What loads for MBC 255gr SWCs in .45 Colt?

[Legionnaire]

I've been loading Missouri Bullet SWCs in .44 Mag for a while: Trail Boss for light loads, 2400 for magnum power loads, and Unique for intermediate loads. Will the same powders cover the bases for .45 Colt, or would those of you who have been loading .45 Colt for a while recommend something different? Gun is a 7.5" Ruger Blackhawk.

 

[USSR]

Legionnaire,

Yes, the powders you use for .44 Magnum will work equally well with .45 Colt. I don't use Trail Boss, but 6.0 - 6.5gr of any fast shotgun powder (Red Dot, Solo 1000, Bullseye, etc.) makes for nice light loads. 8.5 - 9.0gr of Unique is very popular for .45 Colt. And 18.0gr of 2400 with that bullet will net you about 1100fps, which is what I use for deer with my S&W 25-5. Lucky you, no need for new powders.

Don

 

[rcmodel]

Try 8.5 grains Unique.

You will like it!

rc

 

[fatcpa]

HS-6 works pretty well with a 250 gr. LRN up to about 950 fps.

 

[Legionnaire]

Thanks; sounds like I have what I need to get started. Good thing I stocked up on Unique!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have used W231/HP-38, Trail Boss, AA#5, HS-6, Universal and probably a few others in the 45 Colt with a 250/255gr lead bullet and all do a fairly good job. My current favorite is HS-6 even though I originally thought it was too slow for the 45 Colt but the ammo doesn't lie! My current load is 10.2gr HS-6 under that 255gr MBC bullet set off by a WLP primer. That is not the max charge recommended by Hodgdon which is 10.5gr HS-6. I have used that charge and it is hotter and no less accurate, I just like the lighter load for range work.

I'm sure you're aware your revolver is capable of shooting heavier loads than standard pressure 45 Colt loads. My loads above are standard pressure 45 colt loads, nothing hot there...

 

[Jesse Heywood]

The round loves slow-burning powders. IMR4227, 18.0-20.0 gr. My carry load is 9.0 gr. IMR 800-X.

 

[BYJO4]

I use Unique with that bullet and I'm very happy with the results.

 

[DownEaster]

I like 6.0grs of Trail Boss for light loads. For standard power loads I use 7.5grs of Universal, this load is a few grains under max. I found the max loads going supersonic from my Marlin 1894.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Try 8.5 grains Unique.

You will like it!

Agreed. This is pretty much the standard load for .45 Colt. I shoot it a lot in my 7.5" Blackhawk and its dead nuts accurate. Plenty powerful enough for hunting if that's in your plans too.

However, I do like to step it up a notch and load em a little more powerful sometimes. You said you have 2400. Try 17 grains of it with that 255 grain SWC. It's not so heavy that its unpleasant to shoot and its very accurate as well. I've never chronographed it, so I couldn't tell you the velocity but its prolly a few hundred fps faster than the Unique load.

Not that you need it mind you, but its sure fun.