haybaler
Member
I would like to load 255gr hardcast bullets in .45acp for my Blackhawk convertible. I can't find any load data in any of my manuals. Where can I find the load data?
.45acp/255gr Hardcast
- Thread starter haybaler
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forty_caliber
Member
This sounds like a bad idea. Pressure would be way too high for the case and likely the revolver if you load to get decent muzzle velocity. There is a reason why data like this isn't published.
.40
.40
They will be SLOW moving. Anyway, I had this bookmarked. https://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/WP_LoadSpec_7-2-13.pdf
They list loads for up to 250gr bullets in .45 ACP. It's pretty old data. Just note, that you should be careful with different bullet shape and seating depth. The .45acp is a very low pressure round and cases aren't built for high pressure.
They list loads for up to 250gr bullets in .45 ACP. It's pretty old data. Just note, that you should be careful with different bullet shape and seating depth. The .45acp is a very low pressure round and cases aren't built for high pressure.
DocRock
member
That's what the Long Colt cylinder is for...
243winxb
Member
CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.
Speer #8 manual/data is known to be over pressure using many of there maximum loads.
45 Auto Rim is shot in revolvers. Rimmed & ACP same, except for the rim.
Speer data is "HOT" & for Auto Rim.
The Alliant data is 45acp.
http://stevespages.com/page8a.htm
The Ruger convertable only shoot acp brass. Starline makes a heavier acp +P
The old S & W revolver shoots both rimmed & acp.
I have owned both many years ago.
Speer #8 manual/data is known to be over pressure using many of there maximum loads.
45 Auto Rim is shot in revolvers. Rimmed & ACP same, except for the rim.
Speer data is "HOT" & for Auto Rim.
The Alliant data is 45acp.
http://stevespages.com/page8a.htm
The Ruger convertable only shoot acp brass. Starline makes a heavier acp +P
The old S & W revolver shoots both rimmed & acp.
I have owned both many years ago.
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haybaler
Member
DoubleTap and BuffaloBore make 255gr 45acp +p loads I would like to try making my own but not as hot. I can find plenty of data for 200gr bullets but just wanted to try some heavier bullets.
AJC1
Member
AJC1
Member
230 is the highest I see for lead in the Lyman cast handbook. My concern is that 45 brass does not show pressure signs well and you may be way over and not even know it
243winxb
Member
I have only tested loads in my M1917. Because it is a pre WW2 pistol, it needs large diameter bullets to avoid leading. I tried 6.0 grs Unique, and 6.5 grains Unique. In this lightweight pistol I found the recoil excessive, especially with the 6.5 grain load. If I continued tested, I would try 5.5 grains in an attempt to create velocities around 750 fps.
The load I would recommend is 4.5 grains Bullseye with a 255 LSWC. It goes 750 fps and it shot well. I do not recommend trying to push a 255 faster in the 45 ACP case. This is because I really don't know the pressures in the case and I am afraid things can get out of control. The 45 ACP is a short stubby round not designed for 250 grain bullets. In fact, the period short stubby cartridges that did fire 265 gr bullets, the 455 Webley, pushed them below 600 fps. If you want more velocity out of the 255, change cylinders and use the 45 LC cylinder.
M1917 S&W Brazilian Export 5" Barrel
250 LRN (.454) 6.0 grs Unique thrown, R-P AR cases, CCI300 primers
20-Jan-02 T = 44°F
Ave Vel = 833
Std Dev = 25
ES 79.6
Low 789
High 869
Number rounds = 12
Heavy recoil, aimpt about 6" low at 25 yard. But very accurate
250 LRN (.454) 6.5 grs Unique thrown, R-P AR cases, CCI300 primers
20-Jan-02 T = 44°F
Ave Vel = 888
Std Dev = 31
ES= 103.3
Low= 844
High= 947
N=12
heavy recoil, aimpt 5 OC below target, too heavy a load
250 LRN (.454) 4.5 grs Bullseye thrown, R-P AR cases, CCI300 primers
20-Jan-02 T = 44°F
Ave Vel = 754
Std Dev = 10
ES = 39.5
Low= 744
High= 783
N=14
Mild recoil, aimpt 5 OC, accurate
250 Nosler JHP (.4515) 8.0 grs Blue Dot thrown, mixed cases, FED150 primers
20-Jan-02 T = 44°F
Ave Vel = 749
Std Dev = 24
ES =87.8
Low= 709
High= 797
N =12
Mild recoil aimpoint 5 O’Clock
Yep, it can be done, but stick with leisurely velocities, don't try to make a barn burner out of it. I used to do it with W-231. I used my "Plinker Load" charge weight of W-231. Shot most anything with it. I did not have a chrono back then. No $100 ones back then.
