Need help with 45 Colt load

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SSGCharlie

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Using the following, Starline brass, Winchester LP primers, W231 powder, Berry's FP LC Plated bullets seated to 1.600.

Can't find much reloading data for this combo. I have been working up and now I want to try 6.8gr & 7.0gr.

I think this is a safe load but I am not sure.

I know that with plated bullets to use lead bullet data but can't find same style bullets.

Using in my New Vaquero.

Thank You for any help.


SSGCharlie
 
SSGCharlie,

You don't say what weight those bullets are, but assuming 255gr or thereabouts, 8.0gr of W231 will net you about 900fps. So, 7.0gr will be a quite mild load for your New Vaquero.

Don
 
From Berrys website
We do not research or publish the load data, but you can use any published load data for a jacketed or lead bullet as long as it is the same weight bullet. Any of the load data books or the powder manufacturers’ website should have that information for you, as long as you keep them under 1250 fps for our standard bullet or 1500fps for the bullets designated as TP (thick plate).
Click to expand...
 
I have been dealing with gas blow-back down the sides of my Star-Line Brass in the 45 Colt. It is pretty hard brass and does not expand and seal the chamber unless you push the load.

As you know, HP-38 and WW-231 are the same powder so look for info on either one.

STANDARD PRESSURE LOADS:
Case: Winchester
Twist: 1:16"
Primer: Winchester LP, Large Pistol
Barrel Length: 7.25"
Trim Length: 1.280"

250 grain cast lead sized to .452

5.8 grains HP-38 = 785 fps and 9,100 cup pressure

7.1 grains HP-38 = 916 fps and 13,900 cup pressure
 
I know that with plated bullets to use lead bullet data but can't find same style bullets.
Click to expand...

Looking through my manuals, the variance in load data from one bullet profile to another is pretty small in the 45's. I was seeing examples where there was no difference and some where it was .1 gn difference.

In fact, my 2nd edition of Lee's Modern Reloading doesn't even list profiles. It just calls out "250 Grain Lead Bullet". That would be the data that I would use.

My manuals (and Hodgdon's website) indicate that 8.0 grains of 231 would be over max for 45 Colt. And for 45 Colt Ruger Only, I don't see 231 listed as a suitable powder.

Wishing you only success with your choices. ;)
 
I shoot and re-load a lot of .45 Colt Ammo. 8.0gn of W231 should be a bit on the hot side, certainly not for replica model SAA guns. In you Ruger it is probably okay, but I'd be careful.

What are you looking to achieve? If you have it, there is no better powder for .45 Colt than Unique. If your only able to use W231, I would stay at 6.5gn / 7.0gn max. With Unique and a 250/255gn bullet, 9.0gns will give about 900 fps.
 
I like Traill Boss for the .45LC, non hot rod loads. It's very accurate, burns clean and wont get you in the trouble that a lot of smokeless pistol power, with a very small volume of power in a cavernous (originally black powder) case can.
IMO, one shouldn't gas up stuff for a Vaquero to Blackhawk specified levels.
 
The OP never mentioned 8.0gr of W231, where did that come from.

When I was using W231 for the 45 Colt, wuth most 250/255gr loads I charged 7.0 to 7.1gr W231. I have now changed over to HS-6 but would not hesitate to use W231 again. It is a very suitable powder for all types of bullets in the 45 Colt.

I have used Unique, Universal, AA#5, W231/HP-38, Red Dot, Trail Boss and probably a bunch more I can't remember right now. All worked well so use the powder you have and it will work, especially W231/HP-38.
 
No, the OP didn't. But it was recommended/suggested/mentioned to him as a potential load in post #2.

Given that the OP was concerned about his loads being safe, I felt it worth point out that the recommendation/casual suggestion/off-hand mention was over max.

That's where that came from... ;)
 
ArchAngelCD said:
The OP never mentioned 8.0gr of W231, where did that come from.

When I was using W231 for the 45 Colt, wuth most 250/255gr loads I charged 7.0 to 7.1gr W231. I have now changed over to HS-6 but would not hesitate to use W231 again. It is a very suitable powder for all types of bullets in the 45 Colt.

I have used Unique, Universal, AA#5, W231/HP-38, Red Dot, Trail Boss and probably a bunch more I can't remember right now. All worked well so use the powder you have and it will work, especially W231/HP-38.
Click to expand...
You are correct. I read a recommendation of 8.0gn in one of the threads and jumped on that. My Bad!
 
I have the link USSR posted saved under ".45 Colt Info" in my browser. Great stuff.
 

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SSGCharlie: My Son & I shoot 45LC`s in Ruger Blackhawks, Vaqueros, and several Lever Action Rifles. And the load we use 98% of the time is. 7.0grs of Win 231 with Hard Cast LRNFP bullets. At about 860fps but We do not have a coronagraph and have not ever checked it. We have used this load for at least the last 15 to 20 years. For just about everything we use a 45LC for Cowboy Shooting, Targets, Plinking, and even to Hunt Deer & Pigs with. This load for my Son and I is the best we have ever found for us. We do not have any New Model Blackhawks or Vaqueros all of our`s are Old Models that will take Ruger Only loads. Which we don`t reload for, or shoot in our 45LC pistol`s or rifles.
ken
 
I would follow the leads provided above for your loads. I would also suggest that you play with your crimp some after finding something that shoots fairly well. I never go overly tight with mine, just enough roll to secure the bullet is all that is needed. The case tension should be plenty, especially in this caliber.

That said though a small amount of crimp one way or the other can change up a load quite a bit more than what you might realize, until you actually play with it. But again it's better to be on the lighter side than on the heavier side in most cases. Even with my 454 loads I am not using a huge amount of crimp, just enough to hold the bullets still.
 
Thanks for all the reply's!!! I think that I am just over thinking pistol reloading since all I have done for years is rifle loads.

With rifle loads you fill the case better than half full at least the ones I do and you can't double charge with out it spilling over. With the pistol loads you put so little power in the case and a little makes a big difference that it just doesn't seem right. Maybe I am just over thinking this and pistol loading is just easier than I am making It.

Just trying to be careful.


SSGCharlie
 
SSGCharlie,
It is easier than you are making it. In reality handgun ammo is less finicky than rifle ammo when it comes to components and brass processing. Rarely do you need to trim handgun brass or clean the primer pockets. Primer brands show very little if any difference in the ammo too. It's very difficult to double charge a case if you are paying attention. Relax, load up some .45 Colts and have fun at the range. That load you mentioned in Post #1 of 6.8gr to 7.0gr W231 under a 250gr Berry's bullet will work well...
 
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