He asked about PLATED bullet load data. I’ve got so many printed load manuals it would take multiple trips to load them into the truck. There’s very little plated data in them.
I think the simple answer the op needed was to use lead, not jacketed recipes with plated bullets.
In post 12 he says he has many manuals, but prefers to consolidate his pet loads into an excel file on his confuser. But it appears someone didn’t read the whole thread before posting??
Last edited by Barry54; Today at 09:51 AM.
“Turn up the heat, and cast cheap!”
Barry54
Don't like being hammered by the Cast Boolits Staff, then don't be a nail.
The rules are simple to follow.
True but the Linebaugh loads I occasionally use in mine aren't in the manual either. What I was pointing out was the upper limit for plated bullets not what he could get with a 255gr. As he said, 10000-1100fps with that bullet is more than plenty. I'd stick at max of 8gr or so using unique which would put him 800fps I think. 8.5 gr max around 850fps starting 6gr and working up.
Last edited by jonp; Today at 06:54 AM.
I Am Descended From Men Who Would Not Be Ruled
Fiat Justitia, Ruat Caelum
Vox Populi, Vox Dei
I recently purchased a New Model Blackhawk in 45 LC with 5 1/2” bbl. This handgun will take the upper pressures as noted. I have no desire to shoot a nuclear load in it, but did want a more capable load for hogs. I shoot the Lee 452-255-RF powder coated and it drops near 258gr.
I researched all load data I could find and felt that maybe up to 900fps would be more than enough. There were 3 tiers of load data; 1 - Standard Colt SAA/clone data and SAAMI @ 14,000psi/cup, 2 - +P load data @ 23,000 psi Max, 3 - 32,000 psi MAX. Tiers 2 and 3 designated for the heavier manufactured revolvers such as the Thompson Contender and Ruger Blackhawk as noted in so many load manuals.
I discovered John Linebaugh’s data and works and found data for my exact Ruger NM Blackhawk. My load data included 7.5 to 9.0 grains of W231 and were documented at 917 to 1042 fps. Most data I find is always higher than what I get, so I chose accordingly hoping to reach 900. In fact, my loads were very close with John Linebaugh’s findings. Magically, my revolver shot his best load of 8.0 grains the best; This load was 956fps. Done.
This load is a +P load (Tier 2) and published safe for a Ruger NM Blackhawk. It is not punishing with standard grips but yields plenty of power as far as I’m concerned. It has become my favorite handgun/cartridge.
Search John Taffin and you can find some interesting load data tables, too.
BP | Bronze Point | IMR | Improved Military Rifle | PTD | Pointed |
BR | Bench Rest | M | Magnum | RN | Round Nose |
BT | Boat Tail | PL | Power-Lokt | SP | Soft Point |
C | Compressed Charge | PR | Primer | SPCL | Soft Point "Core-Lokt" |
HP | Hollow Point | PSPCL | Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" | C.O.L. | Cartridge Overall Length |
PSP | Pointed Soft Point | Spz | Spitzer Point | SBT | Spitzer Boat Tail |
LRN | Lead Round Nose | LWC | Lead Wad Cutter | LSWC | Lead Semi Wad Cutter |
GC | Gas Check |