45 Colt +P load question

[Skip_a_roo]

The Hodgdon manual lists loads for several different makes of powder, not just Hodgdon powders.

Right, but the manuals I have from them only have data for Hodgdon, IMR and Winchester powders, the ones they market.

I have their free manual from 2008, and the magazine ones from 2001-2007, only those brands of powders are in it. Just wondering why they would publish data for a competitor's powder. Like I said, I can be wrong.

 

[treecarcass]

Maybe not helpful but I use W231 in my .41 mag
very little fouling and muzzle flash, in a .45 pressure should be
pretty low.
215 gr lasercast with 7.5 gr 231

 

[ljnowell]

Maybe not helpful but I use W231 in my .41 mag
very little fouling and muzzle flash, in a .45 pressure should be
pretty low.
215 gr lasercast with 7.5 gr 231

Generally with Ruger only loads we are looking for lots of flash and high pressures.

 

[Seedtick]

I've had my 45 Convertible for a little over a month now and man it's a hoot. I'm just now beginning to get up into Ruger Only loads and I am impressed.

I didn't think I would ever enjoy a gun more than my 357/9mm Convertible but it hasn't been out of the safe since I got the 45.

2400 is my favorite powder for the 357 and I've also been a little disappointed with the lack of data (published) for it in 45 Colt. Some can be found after you get up to ~ 250 grain bullets but I've found very little for anything lighter.

I wonder why?? ??

ST

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

2400 is my favorite powder for the 357 and I've also been a little disappointed with the lack of data (published) for it in 45 Colt. Some can be found after you get up to ~ 250 grain bullets but I've found very little for anything lighter. I wonder why?? ?? ST

Seedtick, I've been wondering the same thing. 2400 is my favorite powder in .357 and .44 mag, because it consistently offers some of the strongest velocities across most bullet weights, making it extremely flexible. So, it seems like it would be a logical choice to build 45 Ruger-only loads off of, but the only loads listed are for the heavier bullets.

Now, I appreciate the heavy slugs as much as the next guy, especially for hunting, but the lighter bullets have their advantages too, and the 180 gr HP is one of my favorite loads in .44 mag.

The Ruger Bisley Blackhawk seems every bit the brute that my Super-Blackhawk .44 Mag is, and indeed some of the Hornady RO loads surpass their .44 data, so I find the vacuum of light, high-velocity .45 loads perplexing and frustrating.

2400 has always been a clean powder for me. It meters beautifully, and throws a big honkin' fireball out the muzzle when I drop the hammer. What's not to love?

I'd love to be able to generate reliable test pressure data, but that kind of equipment is way yonder out of reach of a poor hobbyist like myself.

KR

 

[Seedtick]

Now, I appreciate the heavy slugs as much as the next guy, especially for hunting, but the lighter bullets have their advantages too, and the 180 gr HP is one of my favorite loads in .44 mag.

I hear ya KR, and one advantage is cost. I'm just poking holes in paper and I'd rather do it with lighter (cheaper) bullets and 2400 but data is a little slim for those. I'm still looking though.

ST