Unique and .45 LC

[NorthBorder]

I just loaded several rounds of 8.5 gr Unique under a 255gr SWC for my .45L Redhawk. This the 1st time I have loaded for a .45. I also have a Uberti SAA clone but am not sure if that load is too hot. I should add that these SWC's are hard cast. Also, are load data in Lyman and the Lee manuals geared toward older .45's for any safety concerns?

 

[Slamfire]

I have shot hundreds, if not thousands of pounds of 250 LRN, LSWC with 8.5 grains Unique. That usually gave me about 850 to 900 fps depending on the conditions.

This load is a standard load for light framed pistols such as your SAA replica. I would say the hardness of the cast bullet does not matter pressure wise. I have not seen pressure data with cast bullets of different hardness and maybe it makes a difference, but I am not worried. Your Ruger Redhawk is a much stouter pistol than any Colt SAA replica and can take loads that would severely compromise the structural integrity of a Colt SAA replica. Whether you want to soup them up for your Redhawk is your choice, but I have no doubt you can create loads in the Redhawk that equal or exceed 44 Magnum velocities at just slightly lower pressures.

[SIZE="3"]M25-7 Smith and Wesson 5" barrel

255 LRN (.452")  8.5 grain Unique thrown R-P cases WLP (nickle) primers
26-May-97	T ≈  75-80 ° F		 	
				
Ave Vel =	869			 
Std Dev =	10			 
ES  =	31			 
Low  =	858			 
High  =	889			
N =	6			
				
				
			
				
255 LSWC (.452") 8.0  grs Unique lot 6/21/1993  mixed cases WLP (nickel) 
23-Sep-07	T = 80 °F			
				
Ave Vel =	815.5			
Std Dev =	28.74			
ES =	77.48			
High =	852.6			
Low =	775.1			
N =	12			
		[/SIZE]

 

[Wildfire]

I load 8.0 of unique for my 1860 and 1873. They work very well. My 1860 is an 8" and it runs around 850 with the 8.0....
At 8.5 recoil came up a tad and accuracy fell off some.
I use the same load in my 1892 lever.
That load is medium for the Red Hawk and leaning toward warm for the Clone.

 

[Don McDowell]

8.5 and 9 grs of Unique with 250-260 gr bullets are both classic's going way way back, to even the days before there were Ruger only loads.

 

[NorthBorder]

Thanks guys,
I feel better about it now.
It's a bit late today but I'll give take them out tomorrow a.m.

 

[BullRunBear]

I use that load in a new model Vaquero, not the older, heavy frame version. It does just fine with no signs of stressing the gun after many hundreds of rounds. (If I want to load hotter 45 Colt ammo, I use a Blackhawk or Contender. Frankly, I get better accuracy with the 8.5 Unique load.)

BTW, I like the tag line from 'Travels With Charlie', a favorite from over 40 years ago. Never been to Montana but that line always made me want to.

Jeff

 

[cheygriz]

8.0 Unique and 255 grain cast lead has been a standard .45 load for a century or more.

I use this load extensively in my Colt Anaconda.

 

[NorthBorder]

Well, I took them out for a trial run this morning. After 1 cylinder of the Uberti the cylinder seemed to bind a little. I think the base pin may have shifted also. I think the pin that locks it in place may not have been properly seated. I got it running again and another cylinder full ran smoothly. POA/POI seem to be pretty well regulated at about 15 yards off hand. A fun gun to shoot. The Redhawk on the other hand, not so fun with those huge Hogue grips. That can be remedied. All in all a great range morning.

 

[35 Whelen]

I just loaded several rounds of 8.5 gr Unique under a 255gr SWC for my .45L Redhawk. This the 1st time I have loaded for a .45. I also have a Uberti SAA clone but am not sure if that load is too hot. I should add that these SWC's are hard cast. Also, are load data in Lyman and the Lee manuals geared toward older .45's for any safety concerns?

Current Alliant data shows 9.5 grs. of Unique as maximum with a 250 gr. lead SWC . Your load will be plenty safe!

35W