you are venturing into uncharted territory. Lead bullets are fired at slower velocities to prevent leading. If you use the same load with a jacket bullet, you might end up with a bullet stuck in the barrel. If you have no published data to rely on for heaver loads, you might be subjecting your gun to excessive pressure. If you are very experienced, have a chronograph, and research several manuals, you might safely get by with it but it's at your own risk. It's not that big a deal to buy a different type of powder for your jacket bullets anyway.

 

[Steve C]

When loading Raniers or Berry's copper plated bullets the manufacturers suggest you use LEAD BULLET RELOADING DATA not jacketed bullet data.

The load manuals that I have list a lot of loads that use Unique and cast lead bullets. However, they do not list loads for jacketed bullets and Unique powder.

That's a little unusual but if you get a Speer #13 manual they have Unique listed for every bullet in the .45 Colt. You may want to get one of the compiled load books for the cartridges you wish to load for. They have data from every source in one book. Its still best to have at least one comprehensive manual as it has a lot more information than just load information.

BTW Unique is bulky enough and used in enough quantity so that evn if a double charge doesn't overflow the case it will be obvious when there's a double charge with simple visual inspection.

 

[TooTaxed]

Suggest you try Win 231 for your powder...I have found it good for everything from 9-mm Mak through .45 Colt. 6.5 gr gives me about 800fps with 255-gr bullets in my 7-1/2" Ruger Blackhawk, 12,400 CUP, and fine accuracy. Unique is not as versatile, and is somewhat "dirty" to shoot. (I did use it for years before awakening to #231's rare versitility.)

Loading either plated or lead bullets, you will need to have a distinct bell on your case mouths to avoid shaving the bullets, a step not necessary if you use jacketed bullets with a slight bevel on the base...though most reloaders slightly bell case mouths as a habit.