Looking for full power but still standard pressure loads for 45 Colt

[TMenezes]

I am looking for a good powder to use for full power but still standard pressure 45 Colt loads. I tried Blue Dot and while the power and velocities were impressive, the accuracy wasn't what I was hoping for. Maybe I just need to work with it some more but I am considering trying other powders, such as HS6 (can't find any), AA 5, VV 350, VV N105, and Ramshot True Blue. From everything I've heard these powders meter much better than flake powders like Unique, Herco, and Blue Dot. Has anyone here tried True Blue for 45 Colt? Or have an any information on which of these powders work best for full power standard pressure accurate loads that will meter well through my Lee Auto Disk? 45 Colt is my favorite caliber so even if I had to change powder measures I will do it, just need to know that I am getting what I am looking for, a very accurate and easy to make load for my 45 Colt revolvers and lever actions. Oh and while my revolvers are strong Rugers, I don't really want to try the super powered high recoiling powders like H110. What are your suggestions?

[Larry Gibson]

Define "full power" by bullet weight and intended velocity please?

Larry Gibson

[TMenezes]

Well for my 250 gr mold I was looking for mid 900's. Alliant has 12.9 listed as Max for Blue Dot and claims its velocity at 1,028. I was happy with 12 gr and estimate its around 950 fps, sadly I don't have a chrono yet. I loved shooting that 12gr load but it just was just getting ok accuracy. My light cowboy loads with a 200 gr slug and 5gr of 700X were noticably more accurate but not as fun to shoot as they don't have near the power and weren't knocking the bowling pins around nearly as well as the Blue Dot. So short answer is I'm looking for around 900 to 990 fps, pretty broad window and there are plenty of powders that can reach that no problem. What I'm looking for is a powder that is very consitant in my powder measure and creates very accurate and consistant load. I do have a 310gr mold but haven't cast much with it yet. First I want to dial in my 250 gr load.

[454PB]

I suggest a different powder measure. Blue dot works fine through my RCBS Uniflow, Unique is a bit less user friendly, and I use the "double tap upstroke" to correct that. Bluedot is extremely accurate in my guns, but at higher than standard pressures. Unique is fine at the lower pressures, as are several other of the "Dot" powders.

[Larry Gibson]

Unique is a fine powder in the 45 Colt, as 454PB mentions, with 250 gr cast bullets at the SAAMI MAP. Unfortunately the SAAMI MAP is very low; 14,000 psi. You're Rugers could definately stand a bit more and Unique would be my choice to push a 250 cast to 900+ fps while staying at or below 20,000 psi and still be quite comfortable to shoot, especially in a SAA style revolver. Other powders to try though would be Powder Pistol, Longshot, SR4756, N340, Herco and Silhouette....if you can find any of them these days........

Larry Gibson

[DougGuy]

OP you don't say exactly which Rugers you are shooting these in, but I hope you know there are two totally different models in .45 Colt. The older Vaquero, and Blackhawk being the larger frame/thicker cylinder and much stronger model, good for pressures upwards of 30,000psi, and the newer, medium frame/smaller cylinder New Vaquero and New Model Flattop which are only rated to 23,000psi or .45 ACP +P power levels. Although you are not looking for maximum "Ruger Only" loads, the medium frame guns CANNOT stand the pressure levels of the older guns. Just so you know this. The easiest way to distinguish the models apart, the older models have a two digit prefix in their serial number, the newer models have a three digit prefix.

You definitely want to make sure the loads you are using meet at least the lowest recommended charge by the powder manufacturer, as the .45 Colt case is rather large, and some powders are not safe at all being loaded below a certain density or percentage of the available case capacity.

Herco meters very well for me in a Dillon measure, charge weights in the 8.0gr to 9.5gr range are normal, but again check the load data with the powder manufacturer and/or common reloading manuals.

I have always used Unique for standard pressure .45 Colt loads, hard to go wrong with 8gr behind a 255gr Keith boolit. Very accurate as well. You would probably be safe with up to 10gr Unique in the Ruger, again, check the loading manuals and be safe and sure.

