Heavy .45 Colt and Unique

[outdoorfan]

I'm shooting a 342 grain (actual weight) LBT in my Ruger BH. I would like to do some experimenting with Unique. I can't find any charts anywhere as to how much powder I can stuff into the case before I exceed that 30-32,000 range. Anyone got any experience with this? I'm looking to hopefully be around the 1,000 fps range.

[pls1911]

ther's a good reason you don't find heavy loads with fast powder....
Highly recommend a different powder for max loads, even with 250 grain bullets.
9 to 9.5 grains with a 250 grain SWC is all I want in a blackhawk, and it still pounds pigs like crazy.
Pressure climbs VERY quickly and disproportionately with any velocity gains when you start reaching higher end loads with fast powder... in short, the risk ain't worth it.....

[StarMetal]

I use Unique in my 45 Colts and the load is the RCBS 255 SWC over 9.0 grains. Out of my 8 3/8 Smith 25 it runs about 950 to 1000 fps depending on what temperature I chronoed it at. In my 4 5/8 Blackhawk it runs about 900 fps.

You are better off with a slower powder. You really don't want to go above 10 grains of Unique. For your heavier bullet please start much lower them even my 9.0 load. Preferably use another slower powder like 2400, 4227, 296.

Joe