45 Colt Pet Loads

[ArchAngelCD]

Because I go so many good suggestions for powders in my last thread on the 45 Colt I decided to load up a few of the powders suggested.

I'm shooting an original 5.5" Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt.
I'm using once fired and new Winchester and MagTech brass and Winchester LPP.
I'm using 250gr LRN-FP bullets.
Even though the Ruger can shoot hot ammo I'm only interested in standard pressure loads at the moment.

Please DO NOT suggest any other powders than the ones I'm listing.
Please only post an answer if you personally used a load with the powders I'm asking about.

Here are the powders I'm going to use. Even though I'm going to run the charge range with each if you have any pet loads using the powders I'm listing, please post them. I know all guns shoot differently but sometimes a "Pet Load" will work well in more than one gun.

AA#5
HS-6
Unique
Trail Boss
W231/HP-38
Maybe Longshot if someone has a "pet load"

 

[redneck2]

I use AA#5 in my Ruger. Right at or very slightly above max (as listed for old guns) in my Lyman book, less than "Ruger only" loads. This is with 255 LSWC's. Super accurate, mild to shoot.

 

[dodge]

I use Unique in mine but the load is above max that's in the newer manuals. This load works very well with my gun. The load is 10 grs of Unique, CCI mag primers, 255 gr SWC and any brass that I have on hand. This load is safe in my gun which is a Ruger Blackhawk with a 5.5 " barrel. Please work up to this as I got this load from an older manual.

 

[Walkalong]

Dang, it's not listed. Oh well.

 

[raxafarian]

7.1 gr W231 with a 250gr LRNFP in my .454 super redhawk alaskan. This is at or near max according to the Hogdon website so work up to it.

 

[RugerBob]

For a 250gr RN FP I use 8 grains Unique or 5.8 Trailboss. Both work well in my Rugers. I usually use winchester primers but, have used cci also. I didn't notice any difference. As far as cases go, I have bought many new. Mostly starline. Whatever was on sale or just the cheapest. I load em till they ain't no good no more. Nickle ones split on occasion, so I don't get em any more. Most of the brass ones that have been ruined were my fault in re-sizing and crinkling the tops. No fault of the brass.

 

[wcwhitey]

8.5 Grains of Unique under that bullet is a classic .45 Colt Load. Every one I know that uses it loves it. Bill

 

[MetalMan52]

7.1 gr of WW231 with a 250 grain cast bullet works well in both my old model Blackhawk and my brothers new model Blackhawk.
Pat

 

[schmeky]

I shot 7.5 gns Unique pushing a 250 LSWC for years. I suggest a cleaner burning powder like WW231, even though I never loaded 231 in my Ruger/Colt.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Another vote for the 8-8.5gr load of Unique.
I'm actually using Hod. Universal as I got a really good buy on a keg sometime back.

I'm using 8.2gr of Universal for 1,000fps under a Lee 255gr RFN sized to .452" and SPG lube. Very accurate in 4 different guns, 2 revolvers, two rifles.....Gets ~1,200fps from rifle barrel and is just enough pressure to get case obturation to prevent powder gas blow-by into the action. I actually prefer the thinner Magtech brass over the thicker Starline brass for this reason.

Friend shot a 100lb doe with it from his Taurus 24"bbl "Thunderer" and got complete penetration and a 1/2" hole all the way through the deer with a diagonal chest shot. Broke ribs on entry and exit.



How much more could you want ?????

 

[JustsayMo]

I've had good luck with AA#5 and W231 at max Colt/Replica levels. Still a little sooty but good accuracy with both. I don't have as much experience with Unique, it worked fine too.

I like SR4756 for Colt/Replica level loads, fills the case better, less soot and equal or better accuracy. Meters perfectly in my Lee Perfect powder measure too.