2400, .45 Colt, and lead bullets

[Tallinar]

Hi folks.

I finally got the reloading bench set back up after moving last year, and looking to load up a bunch of .45 Colt.

I'm wanting to try out a few warmer loads for my .45 Colt rifles (H&R single shot 20" and a Rossi 92 16"), specifically with whitetail season in mind. Since the rifles are not limited by short barrel length or cylinder gap of a revolver, it seems to me that 2400 could have some good potential here.

The Lyman #49 manual lists a 250 gr XTP over 17.5 gr of 2400 as a maximum load that remains within SAAMI spec, and exceeding 1200 fps in their 16" test rifle. This seems like an attractive load to work with, and I have some XTPs to play with. I've also read forum posts of people going up to 18-20 gr of 2400 with this bullet, with good results from Ruger Blackhawks, Contenders, etc. My research seems somewhat unclear on whether or not 18 grains exceeds SAAMI spec, but 20 grains seems to be considered +P.

Anyway, what I am wanting to do now is look at producing a similar load with 2400 using a 250-255 gr lead bullet instead of an XTP, and am looking for some suggestions on bullet type.

What kind of cast 250 gr bullet would be suitable for this kind of 2400 charge? Seems like I can get by without a gas check, but would something like a 255 gr Brinnell 12 SWC bullet be too soft and produce leading?

EDIT: I should add, I realize that these rifles could easily go a bit above SAAMI spec. However, I'd like to stay within or close to SAAMI spec in my loads anyway, just in case one of my "rifle" loads accidentally ends up finding its way into my New Vaquero. I suspect my 2400 loads will not perform well in my New Vaquero, but I'd at least want to make sure I am not risking safety.

Thanks,

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I've shot a lot of 255 SWCs and 17 grains of 2400 out of my Ruger Blackhawk with great results.
Don't know what that tells you since you're shooting it out of a rifle.

Just make sure your lube quality and quantity are sufficient for the longer barrel and it should be great I would think.

 

[mrawesome22-250]

I've gone to Hi-Tek coating lead bullets in my 45Colt rifles. Don't have to worry about the bullet running out of lube in the long barrels.

HS-6, Unique, True Blue, and Blue Dot have all beat 2400 in accuracy in my testing.

Highest I run is ~20kpsi. The New Vaquero would have no problems with these loads.

Try 13.0gr HS-6 under a 250-255gr bullet with a CCI 350 primer. I've found that load to be one of those loads just about every gun likes. This is ~20kpsi load. Do not use in a SAA.

 

[Tallinar]

HS-6, Unique, True Blue, and Blue Dot have all beat 2400 in accuracy in my testing.

Thanks. I am a huge fan of Unique. Trouble is, I can't find any right now.

HS-6 keeps coming up in my research. I may give that a try. Thanks!

 

[Charlie98]

I load a lot of cast .41 for my Marlin 1894, and in fact, just tested some loads using 2400. I’ve been a BIG fan of IMR4227 in the Marlin, but I’ve found I get more velocity with 2400, which surprised me. My handguns don’t particularly like 2400, however.

I’ve got an H&R in .45 Colt coming soon... so I’ll be working up very likely the same loads you are looking for. Heretofore, I’ve used Unique almost exclusively in my brothers 16” Trapper, but I think IMR4227 or 2400 might work better.

 

[PapaG]

My Ruger Black Hawk go to load for my gun and my son's is the RCBS 45-255KT and 18 grains of vintage 2400 (from a twenty year old keg).