I use 20.0gr of #2400 under the 250gr Hornady XTP in my Win Mod94. It's the "Legacy" model with 24"bbl. (Nosler lists this in their #4 manual as maximum for 250gr bullet in "BlackHawks" only section. They also list it as most accurate, I belive it too...).
I get 1,750fps and it's unbelieveably accurate. I have a Williams 5D reciever sight mounted and have shot 1.5" 3-shot groups with it at 100yds.
Typically however, I shoot a cast RFN 255gr bullet over 8.2gr of Universal for 1,100fps. This load will shoot all the way through a 100lb whitetail deer at 75yds. Both me and a friend that uses my bullets in his Taurus 'Thunderer' have done this. No need for $$$ bullets and ammo. I'm "hording" the 500rd box of Hornady "blems" I bought back in '06...
FWIW; I've also shot some of my "RedHawk" loads--- a 310gr Lee FNGC over 20.0gr of #2400 through the Winchester. But, recoil was a tad stiff. Accuracy was good but poi/poa was different. I've sold the RedHawk and havent' loaded up any more of the 310's.....
No need for them...
If I need this much gun, I'll use my Marlin 1895G in .45/70 and a RCBS .459" 300gr FNGC at 1,650fps. (Bullet casts to 318gr gas-checked and lubed; 30.0gr of #2400). This gun loves this load, but it too is "overkill" for my uses.
re: strenth of the mod94. The mod94 has been loaded with the .30/30 since 1895. The SAAMI spec's for the .30/30 is ~40,000cup or about 44,000psi.
The .45lc is up to this. But, be sure to use currently manufactured brass. The older brass isn't up to these kind of pressures....... For "warm" loads I recommend the Starline brass. I like the Magtech for use with my cast bullets as brass is thinner and "obturates" with lower charges and remains sealed till bullet clears muzzle with lower loads. Hence, my 8.2gr of Universal will remain "sealed" without blowback. At 7.8gr's and Starline cases, I get blowback....... Also with most ".45colt SAA safe loads......
