45 colt 20" bbl loads with WST. And primer comparisons.

[Windrunner_50]

Hey guys, just wanted to share some load data I got for standard pressure 45 colt in a 20" rifle barrel using WST. I havent seen many threads or info for this powder so I figure I'd make my own. Its a great clean burning powded that has a very similar charge weight to titegroup in my experience...but it burns much cooler, and a little slower. Ive used it in 45 acp, 9x19mm, 45 colt, 45 colt+p, and 44 magnum so far. In this test I also used different kind of primers for each 10 shot group.

1. Bullet: Nosler 250gr JHP
Brass: Winchester
Primer: Federal Match
Powder: WST
Charge: 6.2gr
OAL: 1.600"
FPS: 886
SD: 17.3
Comments: recoil was lighter, brass had low pressure signs and powder residue due to not having enough pressure to seal to the chamber. Primer okay. There were no unburnt grains left in the case, this is what I consider to be a "clean" factor. I hate unburnt grains left in the chambers on my guns, especially revolvers. But there were none in this rifle chamber.

2. Bullet: Nosler 250gr JHP
Brass: Winchester
Primer: Federal Standard
Powder: WST
Charge: 6.2gr
OAL: 1.600"
FPS: 883
SD: 14.0
Comments: same as above.

3. Bullet: Nosler 250gr JHP
Brass: Winchester
Primer: CCI standard
Powder: WST
Charge: 6.2gr
OAL: 1.600"
FPS: 897
SD: 10.2
Comments: same as above

4. Bullet: Nosler 250gr JHP
Brass: Winchester
Primer: Federal Magnum
Powder: WST
Charge: 6.2gr
OAL: 1.600"
FPS: 898
SD: 15.1
Comments: same as above.

After that test I decided to bump it up to see if I could get a proper seal to the chamber to clean it up a bit.

5. Bullet: Nosler 250gr JHP
Brass: Winchester
Primer: Federal standard
Powder: WST
Charge: 7.0gr
OAL: 1.600"
FPS: 991
SD: 15.2
Comments: 70% of the brass sealed to the chamber properly and was 100% clean. Recoil was still light, but noticeably heavier. Primers looked to be slightly flattening, but not very much. I'm kicking it up another .2-.4 grains next time.

Attached is a picture of the brass in order starting at number 1. You should be able to see the reside and the primers.

Thanks!

 

[Charlie98]

Interesting powder choice, particularly for a rifle in .45 Colt. I love me some WST, it works great in the .45ACP... but I don't think I would use it in .45 Colt. I'll be curious to see how your testing progresses. I would be careful... like TiteGroup, as you approach max it will show pressure signs very quickly.

 

[Windrunner_50]

Interesting powder choice, particularly for a rifle in .45 Colt. I love me some WST, it works great in the .45ACP... but I don't think I would use it in .45 Colt. I'll be curious to see how your testing progresses. I would be careful... like TiteGroup, as you approach max it will show pressure signs very quickly.

I use to use titegroup alot, but it burns super hot and doesnt fill much of the case at all. WST fills about 80% of the case with this load and burns very clean. Also much cooler ive noticed. I have used it up to 10.5 grains under the same bullet for my Ruger 45 colt+p. I will be watching the pressure signs very closely for the lower pressure loads.

 

[Charlie98]

I agree on the points about TiteGroup... 50 rounds of .44SPC through the Ruger and it was too hot to hold to punch the empties out. I quit using it with cast bullets, and once the can is empty, I'm done with it. WST burns really clean at the top of it's window, and as you mention, somewhat cooler.