45 Colt 250gr Gold Dot

[10pacesmike]

I'm looking for a stout load for a 250g GDHP. I'll be firing this in an "Old" Vaquero and possibly a Marlin. Working with AA#5, TiteGroup, Blue Dot, and H110.

On a side note, I know that typical practice for loading bullets without published recipes is to use data for a similar bullet weight/material. With these Gold Dots, the cavity is so large that the bullet would seat significantly lower in the case than a standard JHP or XTP if I stuck to the published COL data for the JHP/XTP. What's the fix?

Finally, do the "Ruger only" loads that use bullets designed for standard pressure loads crimp in spots besides the cannelure?

Thanks!

Mike

 

[zxcvbob]

14 to 14.5 grains of #5, or 17 grains Blue Dot, or 25.5 grains H-110. (these are 25 kpsi loads and way over SAAMI specs, but that's what you asked for)

 

[Walkalong]

I use AA #9 for building real stout .45 Colt loads and AA #5 or Universal Clays for loads in between "Ruger only" and normal .45 Colt loads.

 

[GooseGestapo]

(Warning: This is for T/C, Ruger handguns, and strong rifles only. Do NOT use in ANY S&W or Colt S.A. or repro's.... PER NOSLER !!!!!)

20.0gr of Alliant #2400.
Winchester, Magtech, or Starline brass..... just sort together, not mixed.....
crimp in cannulure. Large Pistol primers (not magnum!) CCI, Winchester, Fed.

This is Nosler's top listed load (velocity and accuracy) in the #4 guide. I load this under the Hornady 250gr XTP (.45colt version). I get ~1,200fps from my Ruger RedHawk, and ~1,700fps from my Winchester M94 "Legacy" w/24"bbl.

Accuracy is near MOA from the rifle, and 1-hole 5-shots @ 25yds from the pistol.

What more do you want ???
It's cheap too !! (bought 500 "blems" in '05 for ~$35.00).
It's probably worth picking up a can of #2400. Good chance you might find an "old" can with an "old" price on it. Last one I bought dates to around 1993 and was bought 6mos ago for $12.00 !!! Powder is still fresh and "good".

 

[Walkalong]

A fellow at the gun show today had old stock of Unique, 2400, and others, priced right. He had a table full of powder.

If I go back tomorrow I am going to pick up some AA #5 and AA #9 at $10 per Lb. I need some #9, but left the cash at home. (It's the only way I can hang on to it! )

 

[ricciardelli]

http://stevespages.com/451p_3_200.html

The "max" are for use in T/C, Ruger handguns, and strong rifles only.