255 gr for .45 acp

I am looking for a load for a .45 acp revolver. Ruger Blackhawk specifically. I have a bunch of 255 gr cast swc bullets on hand. Bullseye, Unique, HP38 and 2400 for powders. I am looking for reloading data using some combo of these components. Nothing real hot, 800 fps or close would be excellent.

 

Have you checked with various loading manuals ?

 

I have the 9th edition Hornady. Nothing listed.

 

Hornady generally doesn't list load data for anything but Hornady bullets. I would suggest the latest Hogdon or Lyman manual. You can find them online or purchase them in print.

 

Search the specific POWDER data online.
2400 is probably your best bet. Unique should work, also.

 

I’ve shot a lot of 255-260 grain bullets in the acp. Lyman 454424 and RCBS 45-25KT. Mostly from a 1911 but a fair amount from my 4 5/8 Blackhawk convertible. I used Unique at 5.4 grains. Can’t say how safe that is but I found the load in an old manual at a little higher than that. It will, for a fact, shoot through a medium deer behind the front shoulder and smash bowling pins off the table convincingly. IIRC, I was getting about 8” penetration on very dry old fir.

 

I guestimated and ran with 6.0g of universal for my 625. I didn't have my chrono but they felt less recoil than 230g HST +p factory ammo. They thumped the steel plate with authority.

 

Tons of loads in the western powders manual free for download up to 250 grains.

 

About 10 years ago I tested a load using a 250 gr. XTP using 4.8 gr. of Win 231 (exact same powder as HP38). That gave me 725 fps from a 4-5/8” Blackhawk.

Probably a bit of a waste using XTPs, as they would just act like a FMJ at that velocity. Your cast SWC would be a better application.

 

Don't use 2400. Unique, bullseye, HP38 are all great choices.

 

Unique for the win! I’m down to about ten pounds, lots i old metal square snap top containers, safely stored.
My favorite medium powder for 38/357, 44S,45 ACP/Colt, 44S/Mag. Need more? 2400.
I’ve never gone for the maxxxxx.

 

My Hodgdon No. 26 manual (c)1992 lists 260 gr. JHP loads using:
800-X
700-X
231
Blue Dot
Unique
Bullseye

It also lists .45 ACP +P loads with a 260 gr. bullet (does not mention jacketed or lead) using
HS-7
HS-6
HP-38

The load I listed earlier today was toward the top of the standard pressure loads. For +P it tops out with 5.6 gr. of HP-38. I expect a large frame Blackhawk should be able to handle those with no issue.

 

Did your RBH come only with the .45ACP cylinder?

 

Cast 250's out of a 45ACP are interesting thumpers. Years ago I used Win231/HP-38 trying to work up an uber bowling pin load. These were launched out of a Kimber Compact Stainless sounded like someone throwing hammers at the backstop of the indoor gun range...not gonna list the charge weight but my hands and the gun still function normally.

 

It's converible. I have the 45 colt and acp cylinders. I prefer the acp for what I'm doing. And factory ammo is cheaper to buy.

 

Okay. Just checking. It sounds like you have a plan. Good luck.

 

I appreciate everyones help. I figured Unique or hp38 would work. Seems Unique may work best. If it does, it will be time to look for a piggie.