If this has been answered elsewhere, I cannot find it. If this inquiry is best posted elsewhere, the moderators should feel free to move it with my blessing.
I'm acquainted with the somewhat tried and true 18.5/2400/255 SWC load for the Ruger/ Thompson Only firearms, and I can easily find data for heavier projectiles, but precious little data for lighter ones. I'm interested in developing a load in .45 Colt that will launch a 230 gr. at the highest velocity that is consistent with safety (I'm hoping for 1200 - 1350 f/s), using a 7.5" Ruger Redhawk, and Alliant 2400 powder.
The projectile in question is a j-word hollow point, bereft of the usual features used by the major manufacturer to assure controlled and effective expansion. They point out that the projectile is designed solely for reliable function and optimal accuracy in shooting competition, so I'M not planning to use any to go hunt animals with. But since the projectile IS configured as a hollow point (which seems counter-intuitive to me, given its mission), I'D just like to know what kind of expansion could be expected from it. I intend to test the projectile in .45 ACP as well, but since I also have a .45 Colt that will tolerate +P loads, I'd like to see what it does at higher velocities.
My question is, is there a load warmer than 18.5/2400/230, with which I may start, so as to get to higher velocities without expending a lot of powder and projectiles, just covering ground that I know to be safe with a heavier, cast projectile? ONE idea I'd contemplated was to increase the powder charge by the ratio of the difference of projectile weights (i.e. 18.5 x (250/230) ~ 20.1 gr.) I know that the j-word projectile's lower lubricity may elevate pressures some what, but that could also be offset by the shorter bearing surface of the lighter projectile.
Thanks in advance for the input.