Powder for .45 colt in Rifle

GeoDudeFlorida said:
Hornady recommends a muzzle velocity range of 850-1,550 fps for the 250gr XTP/HP.
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That's kind of why I recommended IMR4227 or 2400, as opposed to W296/H110, to keep the speeds under control. OPs' rifle appears to be a 20" barrel, not the 16" of my brother's Trapper... but my H&R has a 20". Based on the results I get out of my 20" Marlin in .41MAG, a mid-range charge of W296 would put him over 1600fps... I get 1750fps with 21grn W296 and the 210grn XTP in the Marlin. Using the slightly faster IMR4227 or 2400 helps me to keep the speeds under control while still getting a good case fill and good burn.

6.5grn TiteGroup and a 250grn cast SWC gave me a mere 1050fps from the H&R...
9.0grn Unique gave me 1100fps...
20grn IMR4227, 1175fps.

Moving to heavy bullets...

9.5grn Unique and a Montana Bullet's 270grn cast gave me the same target velocity of 1100fps in the H&R,
15grn 2400 1125fps, 20grn IMR4227 a little more at 1150fps.

Looking at the data for jacketed bullets (Nosler, etc...) they use a pile of different powders that would work... discounting the fast burners (that is, anything faster than Unique...) you have suggestions of AA's #5, #7, and #9, LIl'gun, BlueDot, Enforcer, AA5744 (which some use in pistol cartridges with success...) HS6. That data is for pistols, of course, but starting at Unique and going slower... for the longer rifle barrel... you can maximize the load. If you were just poking holes in paper, anything in the Unique range would work well, to include some faster powders like W231 and TiteGroup, but once you start going heavy, or need something for hunting or longer ranges, the better choice is something in the IMR4227 range. Just MHO.
 
bsparker said:
I've search this forum and too many other places. I now feel stuck in indecision. Most references to .45 colt loads give data for pistol, with people sharing their experience mainly with a pistol. I'm looking to use a rifle, a Winchester 94ae in .45 colt to be specific.
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That is the same gun my boy used as his first hunting rifle, and that gun put down a couple of elk over the years. I loaded up to Tier 3 for that rifle and it handled it fine (YMMV, but it is an identical gun to their 44 Magnum AE and years ago the "old" Winchester support would tell you it was good up to 44 Mag pressures), and Tier 2 are very doable. I got my best performance out of that rifle with the slower side of pistol powder, things like H110, AA9. Even had very excellent results with AA5744. Those powders will make good use of the extra barrel. Lyman and Accurate Arms load data has high pressure 45 colt loads (30K PSI). The only thing I'd caution you on is that IMHO, make sure you're using the "right" Hornady XTPs...because in 45 caliber, they are not all equal, and if you aren't using an XTP that is designed for the higher velocities, they have a habit of coming apart on thick skinned game. Deer will probably be OK, but my preference for hunting with 45 Colt being pushed hard are the Barne's Busters.

I will also throw in here, me personally...I shy away from HP bullets of any type for hunting, just me. That big ol' .45 bore gun of yours will throw a lethal hunk of lead, and it does NOT need to expand, lol. Never forget, lead cast bullets dang near made elk and buffalo extinct in this country. Plus, on deer, HP's are freakin' messy if you hit bone...if you've ever seen game xrayed, you'd puke if you saw how much lead is spread in a game animal like a deer by a bullet that comes apart. A nice big ol' 255 SWC from Missouri Bullet Company will take anything in North America at 100 yards at Tier 2 velocities...long as you do your part.
 
Last edited:
Don't you just love these threads?:)
To summarize: (in no particular order)

Unique
#5
2400
IMR 4227
H110
TG
BE
CFE pistol
Longshot
AA#9
Power Pistol
Herco
HS 6

Only one I see missing is HP38/W231
So pretty much any powder across the burn rate spectrum!