I fired some 260gr LSWC over 10gr of Herco, it was quite accurate, probably right at 1050f/s and snappy but not sharp recoil. It is a good load. It's not in the known load manuals, it came from a website, but it is accurate and no flattened primers/sticky extraction or other pressure signs.

It's difficult to find what would be called "midrange" loads for .45 Colt, mostly because SAAMI never set a +P spec for that caliber, and the midrange loads which would be mild in recoil and safe in a Ruger, would be slightly over the pressure ceiling for an older Colt or S&W pistol and would be dangerous in those guns. Therefore loading manuals and powder manufacturers do not develop loads in this (what I call) tier 2 or midrange power level. Midrange here being in the 14,000 - 23,000psi zone, which is full power for a 3 digit medium frame Ruger, but throttled down for the 2 digit older and stronger Ruger models.

If the accuracy of your Ruger suffers, it may be because of tight cylinder throats and/or a "thread constriction" at the barrel where it threads into the frame. Many older Ruger .45s are notorious for tight dimensions in those two areas, seems like the newer ones have larger cylinder throats. Something to check. If a .451" boolit has trouble fitting in the front of your cylinder throats, most likely it is that which is causing accuracy problems rather than the load. Also, case neck tension and proper crimp can cause groups to open up if they are non existant or really inconsistent, but the biggest cause of poor groups if the gun is not severely "wasp waisted" as described earlier, would be inconsistent charge weights when charging cases in reloading.

Sorry to ramble, just my 2¢ worth..

[Love Life]

37 gr of black powder...

[Rich Cronk]

I stopped depending on a powder measure at least twenty years ago. All of my loads are weighed. That is correct, I weigh every single load.

[Rich Cronk]

37 gr of black powder...
I wouldn't allow any black powder to be shot in my .45-70. That stuff is very corrosive.

[easymoney]

I don't load for the 45 Colt but Hodgdon Longshot has the reputation of allowing more power/speed with less pressure than most other powders. I've used it in quite a few of my pistols with very good results.

[PS Paul]

Might I suggest IMR4227 (or H4227, which it is nowadays...)? Kind of "old school", it is a single-base extruded powder which works really well in your auto-disk measure. 250 ngr. boolit with 19.0 gr. 4227 is a favorite of mine that is safe in a flattop .45 Colt RBH and will approach 950 to 1,000 fps.

Comfortable to shoot, it has a smell I really enjoy too! I find it is somewhat easier to locate since it's a little "passe" with the advent of more double-based "modern" powders, it should fit the bill nicely. Just my .02 based on nearly 30 years of shooting it in .45 Colt revolvers.

[btroj]

Get a 250 to 300 gr bullet up to 850 to 900 fps and it will do about anything that needs doing. That is pretty easy to do with many powders.

Find the bullet weight and velocity you want then select an appropriate powder for that velocity.

[Little Big Oz]

Unique and Green Dot have worked well with a 255 gr SWC in my New Vaquero with a 5 1/2 inch barrel. My favorite loads are 8.5 gr Unique at about 915 fps and 6.5 gr Green Dot at about 810 fps.

[TMenezes]

Wow so many good suggestions, from black powder to H4227. I am looking forward to trying them all as I love to experiment if I can ever find the powder and primers. I have black powder on order, never tried it before so that will be an an adventure.

I stopped by Bass Pro Shop today and they only had shotgun primers and no powder.

Oh and someone asked what guns I am using. I have a 5.5 in Ruger Super Blackhawk in stainless steel as my main shooter. But also have a Ruger Old Army with a 45 Colt cylinder and a cap and ball cylinder.

[rexherring]

Larry G had some good ideas. I might also suggest AA#5, it's an easy powder to measure and slightly slower than Unique, clean burning too.

[DanWalker]

Pour 6.5 grains of RED DOT into a 45 colt case. Seat a 250 grain boolit, and go shooting. It's really that simple. If your gun isn't grouping well with lower powered loads, I'd suspect undersized throats. My groups shrank by half after having throats opened.

