45 Colt loads

[boolit_boy]

Just recently picked up a Ruger Blackhawk and some 265gr FN cast bullets. I have Lil Gun, Titegroup and Trail Boss. Would any of those work for a light load? Hard to find Unique up here at the moment.

[srtolly]

I'm using Unique in my 45 Colt with a 230gr RN. A good friend of mine and a long time reloader swears by Trail Boss for his.

[DougGuy]

Two digit prefix in the serial or three digit prefix?

Two digit can use from standard pressure all the way up to the 30,000psi Ruger Only loads you see in the loading data.

Three digit can NOT use these full house Ruger Only loads, and must be limited to 23,000psi equal to .45 ACP +P loads.

I would think Titegroup would be the better choice for a light target load, but then a 265gr boolit is not really a light target boolit either so, catch 22.

Lilgun will work great under that boolit for full house loads, and also downloaded to maybe 75% of max loads but it is still a slow burning magnum powder which usually work best with a high loading density in the case.

I have not used Trail Boss but I think you could get closest to standard pressure loads with it.

[boolit_boy]

Serial number shows as 2006 year of manufacture.

[DougGuy]

Serial number shows as 2006 year of manufacture.

That matters not a bit. The prefix tells the large framed thicker cylinder guns from the lighter, smaller framed, thinner cylinder guns. Two digit is large frame, three digit is medium frame, a much lighter gun not capable of the loads that the larger frame guns are capable of. You should know which level of performance your revolver is capable of so you don't stick a Ruger Only load in a medium framed gun..

[boolit_boy]

It is a two digit.

[runfiverun]

he just wants target loads so it really don't matter all that much.
6 grs of titegroup under a 255 gives 14-K psi and does well.
bumping that up or down a little wouldn't hurt the gun any no matter which frame it is.
I'd start at the 6 with your boolit and go from there.

[boolit_boy]

he just wants target loads so it really don't matter all that much.
6 grs of titegroup under a 255 gives 14-K psi and does well.
bumping that up or down a little wouldn't hurt the gun any no matter which frame it is.
I'd start at the 6 with your boolit and go from there.

Thank you, that helps alot. At least I have a starting point :-)

[DougGuy]

Thank you, that helps alot. At least I have a starting point :-)

Dere you go..

I wasn't trying to be overly cautious, but there are people that think because they have a Ruger, and there's Ruger Only loads listed.... You get the drift I am sure..

[6bg6ga]

Is the S&W 25-5 stout enough for these loads?

[dubber123]

Is the S&W 25-5 stout enough for these loads?

If I was better at linking things it would help, but look up John Linebaughs article on the .45 Colt in the S&W revolver. They are stronger than you think. The frame is weaker than the Ruger, but the cylinder is the same according to him. I have shot quite a few Linebaugh level loads from one of my 625's with do apparent wear or damage.

[Bohica793]

5.5 grains of Trail Boss under that pill is a nice soft target load.

[427smith]

I couldn't find a 3 digit prefix for the 45 blackhawks on the ruger web sight. 45 Vaqueros only.

[DougGuy]

The .44 and .45 Blackhawk Flattops have 3 digit prefix.

[bangerjim]

TG or TB per the published data books. I have used both with good results. If you do not have one.....GET ONE! Lyman #4 is the bible round my parts.

Never totally rely on load data from forums. Do research.......with published data and your own common sense.

banger