255 Lee RNFP and H4227

[Wolfgang]

Hi Everyone,

Been a while since I have posted. I read more than post. I have a question about a load I want to use in a Uberti SAA clone in 45 Colt. I was curious if it is too stout for the smaller frame SAA. The load is 18-19 grains of H4427 with a Lee 255 RNFP sparked by a Federal 155 mag primer. Mr. Taffin lists this up to 20 grains with a 255 Cast Bullet as safe for SAA and the reproductions in his writings but it seems sort of stout to me. Then again I am used to using a Red Hawk in 45 Colt. Opinions please, I don't want to destroy my newest wheelgun.

Thanks,

Wolfgang

[Rocky Raab]

The justly renowned "Hank Williams Jr load" is 20.0 4227 under a 255 cast SWC with a mag primer. It is said to be safe in the Colt SAA, so your slightly reduced charge should be just fine. The Hank load gives 1,000 fps on the nose from my 4 5/8" Blackhawk. That's as heavy as I load the old 45 these days, as it is "modanuff" for any handgun chore I have.

I have used that load on deer, and it shot through an average-sized specimen lengthwise.

[USSR]

Wolfgang,

I think you will be fine with that load. 4227 is a quite slow powder and generates little pressure in the charge weights you mentioned. I have used 22 grains with a 270gr SWC in my S&W 25-5 without concern.

Don

[Wolfgang]

Thanks guys,

I loaded up ten each running from 18 grains, then 18.5, and finally 19grgrains of H4227. It liked both the 18gr and 18.5gr loads and shot to the sights at twenty five yards. The 19gr loads was a enough snappier that I could notice it. 18.5gr load shot a really nice centered group that was tight so I think I will be sticking with it. Seems to have plenty of punch to do anything that I will been doing with the SAA or any other pistol for that matter. I might even take the gun with me during deer season this coming week as I have gotten a lot of trigger time with it.

Thanks again,

Wolfgang