.45 Colt Load Data?

[All-Around-Shooter]

Hello All,
Does anyone have any experience loading .45 colt loads with hard cast bullets? I am interested in loading a 300 grain bullet maybe using Unique.
I have had good success with a 200 grain swc with 8.0 grains of Unique.
But I want a heavier bullet, Something I could use on Deer if I wanted to.
I am Shooting a Ruger S/A.
Thanks

 

[HSMITH]

I shoot 300's with 6.5 grains of Unique. Nice target load and would plow through a whitetail from just about any angle. With your Ruger you can go quite a bit higher if you felt the need.

 

[45/70 GOVT.]

I shoot a 45 Colt in a Ruger Blackhawk with 4 " barrel

The only loads I loaded with 300gr were Sierra jacketed flatpoints I think and either uniq or 2400. Speer #13 lists loads for 300 gr jacketed bullets 2400 gives more velocity.

I've been out of hunting & shooting for about 4 years to persue other hobbies, but now back into shooting. So I don't know what loads I used because I don't know where my reloading note book is.

I hunt with a 255 gr Hornady Jacked hollow point. As far as powder goes I'm not sure of load but it is probaly close to the max load in the Hornady book

If I can find my note book I will let you know what the loads were and how they shot. I keep targets that I test loads on with notes written on them as to which load they go with.

 

[Wedge]

THE FOLLOWING LOAD IS SAFE IN MY GUN. NEITHER I NOR THE HIGH ROAD IS RESPONSIBLE IF YOU BLOW YOURSELF UP. DOUBLE CHECK LOADS WITH VARIOUS SOURCES AND USE CAUTION WHEN WORKING UP NEW LOADS.

I have used 300 gr. Keith bullets with 9.5 grains of Unique. It had pretty stout recoil but the load was accurate and safe in MY gun. I shoot a Ruger Blackhawk, 5.5" Barrel.

I have also shot 255 gr. LSWC with 9.0 gr. Unique and prefer those loads as my all around handload for .45 Colt. This load is safe in any Ruger class gun (the STANDARD load is 255 gr. over 8.0 gr of Unique).

 

[GooseGestapo]

I have had excellent results with the Lee .452-300gr-WFNGC. Mine cast at 315gr w/gascheck and lubed. Alloy is wheelweights. 50/50 alox lube.

I've shot them loaded with up to XXX gr of Alliant#2400 through my Winchester mod94. They chrono 1,560fps from 24" bbl.

This is a top listed load and I wouldn't exceed this load. (Use only in T/C, Win 92 or 94 Rifle, or Ruger Revolvers)


Most manuals list 16.5gr for most revolvers such as S&W's. For rifles and Rugers, most will go as high as 18.5gr.

I expect the above load will run around 1,100fps from a 5.5"bbl Ruger.

Pressures were totally acceptable, but recoil is NOTICEABLE! Pressures are a bit below .44mag pressures, but are still substatial for this cartridge.

I'm using Starline Brass, Win LR primers, and seating to foward cannulure. Seated to lower cannulure, rounds won't chamber due to impingement on the rifling.

Only reason to run this bullet at these speeds is to flatten trajectory. Even at the 1,100fps handgun velocities, they will completely penetrate a 300lb hog, or blackbear. I've also read they will penetrate 500lb+ critters as well, but can't speak to that personnally.

Last batch of the above load I ran, I loaded on a progressive loader and used 19.8gr of #2400 and got approx. 1540fps avg.

Accuracy was excellent at around 3" @ 100yds for 5 shots, with open sighted rifle.
Point of aim was approx 6" higher than 250gr Hornady XTP at same powder charge and velocity.

Work up to this load and use caution.

DON'T SHOOT THIS THROUGH ANY COLT-SAA OR REPLICA !!!

 

[All-Around-Shooter]

Thanks to everyone for the good advice.
I'll let you know how I do.

 

[redneck2]

go to http://www.sixgunner.com/linebaugh/dissolving.htm

Edit to add...I just tried the link above, and from my favorites. It's on sixgunner.com. Wouldn't work.

 

[Clark]

My brother's S&W 1917 in 45 Colt gets great groups with 300 gr cast and 6 gr of Unique.

No lighter bullets shoots high enough.
No other powder is as accurate with wimpy loads.