How does this thread apply nearly ten years later due to powder shortages (Unique comes to mind) and the plethora of alternatives to the old standby powders (BE, Unique, 2400)? These are for 158 gr generic cast SWCs in a Ruger 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk:
950-1,000 fps - getting by nicely with W231
1,000 - 1,100 fps - N340, Accurate #5, BE-86
1,200 fps - 1,250 fps magnum - still 2400 is king for me loaded with 13.5 grs
If I had to choose only three…
Fast - W231
Medium - N340
Slow - 2400
Some of these old thread resurrections while still informative are a bit sad. Reading through and seeing the members we have lost over the years as well as their knowledge. I do truly miss some of their posts .
Win231/HP38, Unique, Universal, HP6 or Powder pistol for warm.
2400 or H110/win296 for max loads.
Use a magnum primer and a FIRM ROLL CRIMP on the 110/296 loads.
win231/HP38 / 158gr makes a nice accurate load.
.
NRA LIFE Member
USPSA/IPSC
Good shooting Derek.Originally Posted by derek45
2400 & IMR 4227, the latter is compressed under a Remington 158 SJHP.
I tend to keep 3 types (burning rates) of pistol propellant. Bullseye/Red Dot for reduced velocity or factory duplication in non-magnum revolver rounds and small-capacity auto pistol calibers. Unique, Herco, BE-86, or AA#5 for factory duplication or +P in the same, and mid-range in the original magnum revolver rounds and similar. For true magnum performance in .357 and .45 Colt, I use 2400 or one of the 4227s (NEVER H110/W296). I WAS contemplating the use of Alliant 300-MP, but the Alliant people are suspiciously reticent about providing data for it in .45 Colt, even at magnum-level pressures. They weren't very forthcoming with data for 2400 in TC/Ruger only loads (despite there being REAMS of data for it, elsewhere), I guess I should have expected such.
Anyway, were I to buy a pound each of the 3 propellant classes at the beginning of a new year, by the time we're deciding on turkey vs. ham for Thanksgiving, I'll be about 1/3 through the pound of fast-burning powder, 2/3 to 3/4 through the slow-burner, and on my THIRD pound of the medium-burning stuff.
I don't use the fast-burners to develop magnum-level loads. I can obtain 75 - 85% of maximum performance from the .357 and .45 Colt with the medium-burners (which is usually enough), and 99% with the slow-burners. That's the way it's been with ME, for the last 4 decades, anyway.
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Ecclesiastes 1:18
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool become servant to the wise of heart. Proverbs 11:29
...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40
Carpe SCOTCH!
Nice post Mr Kosh!
Oh yeah.
Mrs. Hogwallop up and R-U-N-N-O-F-T.
Keep it simple - 231 for standard loads, 296 for magnum loads.
Collector and shooter of guns and other items that require a tax stamp, Lead and brass scrounger. Never too much brass, lead or components in inventory! Always looking to win beauty contests with my reloads.
.
NRA LIFE Member
USPSA/IPSC
Very nice.
Can I ask what load your shooting ?
I am in the process of working up a load for The 6" GP
Failure is not an Option
Ruger GP100 4.2" shot hits on steel at 90 yards. 6.5gr Win231, SNS 158gr RNFP coated.
.
NRA LIFE Member
USPSA/IPSC
Thank you
Failure is not an Option
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