Need good Powder for 45 Colt (not unique )

[hylander]

I just don't like the way Unique meters.
Looking at #5, True Blue, BE86 and Universal.
Loading for standard loads with 200gr. RNFP., Not Ruger loads.
What do you guys use for best accuracy?

[Bzcraig]

I've recently been loading Commercial #1 using Universal data with good results with 200 & 255gr boolits. It meters well through my Lee Auto Drum.

[SSGOldfart]

Trail Boss. Works great in all 4 of my 45colts and I use it in my ROA as well.

[hylander]

Trail Boss. Works great in all 4 of my 45colts and I use it in my ROA as well.

Does it meter well ?

[shoot-n-lead]

Does it meter well ?

What problem are you having metering powder?

For the most part, we have all gotten past Unique not metering as well as some others.

[hylander]

What problem are you having metering powder?

For the most part, we have all gotten past Unique not metering as well as some others.

No problem other than Unique does not meter well at all, no consistency.

[saleen322]

I switched from Unique to Power Pistol. Power Pistol burns cleaner, meters well and is more consistent in velocity which delivers better accuracy. Charge weight is also very close the same.

[Sasquatch-1]

What powder measure are you using? I had to get the small drum for my Uniflo to stop powder cutting. Works very well and less then a tenth of a grain difference from first to last in a 50 shell batch.

[Nobade]

Red Dot. Back when I used smokeless in the 45 Colt, that worked best of everything I tested.

-Nobade

[kmrra]

I cant say for accuracy but I use HP-38 on pretty much all my hand gun loads , I load for all from 380 to 44mag , and I have found that this is a good all around powder, mainly for plinking , coarse I use unique and many other powders , im like you I dont use any extruded because of the way that it meters, the only powder measure that I ever owned that would consistently throw a good charge with those types of powders was an old B&M measure that I had years ago , wished I still had it .

[Ed_Shot]

+1 for Red Dot/Promo in 45 LC

[Calamity Jake]

+2 on the RED DOT

[Outpost75]

Bullseye! Used for factory loading of .45 Colt for 100 years. Fine particle size suited for machine loading.

Suitable for either full charge, standard pressure or light cowboy loads.

Excellent ballistic uniformity!

5.0 grains with 255-grain bullet is recommended "starting" load, ~720 fps.
6.0 grains with 260-grain bullet 800 fps revolver velocity, 13,600 psi http://www.castbulletassoc.org/forum/thread/ed-harris-45-cal-cast-bullets-45-colt/
6.5 grains with 255-grain bullet approximates factory velocity 880 fps. at standard pressure.
7.2 grains with 230-grain bullet is standard pressure, 1000+ fps, flat shooting.

[Scharfschuetze]

For standard loads in the big Colt case, I've often used Unique with good results. I do, however, have a Redding powder measure with both small and large micrometer powder chambers for it. With the small chamber, Unique measures out just fine so a measure with a small volume option may get you back on track with Unique.

That said, I've been gravitating towards Hodgdon's Tightgroup powder in these older-large-volume cases. Shot to shot variation is reduced from Unique and accuracy is very good. As Outpost notes above, Bullseye is also a good choice for standard loads in the 45 Colt.

[bedbugbilly]

I use Red Dot for a lot of different cartridges including 45 Colt. I use 6.0 grains of it with 200 grain RNFP out of a 7 1/2" Uberti Cattleman and it shoots great. For my 45 Colt loadings though, I batch load and don't use a powder measure to drop the charges. I use a dipper and with consistent dipping method, I can get very consistent loads that are checked every 5 casings with my beam scale. A spent 9mm casing with picture frame wire wrapped mourned the ejection groove and twisted into a handle makes the perfect dipper for that charge.

I have also used Green Dot when powder was hard to get as well as Unique - I keep going back to Red Dot.

[Ithaca Gunner]

I use a LEE Auto Disc Pro and don't worry about "metering" problems with any powder.