:uhoh::oops::what:
 
Thanks for the input so far! I'd love to use a powder I have on hand, but I'm fairly new to reloading and only have a couple in the cabinet right now. I have 2400 but plan to keep that reserved for the .357 hunting loads, since I can't find it for sale locally right now (I hate paying the extra hazard fees). This is probably the one powder I have on hand right now that would do the job I'm looking for.

I had been torn between IMR4227, HS6, Unique (which I haven't been able to find). I had not thought about AA#5.

I hadn't thought much about lead, but I did take a doe two years ago with a SAA clone 5.5' bbl loaded with 255gr SWC no problems. It pokes a big hole as @EricBu stated. I may not limit myself to Hornady after all.
 
Rule3 said:
Don't you just love these threads?:)
To summarize: (in no particular order)

Unique
#5
2400
IMR 4227
H110
TG
BE
CFE pistol
Longshot
AA#9
Power Pistol
Herco
HS 6

Only one I see missing is HP38/W231
So pretty much any powder across the burn rate spectrum!

:uhoh::oops::what:
Click to expand...
I would be suspicious of H110, 2400, AA9, 45acp loads as those might be "super redhawk and TC only loads" running to the tune of 35,000psi.
 
Charlie98 said:
I mentioned W231/HP38... so you can add that to your list.

OP wants a powder to load hunting cartridges... which is fine... but my thought is why stop there? .45 Colt levers are FUN to shoot. :)
Click to expand...

Oh yes, I've loaded a good number for fun. Reloading made that possible. It pairs well with the SAA clone. I've always been surprised how well and easy this lever shoots.
 
bsparker said:
Thanks for the input so far! I'd love to use a powder I have on hand, but I'm fairly new to reloading and only have a couple in the cabinet right now. I have 2400 but plan to keep that reserved for the .357 hunting loads, since I can't find it for sale locally right now (I hate paying the extra hazard fees). This is probably the one powder I have on hand right now that would do the job I'm looking for.

I had been torn between IMR4227, HS6, Unique (which I haven't been able to find). I had not thought about AA#5.

I hadn't thought much about lead, but I did take a doe two years ago with a SAA clone 5.5' bbl loaded with 255gr SWC no problems. It pokes a big hole as @EricBu stated. I may not limit myself to Hornady after all.
Click to expand...
HIGHLY recommend switching to either the XTP/FP or plain cast lead in the 10-12BHN hardness range and a FLAT base. Coated, waxed, lubed, whatever. FIT is King when it comes to lead at rifle speeds. Go 2-thousandths over groove and light them off with a fast rifle powder/slow pistol powder and you won’t have to worry the bullet going too fast or coming apart on impact. You “might” have to worry about an out-of-round or poorly poured/alloyed bullet spinning itself to pieces at 1600+FPS but, I think you’d see key-holing first. I think you’re looking at the right powders: IMR 4227, Unique, 2400, H110/W296, Accurate No.9 (No.5 is too fast, No.7 is okay but runs poorly at low pressure), and I will throw one more at you: Accurate 4100/Ramshot Enforcer. Much more forgiving than H110/W296 and right up there for velocity. Also tends to be more nearly available and cheaper than IMR or Alliant powders. Loading data is available in print and online.
 
N555 said:
I have a reloading manual that has "45colt rifle" loads.
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I've seen 'handgun cartridge rifle data' in loading books before... all it really is are velocity numbers adjusted for the longer barrel, the load data is the same. SAAMI pressures are SAAMI pressures, rifle or pistol. The .45 Colt is one of those nebulous cartridges, however, with tiered data... so it might be worth a look.

bsparker said:
Oh yes, I've loaded a good number for fun. Reloading made that possible. It pairs well with the SAA clone. I've always been surprised how well and easy this lever shoots.
Click to expand...