[45sixgun]

Might I suggest IMR4227 (or H4227, which it is nowadays...)? Kind of "old school", it is a single-base extruded powder which works really well in your auto-disk measure. 250 ngr. boolit with 19.0 gr. 4227 is a favorite of mine that is safe in a flattop .45 Colt RBH and will approach 950 to 1,000 fps.

Comfortable to shoot, it has a smell I really enjoy too! I find it is somewhat easier to locate since it's a little "passe" with the advent of more double-based "modern" powders, it should fit the bill nicely. Just my .02 based on nearly 30 years of shooting it in .45 Colt revolvers.

I followed Paul's advice on this and it gave me my most accurate and fun load. +1 on this recipe. Thanks, Paul!

[Nobade]

I wouldn't allow any black powder to be shot in my .45-70. That stuff is very corrosive.

Funny, my USFA 45 Colt revolver has fired nothing but black powder ammo, thousands of them, and still looks brand new. 250gr. @ 900 fps, super accurate, and no worries about pressure problems. Yeah, that black powder is some kind of corrosive. Cartridge cases look brand new too.

-Nobade

[John Boy]

I wouldn't allow any black powder to be shot in my .45-70. That stuff is very corrosive.
Rich, please don't post a statement that is pure hog wash ...
the foul of black powder is comprised of sodium bicarbonate, a trace of sodium sulfide and moisture because BP is hygroscopic. The pH of sodium bicarbonate is approximately 8 with neutral pH being 7. For a chemical compound to be corrosive the pH has to be a strong acid or alkaline - which sodium bicarbonate is NOT!

IF the foul of BP is left in the bore in high humidity, the moisture creates iron oxide - rust but a dry foul can be left in the bore for several weeks if not cleaned will have no damage to the bore.

Example, clean the bore with hot water, dry and lube with Eezox, the best rust rust preventative on the market. You will have bright shiny bore looking like it just came out of the box. I have many firearms that shoot BP reloads exclusively. One is a M92 that has had in excess of 14,000 Colt 45 BP rounds down the bore and has been field stripped only twice. There is absolutely no rusted or damaged parts in the rifle

In addition, being a BPCR shooter and averaging more than a 1000 rounds of 45-70's a year -come on over to the house. I'll put a bore scope in the bores of several rifles and you can determine for yourself that they have bright shiny bores

The powders that one has to clean immediately because they are made with corrosive compounds are Pyrodex and Triple Seven that are comprised of sodium benzoate, dicyandiamide, potassium perchlorate and potassium nitrate.

[frnkeore]

"If the accuracy of your Ruger suffers, it may be because of tight cylinder throats and/or a "thread constriction" at the barrel where it threads into the frame. Many older Ruger .45s are notorious for tight dimensions in those two areas, seems like the newer ones have larger cylinder throats. Something to check. If a .451" boolit has trouble fitting in the front of your cylinder throats, most likely it is that which is causing accuracy problems rather than the load."

"If your gun isn't grouping well with lower powered loads, I'd suspect undersized throats. My groups shrank by half after having throats opened."

This is a very common problem at least with NM blackhawks like mine. My 625 S&W (.452 throat, .452 barrel) will shoot 1 1/4 groups at 25 yrds, using 8.5 gr Unique but, the NM will only do 3" with it's .450 cylinder throats and a .452 barrel.

If you know a machinist, have him measure your cylinder or take it to a gunsmith to measure.

Frank

[TMenezes]

I finally found a case of pistol primers! Still no new powders yet. I have a ton of 700X that I bought for the light 200gr loads. I am going to try 6gr of it with a 250 gr bullet and see what that gets me. An old Lyman Manuel said it was on of their most accurate loads so heres hoping. It won't be as potent as I was looking for but until I can get my hands on some other powders it will have to do.

Thank you for the technical tips for my Ruger, I'll have my gunsmith measure the throats and barrel. I mentioned this info to him already and he's willing to do but unfortunately he is flooded with orders right now so it could be awhile.

Oh and on the subject of Black powder, I am not worried about rust as I will be spot cleaning at the range and deep cleaning them as soon as I get home from the range. I have not decided wether to try BP in my 1866 Yellow boy lever gun and/or 1897 Winchester pump. Depends on how messy it is in the revolvers.

