Hodgdon’s HS-6 opinions wanted for use in 45 Colt long 24 inch rifle barrels.
I have read forum posts mentioning HS-6 was not a good powder choice for use in revolvers due to the short barrel leaving a large percentage of the powder leaving the barrel a large fire ball.
As a frequent user of black powder in my Ruger New Vaquero’s and Winchester/Miroku M73 a large fire ball or a dirty load using smokeless powder would be of no concern it’s a standard operating condition.
I am looking to extract maximum possible muzzle velocity at standard SAAMI 45 Colt pressure level.
My current 45 Colt load is Hodgdon’s CFE-Pistol powder at book maximum 9.2 grains with a 250 grain a cast and sometimes a plated bullet. This load work great!
HS-6 uses a larger 10.5 grain max charge. Hodgdon’s shows their HS-6 performance slightly less (68fps) slower muzzle velocity than their CFE-Pistol load.
Of the two powders CFE-Pistol is the slower burn rated powder.
I suspect it’s the short revolver barrel not containing the burning HS-6 powder long enough to extract the best performance from this powder at the low pressure that the 45 Colt operates at.
If the HS-6 was fired in 24 inch rifle barrel to give the powder more time to burn up could/would this powder exceed CFE-Pistol muzzle velocity?