[stubshaft]

If you want an easy metering powder for the .45 LC you can't beat AA#5.

[Skunk1]

I use trail boss and hp-38 in my 45. Both meter well in my uniflow.

[DougGuy]

I like Herco in 45 Colt as well as Unique. Got to use a bit more but it works well. There is also HS-6 which works well.

[CHeatermk3]

I'm having good luck using ETR-7 in 45 Colt and acp. Meters well and cleaner and less smoky than unique or 231.

[Char-Gar]

I am one of those who never had any problems with Unique. I have loaded thousands of 45 Colt rounds with nary a problem. I hear folks tell of problems metering Unique, but that has never been a problem for me. I use an old Hollywood measure and Lyman 55s.

Most of my loads in the past ten years have been with Bullseye. Outpost gave you all the info you need on that powder. It is a very good one for many handgun loading.

Some years back, soon after it became available in the US, I bought 16 lbs of the Israeli made AA5. It is a little slower than Unique, but runs through a meter like water. It gives first rate accuracy, but in less than full factory pressure loads, it will leave unburned powder. I have used this AA5 in 38 Special, 357 Mag, 9mm, 45 ACP and 45 Colt and it has worked well in all.

A few months back, I lucked in to 16 lbs of Bullseye. I have 8 lbs of Unique, 8 lbs of 2400 and still have 8 lbs of AA5. At 74.6 years old and shooting less these days, I am set for handgun powder.

[MT Chambers]

I would give Trail Boss a try, even just for the safety factor, you can not double charge a case with it, it also shot very well for me.

[ak_milsurp]

W231 and HP38 are one and the same powder, and are good choices...., I also like 2400 and Red dot.. I guess it all depends on what you have the most of, and want to use.... I have a Win 94AE Centennial in .45 LC .. I use 16gr of 2400 under a Lee 255gr Boolit (452-255-RF), a bit much for a single action army or other handgun, but a Decent one for my Rifle... probably 1150-1200FPS Love this load..... Very accurate and light recoil (for me)

[John Boy]

ETR7 from Expansion Industries ...
Ruger 4 5/8" ... 5.8gr @ 678fpd ... 6.7gr @ 716fps
Rossi, 24" barrel ... 6.7gr @ 885fps
Rossi, 20" barrel ... 6.8gr @ 930fps
Burns clean - not position sensitive and no issues in hot or cold weather

[USSR]

Like Char-Gar, I have no metering problems with Unique in my Redding #3. Suggest AA#5 or HS-6.

Don

[Outpost75]

...I'm still having trouble understanding the problems some are experiencing with Unique. I've been loading Unique for 40+ years in rifle, pistol, and revolver cartridges, and I've never experienced any metering issues with it. I use an old Hollywood, a Lyman No.55, a Redding No.3, and a RCBS Uniflow. Works just fine through all four for me.

Dillon machine doesn't meter it well.

[kenyerian]

Can't go wrong with Bullseye.

[jimb16]

Another Red Dot user here.

[RogerDat]

Titegroup is my go to for revolver. Yes it is concentrated so a double charge or a short charge is harder to spot but I like it. Versatile, not position or temp sensitive. Burns well in lighter loads. And for lack of a better way of describing it I like the recoil "profile" to me it seems that the recoil is different, it is subtle but seems smoother. Oh and it cures bunions and helps grow hair on your head too!

I have never tried the fluffy stuff (Trailboss) but I might one of these days.

My fall back is Unique.

[runfiverun]

my 550 drops a fleck or two of unique every now and then, but it keeps the charge weights close enough I don't see it on paper.


I really like Titegroup for the under 14-K loads in the big 45 cases.
it burns clean and doesn't give me any grief metering or large velocity variations.

as much as I hate the stuff in the small cases that's how much I like it in the big volume cases.
it makes some real nice light poof type loads in the rifle cases too.