Thanks for all the tips guys! If you got any more I am all ears! I am still fairly new to reloading :-)

[Doc.Holliday]

I've had good success with 7.5 grains of Red Dot and a 245 grain hardcast bullet. Good accurate economical plinking and hunting round.

Doc

[Love Life]

I bugged Cajun Shooter, and he gave me more knowledge in couple of emails than I found after a couple hours researching black powder.

Thank you Cajun Shooter.

Black powder was very hard to find locally, and hopefully soon I will have a case on my doorstep. Pushes my 255 gr boolit fast, hits stuff hard, smells good, has a very satisfying "BOOM", and has a cool factor of 120.

I will admit that I handled the 1st lb of black powder like it was set to explode at all times. Yeah, I'll admit I was a scared little girl.

[badboyparamedic]

6 gr of 700X with a 250 grain boolit in my new 45 Colt Ruger Vequero is very accurate.

[TMenezes]

Hi guys, so I tried the 6 grains of 700X with my 255 grain hand cast bullets and they turned out to be very accurate on the bowling pins yesterday. I tried going back to the range with paper targets today but the Moto GP race is in town so they closed down the range :-(

I was pleased with the power, knocked down the pins with authority and had a pleasing thump of recoil. Looking forward to more testing.

As a side note I tried the black powder, it was fun and not nearly as messy or as smoky in the 45 Colt as I thought it would be. While it was more dirty than my smokeless powders, it was very soft and wiped off easily with some cleaner.

The .45 cap and ball revolver was another story though. I had to use grease to seal the cylinders since I couldn't find any wonder wads. Last time I do that if I can help it. I'll be ordering the wonder wads so I don't have to clean that greasy goop off again.

[Nobade]

Order felt from Durofelt and make your own. Far cheaper and the homemade ones work well, unlike the wonder wads.

-Nobade

[Treeman]

Back when I loaded 45 Colt Unique did all I ever wanted from the gun. Red Dot and Green dot made lots of plinking loads also. Something to consider....IMO the Lee Auto disk measures are at their very best with flake powders. Ball powders tend to leak a little and cause a mess on top of the press and surroundings. If you follow simple rules, such as keeping the hopper at least 1/4 full, operating the press the same way each throw and, if you change operations (on a turret press for example) and then go back to measuring powder dump the first throw back in the hopper, yoo will find that the auto-disk throws flakes such as Unique within 1/10th of a grain consistently with charge weights over 4-5 grains. Ballistically speaking you cannot tell the difference between such thrown charges and exactly weight matched ones.

[GH1]

Have you thought about Accurate #9? I got this data from them awhile back, not for use in new Vaquero revolvers or any other Colt style weapon. Blackhawk or old style Vaquero only.



Caliber: .45 Colt.

Barrel length: 7-8” (For longer carbine 20-22’ barrel lengths add +20% to velocity)

Application: Stronger weapons rated for higher-pressure levels, such as Ruger and T/C’s etc.

Cases: Make sure that the cases are rated for these higher pressures.

Pressure level: <30000 psi

Powder: Accurate –no9®.

Bullet weight: 300 grains.

Start load: 16.0 grains (ca 1125 Fps)

Maximum load: 18.8 grains (ca 1275 Fps).

NOTES:

It’ important to note that SAFETY is our prime concern therefore we strongly recommend.

1. TO ALWAYS BEGIN LOADING AT THE RECOMMENDED MINIMUM “START” LOAD and develop loads in 2% increments towards the MAXIMUM load.

2. CAUTION: Beware of double charging if the loading density is below 50% of the available volume.

3. If possible, measure the velocity and correlate with our data.

[TMenezes]

Durofelt eh, good tip Nobade.

Also thanks for the intel Treeman, I didn't know my powder measure would prefer flake powders. I am hoping the Blue Dot and the 250 SWC I was casting just didn't get along. Next I will try the 255 RNFP with it and hope they will make a super accurate combo. The 6gr of 700X felt powerful enough but according to the book isn't even going 900 fps.

