45 lc loads
- Thread starter gman82001
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nambu1
Member
My Smith likes 5.9gr of 700X with 250gr lead.
ljnowell
Member
New vaquero or old vaquero?
Arkansas Paul
Member
Yep, ljnowell is right. We need to know if it's an old or new Vaquero. You may not be able to shoot the really heavy stuff.
As far as plinking loads for a nine year old, I like 230 grain cast bullets with 5.5 grains of Trailboss. Great light load and accurate in my Blackhawk.
A 250-255 grain lead bullet with 8.5 grains of Unique pretty much mimics the original BP load they say. I like it too for all around shooting.
As far as plinking loads for a nine year old, I like 230 grain cast bullets with 5.5 grains of Trailboss. Great light load and accurate in my Blackhawk.
A 250-255 grain lead bullet with 8.5 grains of Unique pretty much mimics the original BP load they say. I like it too for all around shooting.
Seedtick
Member
Hey gman, I picked up a Blackhawk 45 Convertible back in October and I have just about forsaken the rest of my herd. What a cool gun and a mega-cool caliber.
I highly recommend
this bullet Missouri Bullet Cowboy #1
and this powder Alliant 2400
That combination is a hoot!
One word of warning though, make sure not to use Ruger Only load data unless your Vaquero meets the requirements. I don't remember which ones are ok but IIRC the newest ones are not.
Be careful and prepare to have fun!
Seedtick
Hondo 60
Member
My Blackhawk & Uberti like 10.5 gr of AA5 under a Missouri Bullet Co Cowboy # 4 (200 gr)
I think you're gonna like that Vaquero.
For the OMG load - look up Hodgdon Data - Lil Gun.
There's a recipe there that'll Kill that Rhino & the other three Rhinos behind him with one shot.
I think you're gonna like that Vaquero.
For the OMG load - look up Hodgdon Data - Lil Gun.
There's a recipe there that'll Kill that Rhino & the other three Rhinos behind him with one shot.
For the OMG load - look up Hodgdon Data - Lil Gun.
There's a recipe there that'll Kill that Rhino & the other three Rhinos behind him with one shot
Thats the one I want I almost got trampled by a herd just this elk season I vowed it would never happen again
There's a recipe there that'll Kill that Rhino & the other three Rhinos behind him with one shot
Thats the one I want I almost got trampled by a herd just this elk season I vowed it would never happen again
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I like a 250gr LRN or 255gr LSWC for loading the 45 Colt.
I use a few good powders which include W231, HS-6, AA#5 and Trail Boss. I bought some Universal to give a try but haven't loaded any ammo with it yet.
None of these loads are above standard SAAMI pressure for the 45 Colt
Using the above bullets I charge:
7.2gr W231
10.6gr HS-6 (for something a little on the hotter side charge 10.8gr HS-6)
For Trail Boss, Hodgdon lists a Max charge of 5.8gr but I use their method of finding the Max charge by filling the case to the bottom of the seated bullet.
When bullets were harder to find and the prices were at their peak I was loading a 230gr LRN bullet in the .45 Colt and was using only W231/HP-38 because you don't need much of that powder. At the time powder was hard to find too so that was important. The plinking load with a 230gr LRN bullet was 7.0gr W231. That's not near the top end but it's a nice accurate plinking load.
I use a few good powders which include W231, HS-6, AA#5 and Trail Boss. I bought some Universal to give a try but haven't loaded any ammo with it yet.
None of these loads are above standard SAAMI pressure for the 45 Colt
Using the above bullets I charge:
7.2gr W231
10.6gr HS-6 (for something a little on the hotter side charge 10.8gr HS-6)
For Trail Boss, Hodgdon lists a Max charge of 5.8gr but I use their method of finding the Max charge by filling the case to the bottom of the seated bullet.
When bullets were harder to find and the prices were at their peak I was loading a 230gr LRN bullet in the .45 Colt and was using only W231/HP-38 because you don't need much of that powder. At the time powder was hard to find too so that was important. The plinking load with a 230gr LRN bullet was 7.0gr W231. That's not near the top end but it's a nice accurate plinking load.