[ddixie884]

Hodgdon on line data for the bullet you state is;

Universal 6.4gr for 749fps 5,700cup
Universal 8.8gr for 1067fps 13,600cup

I shoot 9.0gr under a 255grswc in my S&W 625 Mountain Gun.
Hope this helps.

[opos]

If I'm just enjoying a day at the range and shooting nice light and "arthritis friendly" loads I love Trail boss..meters great in my Lee Auto Drum every time...for a little more bang for my buck I load 231...I don't get into the statosphere with my 45 Colt loading...again the 231 measures like water in my Autodrum

[Hardcast416taylor]

More votes for Red Dot and AA #5.Robert

[Texas by God]

Bullseye & Red Dot. I've never had problems with Unique but you have so never mind.
Best, Thomas.

[smkummer]

For my 200 grain 45 colt cowboy loads, I am using 700X. But these are only about 700 FPS. If I wanted, I am sure with 700X I could get into the 900 range. Bulky and appears to not have position sensitivity but it meters like unique. Since I am a 700X shooter with 12 gauge, that is what I use. If I was a red dot shooter in 12 gauge, then I would be all over red dot for 45 Colt.

[retread]

For standard loads in the big Colt case, I've often used Unique with good results. I do, however, have a Redding powder measure with both small and large micrometer powder chambers for it. With the small chamber, Unique measures out just fine so a measure with a small volume option may get you back on track with Unique.

That said, I've been gravitating towards Hodgdon's Tightgroup powder in these older-large-volume cases. Shot to shot variation is reduced from Unique and accuracy is very good. As Outpost notes above, Bullseye is also a good choice for standard loads in the 45 Colt.

I too like Titegroup. It meters very well and is not position sensitive, which is great for lighter loads in a large case. Very accurate in my Vaquero.

[BigAl52]

Red dot and HS6

[blackhawk man]

Another vote for 231/ HP-38. It meters very well for me, and I have been happy with it in the 45 Colt.

[hylander]

Another vote for 231/ HP-38. It meters very well for me, and I have been happy with it in the 45 Colt.

I have lots of 231,what is your load?

[GhostHawk]

4 years ago I got back into rifles, had less than half a pound of dupont 3031, there was dang little powder to be found of any kind. Then I read, and reread, and rereread Ed Harris's "the Load"

And I started digging, and started buying Red Dot.

I guess I should change my name to RedDotFreak or something.

But yeah, Red Dot, it works, in everything. May not be the fastest, but some of those small penny pinching loads are amazingly accurate.

Some say it is dirty. I say if you have sooty cases up the charge half a grain.

That is all it took to turn my light .40sw carbine from a black brass maker into a sweet talking clean and shiny brass making machine.

YMMV

[blackhawk man]

I have lots of 231,what is your load?

Hylander,

I use a 250 grain lead rnfp and data from Hodgdon's online reloading site. I've worked up to their max for that bullet. Nice load in a Ruger Blackhawk.

[quilbilly]

Last year when I picked up my 45 Colt Ruger, I had a full can of AA-7 left over from a traded gun so I tried it in my 45 Colt. It shoots really well at 13 gr of the powder. When I finally finish that can off, I will probably switch to Bullseye.

[Santa Lee]

Titegroup meters beautifuly, shoots great.

[Jack Stanley]

Bullseye , Red Dot , Promo .... lots of good choices .

Jack

[kaiser]

Assuming standard Colt loads, not Ruger or T/C, I've had really good luck with Accurate #5, Universal, and Blue Dot with 250 and 255gr cast and jacketed loads. My two .45Colts (Uberti and Ruger New Vaquaero) also like Red Dot and IMR4227. While Win296 or H110 is a tad too slow and pressures too high, I've had good luck with SR4759 (obsolete now) in a Uberti rifle and my pistol shoots the load as well; it fills the case better than the faster powder, so you would not be able to "double charge" your case. I've also used "Keith's Load" of 2400 (downloaded from his data, of course) with good accuracy, but it really seems to leave a lot more powder residue on the pistols than the others.