GH1, yes I have looked over Accurates +P loads but have yet load any. I have some Accurate #7 on hand, may try some of that and see what happens.

[Gunnut 45/454]

Here are the standard pressured loads for 250 cast! If your wanting Ruger only loads go to the site below they have them!

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

250 GR. CAST LRNFP IMR 800-X .452" 1.600" 6.5 778 9,100 PSI 8.0 911 13,300 PSI
250 GR. CAST LRNFP IMR SR 4756 .452" 1.600" 8.2 786 10,600 PSI 9.0 864 12,200 PSI
250 GR. CAST LRNFP Hodgdon HS-6 .452" 1.600" 9.0 787 7,800 CUP 10.5 946 13,300 CUP
250 GR. CAST LRNFP Winchester AutoComp .452" 1.600" 7.8 867 12,600 PSI 8.5 923 13,200 PSI
250 GR. CAST LRNFP Hodgdon Universal .452" 1.600" 6.5 742 9,200 CUP 7.8 941 13,000 CUP
250 GR. CAST LRNFP Winchester 231 .452" 1.600" 5.8 785 9,100 CUP 7.1 916 13,900 CUP
250 GR. CAST LRNFP Hodgdon HP-38 .452" 1.600" 5.8 785 9,100 CUP 7.1 916 13,900 CUP
250 GR. CAST LRNFP IMR SR 7625 .452" 1.600" 7.0 768 9,600 PSI 8.2 890 13,000 PSI
250 GR. CAST LRNFP IMR PB .452" 1.600" 5.8 746 10,200 PSI 6.8 875 12,700 PSI
250 GR. CAST LRNFP IMR Trail Boss .452" 1.600" 4.5 606 8,800 PSI 5.8 727 12,700 PSI
250 GR. CAST LRNFP Hodgdon Titegroup .452" 1.600" 5.0 716 7,600 CUP 6.2 881 13,000 CUP
250 GR. CAST LRNFP IMR 700-X .452" 1.600" 4.8 765 11,300 PSI 5.7 856 13,200 PSI
250 GR. CAST LRNFP Hodgdon Clays .452" 1.600" 4.2 713 8,500 CUP 5.1 817 13,400 CUP

[frnkeore]

250 GR. CAST LRNFP Winchester 231 .452" 1.600" 7.1 gr, 916 fps, 13,900 CUP

I believe this load to be the Winchester factory load of old as it was listed in the old Winchester loading manuals. It was very accurate in my 625 and my Rossi.

Frank

[TMenezes]

Wow Gunut that's a lot of data! Sadly I can't find 99% of those powders at the moment. Here's what I have on hand, lots of 700X, lots of AA1680, lots of Black powder, a little bit of Blue Dot, and a little bit of AA#7.

The only place I found with powder is Powder Valley, the only powders they have in stock is 8# kegs of IMR 4227, and 1#ers of VV N105, 3N37, and Tin Star. I have heard the quality of VV powders is awesome, but they are expensive. I would like to try a pound of 4227, but they only have the 8# keg. Sad state of affairs in the powder shopping business.

Think I should try the VV or wait it out? I put 1 pound of each of the 3 handgun powders I mentioned in my cart, $90, plus Hazardous fee, $117. Don't even know how much shipping is... :-(

[fcvan]

TMenezes, there are lots of 45 Colt loads that are low pressure-high performance. My introduction into this cartridge started with my dad picking up a Colt manufactured in 1898. The first rounds he bought for his Colt were commercially produced BP loads. After he built up some brass I reloaded low pressure loads specifically for his original Colt.

A couple years ago, I picked up an H&R 1871 Classic Carbine in 45 Colt, and later a Vaquero also in 45 Colt. Certainly, those weapons can be loaded to 'Ruger only loads.' I also have a buddy who shoots a Taurus Judge, which requires 45 Colt loads at standard pressure meaning BP equivalent. Original Colt loads are no slouch! Take a look at the Lyman #49 or other manuals for decent low pressure loads.