I use cast bullets for the 45 long Colt cartridge (actually all cartridges). For the 45, I like the 255 grain SWC (Lyman 454424), the 255 grain RNFP (454190) and the 270 SWC (RCBS 45-270). I load them over Two very different powders. Unique is a great choice but I favor black powder for most of my hunting loads. When I use Unique, I keep the loads down to where the bullets are about 950 fps. For what I shoot and how I hunt, I do not need more than that.
Another good bullet to try would be one of the Lee SWC bullets. The molds are inexpensive and the designs are decent.
For starting loads, try to duplicate the ballistics of the 45 S&W or the 45 ACP.
You can also buy casings for the 45 Cowboy Special and easily seperate your light loads from your hunting loads.
http://www.cowboy45special.com/cowboy45brass.html
Another good bullet to try would be one of the Lee SWC bullets. The molds are inexpensive and the designs are decent.
For starting loads, try to duplicate the ballistics of the 45 S&W or the 45 ACP.
You can also buy casings for the 45 Cowboy Special and easily seperate your light loads from your hunting loads.
http://www.cowboy45special.com/cowboy45brass.html
If you want to try something non-traditional (and inexpensive), use a hard-cast 200gr SWC typically loaded for .45 acp and put them in the 45 colt cases on top of 6.0 gr Bullseye or AA#2, 7.0 gr of 231 or hp38 or 8.0-8.5 gr Unique. Any standard pressure primer will do. Roll crimp just at the full-diameter bullet shoulder. The loaded round will look a little weird with just the bullet cone sticking out of the case, but you will not be disappointed in the accuracy. One drawback is that it will shoot lower than the 250-255 gr bullets and with fixed sights, this may not work, depending on usage.
squarles67
Member
Some of my loads using Missouri Bullet 250 RNFP and 255 SWC. These were tested in a Ruger Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" bbl.
Red Dot and Bullseye have been the most consistent for me and meter well in my Lee auto disk. I tried Trail Boss and although it has very light recoil for whatever reason it wasn't all that accurate for me. My go to load for general shooting is 6.8g of Bullseye, go to load for hunting is 25.2g 296.
Code:
CHG FPS ES SD
Missouri 250 LRNFP Alliant Bullseye 6.5 831.1 22.2 9.38
Missouri 250 LRNFP Alliant Bullseye 6.8 871.2 15.14 6.00
Missouri 250 LRNFP Alliant Red Dot 6 781.1 28.07 11
Missouri 250 LRNFP Alliant Red Dot 6.3 833.9 47.87 18.73
CHG FPS ES SD
Missouri 255 LSWC Win 296 25.2 1192 15.78 5.38
Missouri 255 LSWC Win 296 26.3 1260 72.78 26.15
Missouri 255 LSWC Alliant 2400 16.1 862.4 81.2 32.1
Missouri 255 LSWC Alliant Bullseye 7.2 911.8 30.78 11.4
Missouri 255 LSWC Hogdgon Lil Gun 19.7 1113 61.58 23.45
Missouri 255 LSWC Alliant Red Dot 6.8 853.9 51.08 20.17
Missouri 255 LSWC Alliant Red Dot 7.3 878 85.75 27.4
Missouri 255 LSWC Alliant Red Dot 8 946.4 69.36 25.13
Missouri 255 LSWC Hogdgon Titegroup 7.5 933.8 7.4 3.13
Missouri 255 LSWC Hogdgon Titegroup 8.3 989.6 22.45 7.93
Missouri 255 LSWC Hogdgon Titegroup 8.3 997 8.17 3.16
Missouri 255 LSWC Hogdgon Titegroup 8.7 1007 59.92 21.58
Missouri 255 LSWC Alliant Unique 10 1040 67.43 25.56Red Dot and Bullseye have been the most consistent for me and meter well in my Lee auto disk. I tried Trail Boss and although it has very light recoil for whatever reason it wasn't all that accurate for me. My go to load for general shooting is 6.8g of Bullseye, go to load for hunting is 25.2g 296.
ljnowell
Member
OK, since we have established which gun you have, lets talk loads.
