First post, but been around awhile in the shadows learning. You guys are indeed amazing with your knowledge. I am planning on reloading some 45 Colt for hog-in-the-trap solutions. I got a box of Hornady XTP MAG, 240 gr .452 dia bullets, without noticing they were the MAG version. I only want to load them in a 45 SAA Clone, mid-pressure, and am not concerned about expansion issues. Have ample Unique, so that is what will be used - unless you tell me otherwise. Will the reloads be adequate, and safe ?. Also, my Hornaday reloading book is ancient - like first edition, 1967 vintage, so there are no listings for that weight bullet or powder. ??? Time for a major upgrade for sure. Thanks in advance !!
New member needs advice on 45 Colt reloads
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You fail to mention what the firearm is that this load will be shot from
The MAG version of the projectile is designed to begin mushrooming at higher velocities than the standard version. Like in a 454 Casull or the 460 S&W Magnum cartridges
Both projectiles are equally safe as far as the load goes.
Since expansion is not an issue for you, I can see no reason to change the projectiles
Unique would not necessarily be my first choice for that projectile/cartridge combination, but it is what you have on hand
8 grains of unique should push that projectile to just over 900 FPS in a 4"-6" barrel and keep within standard SAAMI pressure for the 45LC cartridge
A modern Smith and Wesson revolver could even be safely loaded to pressures above that
You fail to mention what the firearm is that this load will be shot from
The MAG version of the projectile is designed to begin mushrooming at higher velocities than the standard version. Like in a 454 Casull or the 460 S&W Magnum cartridges
Both projectiles are equally safe as far as the load goes.
Since expansion is not an issue for you, I can see no reason to change the projectiles
Unique would not necessarily be my first choice for that projectile/cartridge combination, but it is what you have on hand
8 grains of unique should push that projectile to just over 900 FPS in a 4"-6" barrel and keep within standard SAAMI pressure for the 45LC cartridge
A modern Smith and Wesson revolver could even be safely loaded to pressures above that
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Welcome. The latest Hornady manual wouldn't be of any help to you. Data for the 240 gr XTP Mag is only shown for Ruger and Thompson firearms and has no data for Unique. If you haven't broken the box, see if you can return and get the 250 XTP which has data for Unique.
No reason you can't load the HDY 240gr bullets using the HDY 250gr XTP data. It's a lighter shorter bullet that seats shallower in the case when seated to it's cannelure. They'll present no problems when properly loaded for your revolver.
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OLDSTER
Member
Welcome from North Dakota 
8 gr of Unique is prudent as per Lyman 49 and Colt SAA.
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And a.......
And a Hound Dawg Howdy from SC!
Yeah, it's time to get a new reloading manual and there is also good data on powder manufacturer's websites.
For shooting lead there's nothing like a Lyman manual, but websites have some lead data now, too.
I had a long layoff from reloading and when I got back I realized that a lot of methods and philosophies have changed. It wouldn't hurt to brush up with a new 'how to' manual.
The way I see it, new data has a larger safety factor, but unless old published data was know to damage guns, I don't see why they would blow up a strong, modern gun now. An exception to this was the Speer number 8, which had some loads that made even liberal reloaders wary.
Anyway, to me old data is good data. Not necessarily for getting the 'hottest' load, but gives me some more versatility especially in things like much reduced loads that modern data is scarce on.
And a Hound Dawg Howdy from SC!
Yeah, it's time to get a new reloading manual and there is also good data on powder manufacturer's websites.
For shooting lead there's nothing like a Lyman manual, but websites have some lead data now, too.
I had a long layoff from reloading and when I got back I realized that a lot of methods and philosophies have changed. It wouldn't hurt to brush up with a new 'how to' manual.
The way I see it, new data has a larger safety factor, but unless old published data was know to damage guns, I don't see why they would blow up a strong, modern gun now. An exception to this was the Speer number 8, which had some loads that made even liberal reloaders wary.
Anyway, to me old data is good data. Not necessarily for getting the 'hottest' load, but gives me some more versatility especially in things like much reduced loads that modern data is scarce on.
