Question on .45 colt load.

[m.i.sanders]

I've been doing research here and on a few other web sites looking for a .45 colt load using 255 grain LSWC and Unique. I've seen where some people are using this on top of 8 grains of Unique, but my loading manual (I know, I need more than one) only has this loading for a 250 grain bullet. According to my info the 250 grain bullet with that powder load should only generate about 11800 cup. What would be the result of using a 255 grain bullet? Would that push the pressure to unsafe levels or just raise it slightly? The bullet dia. is .453 if that has any effect.

I'm using this is a Blackhawk so strength shouldn't be as big of concern unless I do something really stupid.

Thanks.

 

[oneshooter]

The "standard load" for the 45colt has been 8gr Unique w/250gr cast lead bullet. The addition of 5gr to the bullet weight should not raise the pressure enough to notice. The origional Dragoon load was a 255gr cast w/40gr of 3fg black powder.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[J Miller]

oneshooter,

5 grains difference in bullet weight would produce negligable difference, all other things being the same.

As for Unique loads, they have varied from 8.0 up to 9.5 and in some cases 10.0 grs with the 250-255gr bullets and have been within SAAMI specs.

The Speer #12 Manual shows a starting load of 8.6grs Unique with their 250gr SWC.
And a max load of 9.5 grs Unique with the same bullet. These are Colt level SAAMI spec loads.

Other books use the 8.0grs load as a standard. There are so many variables that it's difficult to set a concrete rule.

I shoot 8.5grs to 9.0grs Unique with any lead bullet between 240grs to 268grs with little differences in pressure signs.

I wouldn't wory about a 5gr variation in bullet weight. It's negledgable.


Joe

 

[m.i.sanders]

Thanks guys. That's what I thought, but I wanted to make sure. I kinda like my gun and I didn't want to KB it

 

[Johnny Guest]

The Ruger Blackhawk is a fine, strong, revolver

With 255 gr lead bullets, 8.0 gr Unique is an excellent range load. It will take 9.0 gr indefinitely. I've gone a good deal hotter than that in the past, but recoil was becoming a factor. The little Hill Country whitetail deer didnt seem to die any faster with the uncomfortable loads.

Best,
Johnny

 

[SASS#23149]

Not sure if any online data has 'Ruger only ' loads,but my Lymans does.I'll check it if you want and relay what it says.If you don't have a Lymans I suggest buying one.Great book.!

 

[m.i.sanders]

SASS,

If you don't mind looking up what lyman says, I'd appreciate it!
I started to buy that one at the last gun show we had here. I would have, but I made the mistake of buying 1000 rounds of lead bullets. I didn't think I could carry anything else!

 

[SASS#23149]

OOPs.Hodgdon,not Lyman

It's my Hodgdon's #26 that has 'high pressure loads for modern handguns only!'.
They show up to 12 gr Unique.OUCH.says 1200fps but doesn not specify barrel length.
The lasercast book for Ruger shows 10 gr Unique as max...much more sensible load,IMHO.gives fps in 4 3/4" vaquero as 1039...spiffy enough for this shooter.!
It sure gets confusing looking at more than one manual...why 10gr in on and 12 in another??
I"d play it safe and figure 10 is good enough....but that's me.