.45 Colt Powder Recommendations?

[J.C. Kerns]

I've recently been bit by the .45 Colt bug and handloading is very interesting with all that powder capacity.

I don't want to "magnumize" my loads, but loadings I get with Herco and 2400 behind a 230 grain LRN bullet just don't get consistent velocities unless I "jack them up".

I'm trying for 900 FPS in a 4-5/8" Ruger Blackhawk without going over (or at least not much over) factory pressure levels.

What powders give a consistent burn in that large case ? Trail Boss is bulky and not position sensitive, but the manuals show only "Cowboy" loads that are pretty soft.

Is it possible that I will have to go to a heavier bullet ?
I can do that, but I really like this 230 grain mold I'm using and I want to stay with it if I can.

Thanks for any information or advice.

J.C. in Duncan

 

[dlbleak]

hey j.c., try 7 gr. of 231. that should put you right at 900 fps. its on the upper end of pressures but the blackhawk can do it with ease. should be a snappy round that would perform nicely in a rifle also. right around 13000 cup.

 

[aeropb]

Last time I loaded some I used 230gr lead, with 9gr unique, 1.59 OAL. Those shot really good. Velocity should be around 950-1000fps

 

[Old Fart]

I've found 45LC really likes Unique.
But that just might be me.

 

[RedTape]

I've used Unique for light cowboy loads with a 250 gr LRN bullet. About 18 grs of the 2400 with a 250 gr XTP works great out of my Blackhawk for a hunting load.

 

[Huckelberry75]

I've found 45LC really likes Unique.
But that just might be me.

What he said.

 

[okdkranch]

I also prefer Unique but I load 255 gr RNFP lead bullets mostly.