.45 Colt, powder choices

[Lucas]

I'm "thinking" of purchasing a single action revolver in .45 Colt. This won't be a Blackhawk, or Super Blackhawk (*cough*this time*cough*), so I won't be able to load the super stout loads. The gun I have in mind is a New Vaquero. With the price of .45colt as high as it is, it'll eat reloads almost exclusively.

I'm looking into various powders, and bullet weights. I'd like to send 250gr lead at or around 900ft/s. Most loads will probably be more towards 750 to 850 ft/s, if I can manage those sorts of load with any accuracy.

I reload .45acp using Bullseye, but have already crossed that powder off my list of possibilities as I think it burns to fast for the big case. The Nosler reloading manual I have lists w231, Herco, and Bluedot amongst others. These loads are all listed in the 600-800ft/s range. Trail boss looks promising, as it's supposed to meter well, and not be position sensitive.

So, anyone here have any first hand experience reloading 45colt in "cowboy" loads? What powders do you use? What bullet weights? Anything I should avoid?

[fingers80002]

Would some info also, Reloading for my dad's Judge.

[Swamp Yankee]

I have the Speer #13 manual and for the 250gr LSWC and for what you want it to do IMR 4227 starts off with 17 grains for 775 fps and goes up to 19 grains for 904 fps. I would think this powder will fill the case more and lessen the ability to double charge. I also like the specs on the Trail Boss powder. My brother inlaw uses it for the 44 mag and is very happy with it.

Mike Mc

[Xringshooter]

Here are some loads I use in my .45

7.4 grs 231, 200gr LRN
6.8 grs Unique, 200 gr LRN
8.1 grs Universal Clays, 200 gr LRN
6.9 grs Universal Clays, 200 gr LRN

The LRN is a typical cowboy style bullet. All seem to shot pretty good but I'm still experimenting. Mine come out of a SS NMBH (new model Blackhawk) witj a 4 5/8 barrel. Allvery easy to shoot.

[Meanoldd]

Herco 8.5 grains 910 fps with 250 gr.cast bullet

Unique 8 grains 850 fps with 250 gr. cast bullet

Check powder manufactures web sites for load data.Free for the printing!!

[TonyF]

I also like the specs on the Trail Boss powder.

Mike Mc

Yeah, wasn't Trail Boss designed specifically as a "bulky" powder so as to take up as much case space as possible when loading light loads?

[Lucas]

Yeah, wasn't Trail Boss designed specifically as a "bulky" powder so as to take up as much case space as possible when loading light loads?

That is my understanding. From what I've read on other forums, it is donut shaped flakes, big and fluffy, to take up more room in cases originally designed for black powder.

I've browsed every powder manufacturer's website for data that I can find. Out of all the options, I think I'm going to start reloading 45 colt with Trail Boss. If I decide to load slightly hotter loads, still under 1000 ft/s, I'll research another powder.

BTW, for those that don't know, yes, you can print reloading data from the manufacturers.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/Index.htm

[Steven Dzupin]

You'll find that Alliant's Unique powder to be a great powder for use in the .45 Colt.

I've tried them All !!

4227 and 2400 are far too slow burning and leave a lot of unburnt granules in
the barrel.

I've eliminated Leading by use of a 1/16" Low Density Polyethylene Wad
as a gas check under Lead Alloy bullets.

Regards,

Joisey Steve

[Fitch]

After all sorts of experimentation I standardized on the Hornady 255g LFN (swaged bullet)

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=613348

pushed by 8.0g of Unique, Winchester Large Pistol primer, COL = 1.54" makes a great standard pressure load. Comfortable to shoot in both my Ruger Blackhawk and Beretta Stampede, accurate, and almost no leading after a 100 round range session.

It is a relatively (~10BN) soft bullet which is perfect for standard pressure .45 Colt loads.

Fitch

[M1cal30]

This is my load with trail boss in colt 45
250 gr lead RNFP bullet
COL 1.600
CCI 300
Trail boss 5.5 gr
Average velocity 656 fps
At 25 yards accuracy is pretty good, loads a little anemic, virtually no smoke.
If you like smoke , I load American pioneer, 27 gr of FFFG.(250 gr lead bullet)
It is fun to shoot with all that smoke in the air….
Best

Dan