For a soft target load that my wife and son like I use a 230gr Missouri Bullet softball loaded with 6.8gr of AA#2, roll crimped into the bullet. I also load a 255gr Missouri Bullet SWC over 6.5gr of AA#2.
All of the following loads are over SAAMI spec, only safe in certain pistols:
For stout loads I have a couple. I load the Missouri Bullet 300gr LTC seated long to the second crimp groove over 18.5gr of Alliant 2400. This is a pretty stout load. I also load the same bullet loaded short to the first crimp groove with 15gr of 2400. Similar feel, less powder. I load the Missouri bullet255gr SWC over 21.5gr of 2400 for a very accurate and powerful Ruger only load.
For a soft target load that my wife and son like I use a 230gr Missouri Bullet softball loaded with 6.8gr of AA#2, roll crimped into the bullet. I also load a 255gr Missouri Bullet SWC over 6.5gr of AA#2.
All of the following loads are over SAAMI spec, only safe in certain pistols:
For stout loads I have a couple. I load the Missouri Bullet 300gr LTC seated long to the second crimp groove over 18.5gr of Alliant 2400. This is a pretty stout load. I also load the same bullet loaded short to the first crimp groove with 15gr of 2400. Similar feel, less powder. I load the Missouri bullet255gr SWC over 21.5gr of 2400 for a very accurate and powerful Ruger only load.
Best bullets for virtually anything from tin cans to big game are the RCBS 45-255KT and 45-270KT. With lighter charges of Unique or the heavier recommended loads of 2400 you can go from bunnies to bambis or bigger and if you stay with one or the other, not have to do too much messing around with the sights.
Ruger recommended loads, of course.
Ruger recommended loads, of course.
Bula
Member
If your casting your own, the lee 200g rnfp and the 200g swc (HG 68'ish clone) are great for the low end stuff-w231 an unique should do it. For standard loads, the lee 255 rnfp and 8.5g Unique. As for the Rhino loads, I like 2400 and the RCBS 45-270-SAA with Alliant spec. loads.
I have shot thousands , if not tens of thousands of 250 LRN/LSWC with 8.5 grains Unique. This load gives me about 850 to 900 fps depending on the conditions.
Now I have turned into an old futz and am shooting 8.0 grains Unique and that chronographs exactly at 800 fps. Back in 1993 I purchased a lot of Unique powder, and most of my data reflects that older version. I did go out and shoot the new stuff and it appears to be faster. I would start with 7.5 grains and work my way up with that stuff.
I am frustrated with Accurate Arms powders. I developed a load in a SAA with 10.5. grs AA#5 and it shot great and was about 825-850 fps. Well, with this different lot of AA#5, 10.5 grs is faster than I want. I don’t want 875 fps, so I am going to retest, and I expect 9.5 grs will give me what I want.
AA#5 is a ball powder, shoots “cleaner” than Unique, though that does not make the slightest difference on paper or in clean up time.
I thought might be of interest is the Wolf primer data. Looks to be a mild primer.
My loads are accurate enough to hit my 12 gong target each shot, standing, shooting one handed, at 50 yards. I don’t always hit each shot. I am very happy if I hit 5/6. The distance is within the range limitations of where I shoot.
The 2400 load is the most powerful I have shot in my 45LC, accurate, powerful, uncomfortable. I don't recommend high doses of it, and I guess this would be the most powerful load you could shoot in the N frame.
I had an old model Vaquero in 45 LC, the velocities were not different and I also believe it could heavier loads than this N frame.
Now I have turned into an old futz and am shooting 8.0 grains Unique and that chronographs exactly at 800 fps. Back in 1993 I purchased a lot of Unique powder, and most of my data reflects that older version. I did go out and shoot the new stuff and it appears to be faster. I would start with 7.5 grains and work my way up with that stuff.