[P Flados]

Red dot and Promo work great for most handguns (including 45 ACP or 45 Colt) as long as you are not going for absolute top velocities or itty bitty charges from a powder measure.

And FYI, it is just as good as TiteGroup as far as position sensitiviy based on my actual testing.

Now I like TiteGroup when I want to either meter real small charges (less than 3.5 grs starts getting iffy with Promo & my RCBS measure) or get a little more velocity. I use Unique & H110 when I need more bang. However, 80% of my loading is going to be Promo.

I started using the stuff around 10 years ago.

I decided I need to start buying powder in bulk on-line. My biggest need was for a fast burning powder. I still had a little 700x at the time and was happy with it. I knew Red Dot would do the same job as 700x and found that Red Dot had more in the way of pistol load data and real field info on-line from people that had "pet loads" that they loved.

I spotted Promo and found that it was just a cheaper version of Red Dot.

I bought an 8 lb jug. Since I do not shoot shotgun anymore, it has just been used in handguns.

I just finished the last of that jug today. I would have used the last of it years ago, but I cut way back on using it (I was buying other stuff) when it was not available.

I topped off the powder measure with some more Promo from a recently purchased 8 lb jug. Sitting in the corner is the other 8 lb jug I bought at the same time.

Buying 16 lbs of a powder for handgun use is a pretty obvious vote of confidence.

All you Red Dot lovers should give Promo a try. I know it was mostly MIA during the powder shortage, but it is back. It is still "the same thing" (except a minor density difference) and still a bargin (cost is 85% of Red Dot based on Powder Valley cost per 8 lb jug).

[GhostHawk]

Loaded mine with Red Dot. And I have an 8 lb jug of Promo. Which is currently saved for the shotgun reloader.

For centerfire I like seeing the dots, costs me a few dollars but not that many.

BPI currently has 8 lbs of Promo at 128.60
Red Dot is 151.79 for 8lb.

3 $ a pound, it does add up. Might have to think about stocking some more primers and a couple of 8's of Promo.

[waco]

I use Redot and Universal.

[wildcatter]

I also use 231 and Redot in my non Ruger only loads. I buy 231 (same as hp38) by the keg, as I find it very universal for anything from 32 cal to 45 cal in non magnum cases.

[stubshaft]

+1 for Accurate #5. I have shot hundreds of rounds through my Rugers with it. It burns like Unique but meters so much better.

[pineknot]

So far I've had good results with True Blue in the 45 colt. I have a S&W 625 mountain gun and a Henry Big Boy and both seem happy with the powder and a 250 gr. SWC hard cast . Meters well, cleaner than AA 5 in my experience. I haven't felt the need to try anything else.

[Quiettime]

I use Universal. Love it. Sold my Hog Leg though and I'm dying for another one....

[krems]

I like and use 231 and SR4756 for all my less than full power handgun loads. I’m bummed that SR4756 has been discontinued but I have a few pounds left. It is my favorite powder for 45 Colt, 500 Linebaugh, and 500 SW in my cast bullet plinking loads. Meters great, a double charge wouldn’t allow a bullet to be seated in my loads and chronographs spreads are impressive. Never cared for unique as I meters like ****.

[earlmck]

All those old Alliant flakes -- Unique, Bullseye, the dots -- meter about the same (fair to poor) although a measure with the small diameter drum improves things a lot and if you don't have one now you need to get one. I've replaced Unique with Universal with identical powder charges and the Universal meters a little better.

[chsparkman]

I've been using Universal in .45 Colt for 25 years. It meters accurately, burns clean, and 8 grains under the Lee 255 RF is a straight shooting load in both my Bisley and my Vaquero.

