W231 and .45 Colt

[Ken C]

Just obtained a quantity of W231. Could you share any .45 Colt loads ? I will be using Missouri Bullet 200gr RNFP, #4 Cowboy bullets, New Vaquero / Colt SAA revolver power level. Thanks.

 

[Gadzooks Mike]

These are from the Winchester guide of several years ago. As always, check with a second source, I could have made a typo or the data source may be incorrect as well.

45 Colt
255 gr. Lead 231 7.1 875 13,000cup
250 gr. Lead 231 (cowboy load-5-1/2" barrel) 5.5 750 10,000psi

There was nothing there for 200 gr bullets, however, and I know these aren't exactly what you're looking for, but it's a start. Good luck!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I shoot a lot of 250/255gr bullets in the 45 Colt with a charge of 7.0gr W231. (and sometimes 7.2gr)

With a 200gr LRN bullet Hodgdon lists a range of 5.9gr to 8.0gr W231/HP-38.
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

 

[BossHogg]

Oh c'mon, that 45 colt needs a 255 gr bullet. Don't go cheap on the ole man.

Speer's #14 has a 200 gr LSWC with 231 start 7.3/ 854 fps and a max at 8.3/998 fps.

 

[TCNTN]

my 2 cents

I load a 200gr LSWC with 4.6gr of W231. This is listed in Speer manual as the min load. A fellow reloader and 1911 guru also recommended this load. It has a nice recoil and seems accurate. I'm new to the reloading and to this gun so I am going to try some loads with Bullseye to see if the accuracy and recoil is any better.

 

[Cherokee]

7.0 gr 231 with your bullet should be fine for your 45 Colt. I have used even less for SASS shooting with fine results.

 

[BUG-O-1]

I was using 7gr. of Win, 231 under 250gr. bullet, a little to much for my 45LC R&D cylinder in my 1858 Rem.+ I had 1 to many close calls of double charging that I switch over to Trail Boss,loading 6gr. under 200 gr. bullet, now if I double charge I can see the powder at the top of the shell case. Now I waiting to see how long a shelf live this powder has, because I bought 2- 5lb jugs, I hope its still good 3 years from now.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I load a 200gr LSWC with 4.6gr of W231. This is listed in Speer manual as the min load. A fellow reloader and 1911 guru also recommended this load. It has a nice recoil and seems accurate. I'm new to the reloading and to this gun so I am going to try some loads with Bullseye to see if the accuracy and recoil is any better.

Welcome to the forum.

I have a feeling you are talking about the .45 Auto with such a light charge of W231. The OP is asking about the .45 Colt, not the .45 Auto.

 

[Cherokee]

Bug-0-1 Your trail boss should last 20 times that if you keep it cool and dry.