I have 2 levels for most of my revolver cartridges, those being .41MAG and .45 Colt (although I don't have a .45 revolver any longer.) Those are my 'recreational' loads... invariably Unique under a cast or jacketed bullet... and my 'vocational' loads, which are the slower powders under a specific bullet. That's where IMR4227 (or 2400, although I don't have any of that now... I traded it for some .45 Colt bullets...) comes in at, because it works well enough in both pistols and rifles, and does not require a Magnum primer. Yes, W296/H110 are the Ultimate Answer for velocity... but, again, at a cost, and if you don't need all that, why bother. That is not to say Unique or another midrange powder won't work for hunting... it most certainly will. It would be hard to deny 250'ish grains of bullet at 1100fps couldn't get the job done if the shooter does his part. :)
 
I use Power Pistol for jacketed bullets and 231 for lead RNFP bullets, both 250 grain. Both provide excellent results. 1200 fps out of 24” rifle, 1050 fps out of 20” carbine, and 900 fps out of a revolver. Nice powerful load within SAAMI specs and no leading. Use a nice roll crimp.

Used in Ruger New Vaqueros and Winchester 1892’s.
 
Charlie98 said:
That is not to say Unique or another midrange powder won't work for hunting... it most certainly will. It would be hard to deny 250'ish grains of bullet at 1100fps couldn't get the job done if the shooter does his part. :)
Click to expand...
Makes me wonder how many of the diehard 45acp is the only answer, are not on board with a heavier bullet going faster isn't good enough. Bullet trajectory will limit hunting range to reasonable limits. Maximum point blank range setting realistic expectations.
 
bsparker said:
Thanks for the input so far! I'd love to use a powder I have on hand, but I'm fairly new to reloading and only have a couple in the cabinet right now. I have 2400 but plan to keep that reserved for the .357 hunting loads, since I can't find it for sale locally right now (I hate paying the extra hazard fees). This is probably the one powder I have on hand right now that would do the job I'm looking for.

I had been torn between IMR4227, HS6, Unique (which I haven't been able to find). I had not thought about AA#5.

I hadn't thought much about lead, but I did take a doe two years ago with a SAA clone 5.5' bbl loaded with 255gr SWC no problems. It pokes a big hole as @EricBu stated. I may not limit myself to Hornady after all.
Click to expand...


Well what powders do you actually have if you don't want to use 2400 or buy something?????????
 
Charlie98 said:
I've seen 'handgun cartridge rifle data' in loading books before... all it really is are velocity numbers adjusted for the longer barrel, the load data is the same. SAAMI pressures are SAAMI pressures, rifle or pistol. The .45 Colt is one of those nebulous cartridges, however, with tiered data... so it might be worth a look.



I have 2 levels for most of my revolver cartridges, those being .41MAG and .45 Colt (although I don't have a .45 revolver any longer.) Those are my 'recreational' loads... invariably Unique under a cast or jacketed bullet... and my 'vocational' loads, which are the slower powders under a specific bullet. That's where IMR4227 (or 2400, although I don't have any of that now... I traded it for some .45 Colt bullets...) comes in at, because it works well enough in both pistols and rifles, and does not require a Magnum primer. Yes, W296/H110 are the Ultimate Answer for velocity... but, again, at a cost, and if you don't need all that, why bother. That is not to say Unique or another midrange powder won't work for hunting... it most certainly will. It would be hard to deny 250'ish grains of bullet at 1100fps couldn't get the job done if the shooter does his part. :)
Click to expand...
I believe there were a few loads that used slower powders that weren't economical or practical in a 4 inch revolver, because they really only gave you increased blast, recoil for hardly any increase in velocity.
Kind of like using enforcer in 45acp. You use 2x to 3x more enforcer compared to typical 45acp power and you get cataclysmic blast out of a 5 inch barrel and intense recoil even in a steel on steel 1911a1 for about +100fps. Put those enforcer loads in a carbine and they will send a 230gr bullet supersonic.
 
Rule3 said:
Well what powders do you actually have if you don't want to use 2400 or buy something?????????
Click to expand...

Sorry for my lack of clarity. I will be buying powder, just looking for options that may be in store nearby. I can figure that part out, I’m just trying to find some powders that are generally becoming more available.
 
