.45 Colt Loads

[BudHyett]

Situation: Three different strength level .45 Colt revolvers and too many conflicting (unclear) recommendations. I'm shooting pistol to regain strength in my arms and increase hand/eye coordination. Seeking a standard load in strength level #1. I've been shooting 6.5 grains Unique with the 200 grain SWC and that is not doing the trick for accuracy. Checking on the web, there are differing recommendations for the Level #1, I'd like to know what people are actually using that is successful.

• Level 1: Colt SAA second generation (1964 manufacture), Colt New Service (1915 manufacture); Uberti Schofield
• Level 2: S&W Model 25, S&W Model 625
• Level 3: Ruger Blackhawk, Colt Anaconda

Powder: Unique

Bullets: H&G 200 grain SWC (primarily), RCBS 45-230-RN, and SAECO #954

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

I/We can give many recomendations but bottom line is what you gun likes. Only way to know this is to load and try them.

Unique is a legendary powder in the 45 Colt & one of my favorites. Im using 8.7g under a MP Ruger only 300g bullet.


Probably NOT a safe load for a Old Colt but may not even work in one for its extended length. This bullet dosent seat very deeply. Its about the same as a 200g RF bullet. So much more powder cap. Taking advantage if the longer Ruger cyl.

CW

 

[RBHarter]

I think 9.0 is max Unique for a 255 . I shoot 9.5 in a BlackHawk for 1050 fps out of a 7.5 barrel .

I'm thinking 8.5 is max with jackets @ 255 gr .

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

RUGER & T/C LOADS BELOW

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

BOTH ABOVE ARE FROM LYMAN 47th


If ya need, I can post pics from Lymans last Cast Bullet Manual.

 

[Brad]

I use the NOE 454424 in my Model 25 with 6 gr of Red Dot. Shoots very well and recoil is mild.
I would be perfectly happy with 700X or Titegroup as well.

 

[fiver]

7.5of unique in the usfa's with a 200-225-250 was pretty standard around here.
then 6grs of titegroup, 5.5 of red-dot, 5.0 of clays.
[231 was in there somewhere, but i don't remember the amount for the colt, 5.1-2 was standard ACP fare for the 80's and 90's though]

the clays and titegroup both work nice with a 160 too.
all standard 14-15K loads.

 

[Charles Graff]

Standard 45 Colt loading is 6.5 grains of Bullseye, under a 250-260 grain bullet. Accuracy will depend on the size of bullet, the cylinder throats of your revolver, the temper of the alloy and your ability to shoot a revolver.

 

[RicinYakima]

My soft shooting plinking load, for your 200 grain bullet, mine was 452460 was 6.0 grains of Unique. However, I seated them with the front band about 1/4" BELOW the end of the case. The base of the bullet is above what a 45 ACP would finish at for seating depth. That increases pressure, but doesn't increase recoil. These were used in a Colt Model 1909 US Army revolver (New Service). FWIW

 

[Ian]

Standard 45 Colt loading is 6.5 grains of Bullseye, under a 250-260 grain bullet. Accuracy will depend on the size of bullet, the cylinder throats of your revolver, the temper of the alloy and your ability to shoot a revolver.

THIS^^^^^

 

[Missionary]

Good evening
We have 2 New Service 45 Colts . One is a 5.5" barrel and the other is 7.5". They both shoot a 240 grain SWC PB pushed by 8 grains Unique very nicely. The short one is from 03 and the 7.5 from 1920. Both shoot .452 slugs the best even though the cylinders are .453

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

I cast some more today. Loading up soon!

 

[Walks]

I've gotten sub 2" groups at 25yrds with the following load;
Lee #452-230-TC over 5.0grs of Clay's.
And for a bit more oomph;
#452423 over 8.0grs of Unique.

 

[oscarflytyer]

Colt 45 loads I am using (pretty much same as above)
Guns are:
Taylor SA
Ruger NMBH
Henry Rifle

Traditional Colt load level
250-260 grn cast
6.5-6.6 BE
7.1-7.3 HP-38/231
8.0-8.5 Unique

also, in my NM Blackhawk
16.5 2400 with the Lee 255 SWC
Currently my hunting/woods carry load in this gun
(could bump this slightly, but this shoots well and isn't uncomfortable)