Powder load for 45LC with Unique

[wiiawiwb]

I'm looking to see the number of grains of Unique to use for my 45 LC. I have a Ruger SRH and just bought some Missouri Bullets, 255 gr SWC and 250 gr RNFP.

For the SWC:

When I go to Lyman's 49th edition, for the 255 SWC I assume I should follow the #452424 formula. It calls for starting grs of 6.0 with a max of 8.0. Is that correct?

I also went to the Alliant website and using Unique and 45LC it shows the following guide:

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/powderlist.aspx?page=/reloaders/powderlist.aspx&type=1&powderid=3&cartridge=36

It shows for a Speer 250 gr SWC to use 9.5 grains. That is substantially more than what Lymans is calling for.

Why are they so different and which is correct?

For the RNFP:

Would I follow the #454190 or #452664 formula? One has a starting grains of 6.0 and the other has a starting grains of 6.3

The Alliant website doesn't show a RNFP formula for a lead bullet. It shows a 250 gr jacketed HP.

How do I make sense of what seems to be totally different formulas and get it right? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[au_prospector]

You will want to search out more data, then you will get a feel for it....

Seems strange huh? The the old saying is true! You have to start somewhere.
Lymans and Alliant couldnt possibly publish everything, it would never end!

Some one may correct me, but I believe Alliant's data is max data?

You the shooter must think! Start with the approximate weight and profile of your projectile. Pick a powder charge near the lowest data listed. If it were me, I would do this. I would load up 10 each of the SWC and start at 6.0 Unique, then 10 of 6.5 Unique then 10 of 7.0 Unique, etc etc up to 8.5 grains. See where the approximate sweet spot is for your revolver. Then you can refine your load from there. For example your revolver may shoot its best at 7.2 grains Unique over your MBC SWC. I dont know, but you can find out!

The good news is you have a Ruger revolver. Unless you double a charge, you wont hurt it!

 

[TimSr]

When shooting cast bullets, stick with the Lyman manual and go by the bullet closest to what you have.

Speer manuals specify Speer bullets. Speer lead is much different than what you get from MBC. Lyman specs are for lead bullets similar to yours.

You also have 2-3 load langes for 45LC for standard 45LC, modern guns in 45LC (which is sometimes the same), and then you have the Ruger and Contender only loads which are like magnums.

The great thing for you as far as safety is that since you are shooting from a 454 Casull, the hottest 45LC loads in any category are way below but what gun can handle, though it is good experience for you in working up a load and observing the changes. You canb use the Lyman starting load of 6.0gr but instead of stopping at the max of 8.0, you can flip the pages in your Layman and work on up to the max "Ruger Only" load if you wish.

 

[Curator]

Not all loading manuals list the COAL or bullet seating depth with their powder data. Internal pressure goes up quite a bit as bullets are seated deeper. Generally, cast lead bullets will give lower pressure than jacketed, and the degree of crimp can also cause higher pressure as well. Some jacketed bullets are extremely hard which will also boost pressure. Start low and gradually load upward until you get satisfactory results. Back off if you begin to experience sticky extraction.

 

[CraigC]

You're loading for a .454 Super Redhawk. Your sixgun was proofed at 92,000psi. Don't worry about it. Load to the velocity you want. The rule of thumb with Unique in the .45Colt with 250-260gr cast bullets is one grain for every 100fps. A classic blackpowder equivalent is 9.0gr for 900-950fps. Much beyond that, you're in 32,000psi "Ruger only" territory. Once you get to 11.0-12.0gr, you're in a velocity range that would be better suited to another powder like 2400.

There's absolutely no need to "start low and work up".

Speer manuals specify Speer bullets.

Look again. There are Speer swaged bullets and then there are also popular cast bullets from RCBS molds. In .45Colt, Speer #14 has their two swaged bullets plus three different cast bullet designs.

 

[Malamute]

The older manuals I had access to showed 8 1/2 grs Unique being pretty much a factory equivalent load (255 gr @ around 860 fps). I loaded that for years as my low end load in Rugers and Colts. I had the chance to chrono them much later, they ran 925 fps with 250 gr rnfp commercial cast bullets in my 4 5/8" Vaquero. Good enough. 10 grs is a bit warmer, and makes a decent field load without pushing the useful range for Unique (doesnt melt bullet bases or get spikey pressure). Loads with 2400 or H-110 run towards the upper reaches for field use for Rugers or other strong guns.

 

[rcmodel]

8.5 / 250 zKeith has been my standard load in Colt SAA's for years.

It's about as good as it gets.

rc

 

[USSR]

wiiawiwb,

What you are going to find if you use the 6.0 to 8.0gr load of Unique with 255gr SWC's is sooted cases due to low pressure levels. I would suggest either 8.5 or 9.0gr of Unique with that bullet. If you want a lighter load, use a faster burning powder such as Red Dot or 700X. For a load with more "zookum", try HS-6 or 2400 powder.

Don

 

[wiiawiwb]

I've got 700-X and HS-6 in addition to Unique. I thought I would start out with Unique and get comfortable with that at different grain levels. Finding out what feels good in my gun.

Then, I could migrate over to the other two and experiment with each.

 

[Patocazador]

For plinking and targets, I use 8.5 gr. of Unique with a 250 gr. SWC in my Ruger Blackhawk not in my Colt. 7.5 is what I use in the Colt.

 

[USSR]

I've got 700-X and HS-6 in addition to Unique.

Okay, then use 6.0 - 6.5gr of 700-X for a light load or 13.0gr of HS-6 for a heavier load. By the way, the HS-6 load is John Linebaugh's and it is a good one.

Don

 

[wiiawiwb]

Thanks Don and everyone else too!

 

[Rule3]

When using HS6 you may want to use a Mag primer (or WIN LPP which for both)

Those that use a lot of it claim the mag primer improves ignition. Hodgdon uses a Winchester.

Other manuals do not specify.