Just Curious, I was considering loading up some 250gr LRNFP bullets with some CFE Pistol for the range for my 5.5" Ruger New Vaquero.
Has anyone tried that powder with 45 Colt? If so how did it go?
I see Hogdon has the load data for it on their website. So far I've loaded 40 S&W as well as 9mm with the CFE pistol powder & really like it.
I have become fond of both CFE Pistol and CFE223 as of the last 8-9 months because in my area it is readily available and cheaper than most others. As far as the pistol goes, I have had very good success with 9mm, .38 Special, .44 Special, and .45 ACP as far as medium velocity range fodder goes. Prior to this my go to economy powder for these calibers was HP38. CFE offers slightly higher velocities, a cleaner shoot, and just a tad more recoils with my chosen load than the old HP38. As for .45 Colt though, for me the accuracy just wasn't there with the CFE to warrant regular use of that powder. Blue Dot is hard to beat in the .45 Colt target loads; its pleasant to shoot, laser accurate, and stretches a good ways. That being said, CFE did produce acceptable loads for .45 Colt, and it shot very clean and low flash/smoke so it is also pleasant to shoot and I don't want to say it's bad because it's not. The main kicker for me was the accuracy. I don't use these loads for anything but silhouette and target shooting so for me accuracy is the main/only concern. Velocity or energy doesn't concern me for this type of duty.
With a lead 250 I would start around 8.3-8.5gr CFE and work up to around 9 and see where the sweet spot is for you. If using jacketed 250s start a little lower, maybe 8gr and cap off around 8.7-8.8. I typically run a 1.596" OAL for my 250gr target loads and use a standard LP primer.
For The most accurate load with this powder/caliber combo, I found it hard to beat a 200gr XTP behind 9.5gr of CFE seated to 1.6". Velocities are good, accuracy is good and it could even be used for some light hunting or defense work in a pinch, although for hunting I would prefer a 250gr or larger pill. My blue dot 250gr loads still group the best overall, but the above mentioned 200gr XTP load shoots as good or better than any factory 225 I've ever found with similar weight and feel.
If your interested in some very heavy loads, try the 300 grain Sierra flat point behind 7gr of the CFE seated long at 1.675". Recoil and pressure is still mild but penetration is more than enough to hunt small to medium game with at reasonable distance.
*For reference I use mostly Federal/American Eagle and Winchester commercial brass for my .45 Colt target loads, so all above loads were developed with one of those cases.