Charlie98
Member
I never thought I would see 2400 data for .45ACP!!! Holy toledo!
All I used to shoot in my acp for bowling pin matches was the RCBS 45-255 KT over a load of Unique I found in "The Book of the !911" edited by Mr. Ayoob quite a few years ago. Called buffalo stomper loads. My load was anything but fast but took pins off the table like they were hit by a wrecking ball. It was under 5.5 grains and functioned perfectly in my Norinco, Rock Island, and Kimber autos. Tried out for penetration on a "found" doe, about 125#, after deer season (we always find one or two that some neighbor shot and didn't follow up) and it went through and through both behind the front shoulder and through the meat of the hind legs. I still keep a box or two loaded up for grins.
haybaler
Member
I like shooting 45acp with my Blackhawk because it's much quicker to eject the empties. I've watched YouTube videos of people shooting .45 Cowboy Special loaded with 255gr bullets. I guess what I really want is to replicate .45 Cowboy Special loads without buying .45 Special Cowboy brass. I've got hundreds of acp cases.
Charlie98
Member
Just so you are aware, a properly functioning 1911 will eject those empties faster than a knockout rod on a Blackhawk. Just saying...
haybaler
Member
1. None of my .45 autos function very well with hardcast lead swc.
2. My arthritic knees make it hard for me to crawl around in the dirt picking up brass. With a revolver I can dump the brass right at my feet or in a bucket.
3.My arthritic hands have a hard time working most semi auto slides.
4. I enjoy shooting revolvers.
2. My arthritic knees make it hard for me to crawl around in the dirt picking up brass. With a revolver I can dump the brass right at my feet or in a bucket.
3.My arthritic hands have a hard time working most semi auto slides.
4. I enjoy shooting revolvers.
Charlie98
Member
I'm just funnin' with you... I don't question anyone's reasoning to shoot whatever they want in whatever they have. As far as 1) 255grn in the .45ACP, and 2) 2400 in the .45ACP (as noted in 243's posted data) it just goes to show you can learn something new every day!
haybaler
Member
At 67 years of age I'm learning stuff all the time thanks to forums like this. I never would have thought about shooting 255gr hardcast bullets in .45acp until I heard about the .45 Cowboy Special rounds.
Swampman
Old Fart
I've loaded the Lyman 452424 cast fairly soft in my .45 ACP SIG P-220. I can't recall the exact load or where I got the data, but it used Power Pistol and clocked about 930 fps through the 4.5 inch barrel.
You'll have to be careful about what cases you use. If the case wall is too thick the base of the bullet can bulge it and make chambering difficult.
Is there any particular reason you decided on "hardcast" bullets? Even with heavy bullets loaded hot .45 ACP is pretty low pressure. You may have better luck with a softer bullet, particularly out of a revolver.
You'll have to be careful about what cases you use. If the case wall is too thick the base of the bullet can bulge it and make chambering difficult.
Is there any particular reason you decided on "hardcast" bullets? Even with heavy bullets loaded hot .45 ACP is pretty low pressure. You may have better luck with a softer bullet, particularly out of a revolver.
Archie
Member
I load the 255 grain lead bullet in 45 Auto Rim; using Power Pistol, 6.0 starting loads. I would think not more than 6.8 to 7.0 for a 'do not exceed'. I stopped when I thought recoil was manageable and efficiency for a defense load was suitable.
I reckon a Blackhawk is sturdier than a S&W double action revolver.
I reckon a Blackhawk is sturdier than a S&W double action revolver.
I was using 4.9 Grs W-231 and a 255 cast as well as the Ranier 255 ".45 Colt" plated.
ddixie884
Member
6gr PP and a machine cast swcbb makes a good all around load. Back in the day I used the Keith load with the 454424 cast at 263gr from WWs in all kings of WWI revolvers in cluding a .455 MKII with a shaved cylinder. Not a good idea as those didn't have heat treated cylinders..........
GeoDudeFlorida
Member
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The Sierra manual includes data for their heavier jacketed bullets. A call to the bullet maker or a powder maker will be well worth your time.
I have developed loads for heavier lead bullets for a black powder Webley Mk.1 .455 cut to .45ACP/AR but, that's black powder. I have also used the Sierra data as a starting point for loading their heavier 240gr. JHC "SportsMaster" bullets in .45AR for my 1917 S&W. But I stayed inside the margins of Sierra's published data. I highly recommend doing the same.
ddixie884
Member
I loaded 6 with 7gr Herco to try in my chopped 5" 1950 S&W 255gr .452 SWCBB seated to the crimp groove but not crimped. I tried them in the old wheelie without clips. The recoil was strong but not brutal and the cases came out easily with a finger nail. These were a little more robust than I was looking for so I loaded a few in the same manner on 6gr of Herco and will try them later....
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