[Rodfac]

Here's a vote for either HP38 or Win 231 (the same powder with a different label). The .45 Colt is a big case with a lot of volume, but 231 works well. Generally, I like a more case filling load, but these kinds of results speak for themselves...just watch out for a double powder charge. On my Dillon, my overhead light gives me a good look into each case as it moves from the powder drop die.

All of the following loads were tested from a sitting position, the gun extended between my upright knees (Keith's old long range shooting position). It's tough on the Levis but actually gives me better accuracy than shooting off bags. All were assembled in once fired Starline cases, and with Winchester Lg. Pistol primers.

With Magnus' 255 gr RNFP at 0.452" dia., I get good ~2" gps at 25 yds with 7.5 gr of 231 at 823 fps with 36 fps extreme spread (ES) over six shots.

The Missouri "Cowboy" 250 gr LBT, another 0.452" bullet, does as well with 7.3 gr of Win 231 for 813 fps and 66 fps ES.

My home cast Lyman #454190 FNL bullets, when cast from WW, air quenched & sized 0.454" & backed by 7.2 gr of 231 do 854 fps with a 27 fps ES for six shots...friends, this is a genuine sub-2" grouper...and I often wonder what it'd do with good, adj. sights. BTW, I use White Label's 50-50 lube with the above.

The gun for all of the above is a 4-5/8" Ruger New Vaquero, .45 Colt with hog wallow sights. As received from Ruger, unfortunately, it had cylinder throats that measured ~0.450"+-, but with a groove dia. that went 0.452+"; not the best of combinations to be sure. To fix that problem, I had Cylindersmith open up the throats to a uniform 0.4525". And BTW, before the cylinder throat work, the gun shot well over 3" in grouping with these same loads. I'd estimate that the cylinder work alone accounted for a 50% reduction in group size. It was cheap to do, CS getting $60 for the work IIRC.

As always, these are my loads, worked up for my guns. If interested, you should consult a GOOD loading manual, consider the pressure implications and work up to them.

Best Regards, Rod

[Larry Gibson]

I.....
Loading for standard loads with 200gr. RNFP., Not Ruger loads.
What do you guys use for best accuracy?

I use 7.2 gr Bullseye with the 200 gr RNFP in my SAA's and M1873 carbine. Runs 950 +/- fps in the SAs and 1150 fps in the Carbine. Accuracy is excellent.

[azrednek]

I like Herco in 45 Colt as well as Unique. Got to use a bit more but it works well. There is also HS-6 which works well.

I'm with Doug, Herco and HS-6 is what I've used for 45 Colt. Can't recall using Unique. Unfortunately Herco my preferred meters about the same as Unique. Best I recall as it's been more than ten years. I don't recall any problems with the way HS-6 metered in my Hornady lock n load.

[Rdbronco]

John Linebaugh calls HS6 voodoo powder. I have had good luck on that recommendation .....

[retread]

For standard loads in the big Colt case, I've often used Unique with good results. I do, however, have a Redding powder measure with both small and large micrometer powder chambers for it. With the small chamber, Unique measures out just fine so a measure with a small volume option may get you back on track with Unique.

That said, I've been gravitating towards Hodgdon's Tightgroup powder in these older-large-volume cases. Shot to shot variation is reduced from Unique and accuracy is very good. As Outpost notes above, Bullseye is also a good choice for standard loads in the 45 Colt.

I too have had really good results with Titegroup in my 45 Colt. I still use some other powders (lots of powder that I have picked up in private sales and donations) but when that stuff is gone I will be staying with TG for my 45.

[jdt81]

Years ago I went through several powders (Red Dot, Bulls eye, 700x, Unique) trying to find and accurate load for 200 gr SWC (all shot from contender barrel. I found 700x to be the most consistent and accurate. After about 10 years of using it I started to get some squib loads so I don't use it any more, but it was a good powder for that particular combination. Not sure if it is still available.

[pakmc]

trail boss and a new powder "Clean shot"! it about like ACC #2(or 231/HP-38) tite group works well in most revolvers.OK, I've used them all at one time or another.