I am frustrated with Accurate Arms powders. I developed a load in a SAA with 10.5. grs AA#5 and it shot great and was about 825-850 fps. Well, with this different lot of AA#5, 10.5 grs is faster than I want. I don’t want 875 fps, so I am going to retest, and I expect 9.5 grs will give me what I want.
AA#5 is a ball powder, shoots “cleaner” than Unique, though that does not make the slightest difference on paper or in clean up time.
I thought might be of interest is the Wolf primer data. Looks to be a mild primer.
My loads are accurate enough to hit my 12 gong target each shot, standing, shooting one handed, at 50 yards. I don’t always hit each shot. I am very happy if I hit 5/6. The distance is within the range limitations of where I shoot.
The 2400 load is the most powerful I have shot in my 45LC, accurate, powerful, uncomfortable. I don't recommend high doses of it, and I guess this would be the most powerful load you could shoot in the N frame.
I had an old model Vaquero in 45 LC, the velocities were not different and I also believe it could heavier loads than this N frame.
Code:
[SIZE="3"]M625-9 Mountain Gun 4" Barrel
250 JHP 8.5 grs Unique thrown, W-W cases, WLP primers
18-Mar-07 T = 55 °F V, accurate
Ave Vel = 830
Std Dev = 30
ES= 103.5
High= 893.4
Low= 789.8
Number Shots= 12
250 Nosler JHP 17.5 grs 2400 thrown, Master cases, Fed150 primers
18-Mar-07 T = 55 °F V, accurate uncomfortable recoil
Ave Vel = 971
Std Dev = 25
ES= 69.47
High= 1003
Low= 933.5
Number Shots= 11
255 LSWC (.452") 8.0 grs Unique thrown, lot 6/21/1993Starline cases, WLP primers
25-Mar-07 T = 80 °F accurate
Ave Vel = 800
Std Dev = 30
ES 99.02
High 847.2
Low 748.1
Number Shots 11
250 LRN (.452") Valiant 8.0 grs Unique lot 6/21/1993 thrown, R-P cases, WLP primers
25-Mar 07 T = 80°F accurate
Ave Vel = 814
Std Dev = 24
ES 72.81
High 847
Low 774.2
Number Shots 11
250 LRN (.454") Valiant 8.5 grs Unique thrown lot 5471, 4/3/06, R-P cases, WLP primers
25-Mar-07 T = 80 °F accurate
Ave Vel = 891
Std Dev = 17
ES 61.31
High 921.1
Low 859.8
Number Shots 27
255 LSWC (.452") 8.0 grs Unique lot 6/21/1993 mixed cases WLP (nickel)
23-Sep-07 T = 82 °F
Ave Vel = 802.5
Std Dev = 31.03
ES = 123.5
High = 867.2
Low = 743.6
N = 12
250 LSWC (.452") 10.5 grs AA#5 lot 12599 mixed cases WLP (nickel)
23-Sep-07 T = 82 °F
Ave Vel = 875.1
Std Dev = 19.36
ES = 62.64
High = 905.7
Low = 843
N = 12
250 LSWC (.452") 10.5 grs AA#5 lot 12599 mixed cases Wolf NCLP
23-Sep-07 T = 82 °F
Ave Vel = 826.2
Std Dev = 20.14
ES = 63.38
High = 862.1
Low = 798.7
N = 12[/SIZE]
Last edited:
Arkansas Paul
Member
Your Wal Mart sells smokeless powder? WOW! I wish they did here. That would make the local stores price competitively then. What do they get for a pound?
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Where is that Walmart that sells smokeless powder?
Flatbush Harry
Member
I mostly shoot Uberti replicas so I tend to load light. Per the Hornady manual, when using their 255gr. FP Cowboy bullet, 6.3 gr of Unique should give 800 fps. I've found it accurate and comfortable in my four Ubertis. The Hornady manual also has a section for Ruger and T/C .45 Colt loads and I will develop some heavier loads for my old style Vaqueros.
FH
FH
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