You commented on the messy use of lube with a percussion revolver. I suggest you read up on the use of inert fillers to prevent chain-fire of adjacent chambers and also aid in loading. One of my dad's friends had a Ruger Old Army and back in the 1970s, he showed me about using fillers. Back in the 1980s, I started shooting an 1858 Remington copy, and began reading on and using inert fillers.

Typically, I would use 30 grains of BP with a ball or conical. When I started using filler, I downloaded to 25 grains and a bit of corn meal. I would charge the chambers, top them with corn meal, and then give the cylinder a spin. This would reduce the chamber fill to a uniform level. I could then seat the ball flush with the cylinder face with mild compression and zero air gap. The 25 grain/corn meal load had the same performance as the 30 grain load without filler. The corn meal prevents chain-firing, aids in sealing the expanding gasses, and helps scrub the bore. I was able to shoot longer strings without cleaning. YMMV

[Char-Gar]

Unique has been the "go to" powder for such loads in the 45 Colt round by generations of shooters. 8.5 to 9 grains will get you where you want to be with a 250 grain bullets.

I have used the RCBS Little Dandy pistol powder measure for years and it is a good un. Rotor #16 is listed at 8.4/Unique and #17 at 9/Unique. As always, this must be checked again a scale to make certain the rotor as not been mismarked. The charge weight will vary a smidge from the published numbers, but it will be close enough. Just record the actual charge weight in case you want to duplicate the load with a different measure.

I have used 8.5/Unique under 454424 (250 Keith) and 9/Unique under 452423 (238 Keith) for many thousand rounds over the past 50 years. I have no plans to change.

Many years ago, I decided that Bullseye, Unique and 2400 will do all of my handgun reloading so that is all I buy and I buy those in bulk. Obama and his antics did not catch me low on powder and I am in very good shape for 10 to 15 years with each powder. Therefore, settle on a few powders, buy in bulk and don't let those esso bees catch you with your pants down again.

BTW...20/4227 is a wonderful load under any good 240 to 280 grain bullet giving about 900 to 950 fps with any of them. So, if you can lay your hands on 4227 buy it for the 45 Colt and don't look back.

[jmort]

There is a AA #9 standard pressure load that is the strongest I have seen at around 500 ft lbs. A 255 grain SWC with 9.5 grains of Unique will be close and is max standard pressure for Unique.

[Outpost75]

In my Colt New Service I get great results with 6.5 grs. of Bullseye and Saeco #954, 230-gr. flatnose, as-cast, unsized, soft alloy, Lee Liquid Alox, 880 fps., from 5-1/2" barrel, better accuracy than factory. Good killer on game.

[jonp]

Rich, please don't post a statement that is pure hog wash ...
the foul of black powder is comprised of sodium bicarbonate, a trace of sodium sulfide and moisture because BP is hygroscopic. The pH of sodium bicarbonate is approximately 8 with neutral pH being 7. For a chemical compound to be corrosive the pH has to be a strong acid or alkaline - which sodium bicarbonate is NOT!

IF the foul of BP is left in the bore in high humidity, the moisture creates iron oxide - rust but a dry foul can be left in the bore for several weeks if not cleaned will have no damage to the bore.

Example, clean the bore with hot water, dry and lube with Eezox, the best rust rust preventative on the market. You will have bright shiny bore looking like it just came out of the box. I have many firearms that shoot BP reloads exclusively. One is a M92 that has had in excess of 14,000 Colt 45 BP rounds down the bore and has been field stripped only twice. There is absolutely no rusted or damaged parts in the rifle

In addition, being a BPCR shooter and averaging more than a 1000 rounds of 45-70's a year -come on over to the house. I'll put a bore scope in the bores of several rifles and you can determine for yourself that they have bright shiny bores

The powders that one has to clean immediately because they are made with corrosive compounds are Pyrodex and Triple Seven that are comprised of sodium benzoate, dicyandiamide, potassium perchlorate and potassium nitrate.
Indeed. I use soap and water in my muzzleloader, dry it well and then light oil the barrel. I've never had a problem with rust in the least. Of course, I clean my guns after I shoot them with blackpowder

[jonp]

I finally found a case of pistol primers! Still no new powders yet. I have a ton of 700X that I bought for the light 200gr loads. I am going to try 6gr of it with a 250 gr bullet and see what that gets me. An old Lyman Manuel said it was on of their most accurate loads so heres hoping. It won't be as potent as I was looking for but until I can get my hands on some other powders it will have to do.

