I have an 8lb canister of Universal powder, 3-400 255 gr lead SWC bulllets and a box of once fired Auto Rim brass. Can anyone suggest some loads. Loads for bullets over 230 gr using Universal powder are hard to find. My brother shoots trap and was kind enough to give me the powder. It has proven to be pretty useful for handgun loads.

Try looking at http://data.hodgdon.com/

Targetslayer

That was the first place I looked. They don't have loads for anything anything over 230 gr.

Gary,
you'll probably get all sorts of loads for lots of other powders, but since you asked specificaly about Universal-

6.0 grains of it under a 255 lead swc will give just over 900 fps depending on your actual barrel length. (as per Brian Pearce's article in Handloader # 254)

Thanks, I will try this load. I will be shooting them in my 625.

I've tried and liked Universal for that 255gr. LSWC bullet(commercial cast Magma mold) that is commonly used for 45Colt in the 45AR.

Above bullet is sized at .452
5.5 grains Universal
CCI-300 primer
Loaded into Top Brass cases with an overall length of 1.220

I crimp these bullets with a Redding profile crimp die which is designed to put a roll crimp on the case mouth. I prefer using a roll crimp on any pistol bullet that has a cannelure. I'm not sure if I ever chronographed this load, but I'd be surprised if it was much over 825 fps. in my 4" 625. I do remember that the point of impact is considerably higher than the 200gr. SWC target loads that I usually shoot in that gun. I think you are on the right track looking for a powder of that burn rate for that "heavy" for caliber bullet in the 45AR. I probably tried VV-N340 also, but I seem to recall that the Universal load shot a bit tighter.

I use a Lee Factory Crimp to put on the roll crimp. It does a good job. I would have normally used Unique but since I now have a pretty good supply of Universal I thought I should start using it. I am hoping that since it and Unique have similar burn rates I can use it where I normally use Unique.

can't speak to the auto rim brass, but I use missouri bullet company 255 lead SWCs in 45 ACP for bowling pin shoots.

Out of a 625 JM (4 inch barrel) I get 800 fps with a load of 4.8 grains Universal clays