45 Colt load info needed

[Kyfarmer]

I am developing a load using a 260 gr. NEI Keith type SWC cast from wheelweights sized to .452. This will be used in a pair of Ruger Blackhawks with 7 1/2" and 4 5/8"
barrels. I have always used Unique at 8 to 8.5 grs but have been experimenting with Red Dot and it seems to give a good bit better accuracy. I started at 6 grs. and worked up to 7.5. Got better accuracy at the higher charges but am a little concerned about extended use of this heavy load and the effect on my guns. I'll be shooting a lot. Is this load OK in a Ruger or should I back off to a lighter load? Lyman book shows at 255 gr. SWC at 8.3 as max for a Ruger or 6 grs. for a standard 45 Colt load What do you fellows think?
Kyfarmer

[biggome]

I would think as long as you don't see any overpressure signs or get any odd velocities it would be fine to continue with the load development and even go to max load specs to see if you see an improvement if you can stand the recoil.

I doubt that you could hurt a Ruger with any properly assembled published load over any amount of heavy use. In your case, I think short brass life will let you know you are pushing it a bit much before you get into the "worry zone" as far as hurting your revolvers.

As long as you get velocities close to what the book predicts I would shoot what performed the best as much as the brass life allowed within reason.

Paul

[T-Bird]

my favorite load for everything but deer hunting is 10gr. AA#5 under either a 260gr LY452490gc, or the RCBS 270SAA (actually weighs 282gr from my version of WW+2%. I have a Bisley 7.5 . The #5 gives me better accuracy than the Unique loads that you quoted, I used to shoot them too. Both bullets run around 900 fps from my gun. T-Bird

[Bman]

If I understand you right your boolit is 5 gr heavier and you powder charge is .8 gr lighter? Do a google search for John Linebaugh see if you can find where he posted his reasearch. A thumbnail sketch is that MAX on the .45 Rugers is about 32,000(CUP or PSI??). A little CRS there. But that is the safe MAX in his opinion and the manuals usually stop at about 25-28,000(pick your unit).

If you are looking for a little sportlier load with the powders you have on hand I have safely run up to 10gr of Unique in the two Ruger .45's I had.

As far as looking for pressure signs I never had any even running posted but undisclosed amounts of H110 under the Lee 300grfngc jobbie.

[felix]

The best top load in terms of pressure under 30K is 25 grains RL7, or the same practical results with 28 grains of 680/116. These loads are with a 300 grainer boolit, powder to bottom of boolit, no compression. ... felix

[MikeG]

Check out this site for 30K loads.

http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/PerCaliber2Guide/Handgun/Standarddata/45Cal(11.5mm)/45%20Colt%2030CUP%20with%20start%20loads.pdf

Mike G.

[gregg]

http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt45lc.htm