Thank you for the technical tips for my Ruger, I'll have my gunsmith measure the throats and barrel. I mentioned this info to him already and he's willing to do but unfortunately he is flooded with orders right now so it could be awhile.

Oh and on the subject of Black powder, I am not worried about rust as I will be spot cleaning at the range and deep cleaning them as soon as I get home from the range. I have not decided wether to try BP in my 1866 Yellow boy lever gun and/or 1897 Winchester pump. Depends on how messy it is in the revolvers.

Thanks for all the tips guys! If you got any more I am all ears! I am still fairly new to reloading :-)
Remington makes a nice all natural bore cleaner that would be good to take to the range and run a patch through the bore plus clean it off on the spot before you get home. I've used it in my muzzleloaders and it works fine.

[Outpost75]

Bullseye was used for factory loading of .45 Colt ammunition for many years and is still a good choice. The following loads were assembled in new Starline brass with Winchester primers and as-cast, unsized (.455") bullets cast from wheelweights and lubed with Lee Liquid Alox. Velocities are from my Colt New Service with 5-1/2" barrel and 0.008" cylinder gap. Accuracy figures are the average of five consecutive 5-shot groups fired off sandbags at 25 yards:

Saeco #955, 260-grain FN, 6.5 Bullseye, 900fps, 18Sd, 2.39"
Saeco #954, 230-grain FN, 6.5 Bullseye, 882fps, 28Sd, 2.19"
Saeco #954, 230-grain FN, 7.2 Bullseye, 1003fps, 10Sd, 2.13", Do Not Excceed!

[TXGunNut]

Universal and KIK FFFg are about all I use for the 45 Colt for standard loads. When I want my BH to "be all it can be" I'll load it up with WW 296. Hot loads aren't as much fun as the BP loads.

[Kermit2]

May be old school, but my everyday load for .45 Colt is a 250 grain RNFP cast boolit sitting on top of 9.0 grains of Unique and a standard large pistol primer. It's accurate, and shoots well. I ran 25 rounds over my chrono and it said they averaged 999 fps. I shoot a Ruger New Model Flat Top.

[saz]

Pour 6.5 grains of RED DOT into a 45 colt case. Seat a 250 grain boolit, and go shooting. It's really that simple. If your gun isn't grouping well with lower powered loads, I'd suspect undersized throats. My groups shrank by half after having throats opened.

There it is, the "Dan Walker Load"!

[pbcaster45]

Here's a few I like.

Gun: Ruger Bisley 7 1/2 inch barrel, .4525 uniformed cylinder throats.

Bullet: Lyman #454190 250 gr. FP (.452/#2 Alloy/Rooster Red)
Powder: Hodgdon HS-6 10.3 grs
Primer: Federal 150
Case: Winchester
LOAL: 1.600
Velocity: 939.82 fps

Bullet: RCBS 255 gr. SWC (.452/#2 Alloy/SPG)
Powder: Alliant Herco 9.0 grs.
Primer: Winchester Large Pistol
Case: PMC
Velocity: 1011.74 fps

Sorry, haven't chronographed this last one but it shoots very well in my Ruger and a Berretta Stampede. Recoils like the other two.

Bullet: Lyman #454190 250 gr. FP (.452/#2 Alloy/Rooster Red)
Powder: Alliant Power Pistol 7.9 grs.
Primer: Federal 150
Case: Starline
LOAL: 1.600

73359

[DanWalker]

There it is, the "Dan Walker Load"!
Ha! I'm famous! For those of you suitably impressed, I will gladly trade my autograph for some large pistol primers or a brick of 22LR

[Good Cheer]

37 gr of black powder...

Right on, right on! Black powder! Burn baby burn! Powder to the people!
OK, sorry, got carried away in the moment.
Everybody oughta try black in the 45Colt. It just is what it oughta be.