.45Colt shot loads

I have been using Speer shot capsules in my Virginia Dragoon in .45 colt using 8 grains of AA#5 and #8 shot which weighs 171.4 grains average. This load seems to be a high end load just due to recoil and blast but I found a listing for #5 powder to be minimum 10.8 grains with a maximum of 12.0 grains for a 185 grain bullet. This seems to be too high even I know my dragoon would take it easily. I still don't want to use unsafe loads. The capsule container came with a load of 7.5 grains of unique but I have not been able to get any for a while. Has anyone on the forum have any experience with the .45 Colt shot capsules before I try the hotter load.

My experience has been that patterns are better with a lighter powder charge. I use 5 grains of Bullseye for shot loads in .44 Magnum, .44-40 and .45 Colt.

I haven't used the shot capsules. Instead, I cut styrofoam wads out of meat trays. Use one over the powder. And one over the shot. They are thick, so the capacity for shot is greatly reduced. My best patterns are st 5', from a 7-1/2" barrel. Using 6 gr of bullseye. To cut the wads, I use a fired case, with the case mouth sharpened

You'll probably get more response if you post your questions in the "Shot Shell Loads for Pistols" section.

RRR

Yes! I realized my mistake after it was posted. Anyway Outpost 75 was most likely right since I do get a good pattern with at 15 to 20ft. with 8 grains of #5 powder. I'll stick with what works. I will be more careful where I post next time. Thanks