AJC1 said:
Makes me wonder how many of the diehard 45acp is the only answer, are not on board with a heavier bullet going faster isn't good enough. Bullet trajectory will limit hunting range to reasonable limits. Maximum point blank range setting realistic expectations.
Click to expand...

Right...to me working up a rifle hunting load = more velocity NOT because you can't kill something just fine with a 1000 fps 250 grain hunk-o-lead, because you certainly can...but it's about increasing your range, and flattening your ballistics. Sure, you can zero a Model 94AE at 100 yards with a 1000 fps bullet.....but shooting the hooves off a deer at 30 yards sure sucks;-) That extra 500 fps gives you a lot more flexibility.
 
EricBu said:
Right...to me working up a rifle hunting load = more velocity NOT because you can't kill something just fine with a 1000 fps 250 grain hunk-o-lead, because you certainly can...but it's about increasing your range, and flattening your ballistics. Sure, you can zero a Model 94AE at 100 yards with a 1000 fps bullet.....but shooting the hooves off a dear at 30 yards sure sucks;-) That extra 500 fps gives you a lot more flexibility.
Click to expand...
I have the same feelings about people trying to turn a 45-70 into a 458 mag. When a cartridge is over a century old, it's time to understand its limitations.
 
Rule3 said:
Don't you just love these threads?:)
To summarize: (in no particular order)

Unique
#5
2400
IMR 4227
H110
TG
BE
CFE pistol
Longshot
AA#9
Power Pistol
Herco
HS 6

Only one I see missing is HP38/W231
So pretty much any powder across the burn rate spectrum!

:uhoh::oops::what:
Click to expand...
You left out AA5744.....which is an unsung hero of 45 Colt....the rare powder that works well at the low end of 45 Colt, and at the Ruger Only end of 45 Colt. Probably one of the better powders in the caliber if you want to split both ends without having 2 seperate powders on the shelf. And if you load other old rounds, 45-70 for ex, it looks even better as a staple powder.
 
AJC1 said:
I have the same feelings about people trying to turn a 45-70 into a 458 mag. When a cartridge is over a century old, it's time to understand its limitations.
Click to expand...
Yeah, and plus.....have you ever shot a Ruger No 1 load in 45-70, in an actual No 1? ****...I could clap with my shoulder blades for a week. My Trapdoor will never seen anything over 1200 fps, ~ 18K PSI or so...but I'll run up to 28K for lever guns, as that's the published load data for them. But the 40K Ruger No 1 loads? Oh hell no, you can keep that.
 
EricBu said:
Yeah, and plus.....have you ever shot a Ruger No 1 load in 45-70, in an actual No 1? ****...I could clap with my shoulder blades for a week. My Trapdoor will never seen anything over 1200 fps, ~ 18K PSI or so...but I'll run up to 28K for lever guns, as that's the published load data for them. But the 40K Ruger No 1 loads? Oh hell no, you can keep that.
Click to expand...
I'm satisfied with max trapdoor loads in my lever. If I was hunting giant hogs on the ground I go all out because I'm not getting chewed on.
 
EricBu said:
Yeah, and plus.....have you ever shot a Ruger No 1 load in 45-70, in an actual No 1? ****...I could clap with my shoulder blades for a week. My Trapdoor will never seen anything over 1200 fps, ~ 18K PSI or so...but I'll run up to 28K for lever guns, as that's the published load data for them. But the 40K Ruger No 1 loads? Oh hell no, you can keep that.
Click to expand...
Yup. Tried it twice - in case my first impression was mistaken. Won’t EVER try it again. Sold the gun not long after. Not sure what I was thinking getting that little beast in the first place.
 
bsparker said:
Sorry for my lack of clarity. I will be buying powder, just looking for options that may be in store nearby. I can figure that part out, I’m just trying to find some powders that are generally becoming more available.
Click to expand...
I’ve been trying to recommend powders that can be found easily online. No idea what your locals look like but down here in Gatorville the shelves are still pretty much bare.
 
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