Welcome to the forurm, MRB1. You should be just fine with your bullet. MAG version is just "tougher" bullet capable of withstanding 55K PSI produced by 460 Mag. If you, as you've said, don't care about expansion it would work just fine. Hodgdon reloading site has a number of recipes for 250gr bullet they all would work for your 240gr. If you're new to reloading I'd suggest you stay away from fast powders because with minuscule charge it'd be very hard to notice double or triple charge in this big case.
Ivan the Butcher
Member
When it comes to loading Unique, the "best ever manual" was/is Lyman Number 45. It has Unique loads for every cartridge Americans loaded in the early 70's, The listed velocity is something you can count on, and it has "Accuracy Loads" that are accurate in just about any gun they fit!
There are older manuals via PDF files on the internet, Find a couple you like and make hard copies for on the loading bench.
My recommendations for current manuals are 1) the latest Lyman currently Number 50. 2) any issue of Lyman cast bullet Handbook, and 3) either edition of Lee's Modern Handloading.
You should also make a record of what you loaded, and note your impressions. I made notes in my copy of Lyman 46, but 40 years later it is falling apart, and will be of no use to my kids when they take over the reloading in another 10 or 15 years! So much good and bad experience will be lost!
Ivan
There are older manuals via PDF files on the internet, Find a couple you like and make hard copies for on the loading bench.
My recommendations for current manuals are 1) the latest Lyman currently Number 50. 2) any issue of Lyman cast bullet Handbook, and 3) either edition of Lee's Modern Handloading.
You should also make a record of what you loaded, and note your impressions. I made notes in my copy of Lyman 46, but 40 years later it is falling apart, and will be of no use to my kids when they take over the reloading in another 10 or 15 years! So much good and bad experience will be lost!
Ivan
fredj338
Member
No need to shoot expensive jacketed bullets in a revo. None of my revos see anything but lead or coated lead. In 45colt, probably doesnt get much better than 250-255gr bullets over 8gr of unique for plinking loads.
fredj338
Member
Wrong powder for low pressure 45colt loads.
That's what I've been told.
H110 for heavy loads.
H110 for heavy loads.
Not sure where you're getting this. SAAMI cartridge drawing for the .45 Colt shows it to be cylindrical and .480 diameter. I've loaded thousands of .45 Colt with carbide dies over the years with no problems.
. The OP said he's looking for load data to use "in a 45 SAA Clone, mid-pressure". Wrong powder for that!Unique's fine in any reasonable 45 Colt load.
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Benchrest1
Member
Another fan of Unique. 255 Keith bullet with 8 grains of Unique is a good all around load.
^^^ That's might be why the 460XVR DA/SA has evolved.
With a bite proof 8.375" barrel I can leave the shark proof glove at home.
With a bite proof 8.375" barrel I can leave the shark proof glove at home.
bedbugbilly
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For killing hogs, he old standby lead 250 - 255 grain RNFP will do the job nicely. I load for my Uberti Cattleman 7 1/2" 45 Colt using the cast bullet from the old Ideal/Lyman 454-190 mold - the traditional 45 Colt bullet. I cast 'em, tumble lube them in paste wax / alox and load them over 6.5 gr. of Red Dot. Extremely accurate with good results on paper out to 50 yards (the max distance I could shoot at my backyard range on the farm).
You can buy pretty much the same lead slug from a number of suppliers - .452 - .454 will work fine. I tried the traditional Unique load but had better results with RD - a lot less dirtier than I was getting with the Unique. Every revolver is different and every one has their likes / dislikes.
I cast all of my projectiles for pistol/rifle and haven't bought a "store bought" round in years. Everyone has their own preferences - but why buy high priced jacketed when a lead slug has done the job for many years.
You can buy pretty much the same lead slug from a number of suppliers - .452 - .454 will work fine. I tried the traditional Unique load but had better results with RD - a lot less dirtier than I was getting with the Unique. Every revolver is different and every one has their likes / dislikes.
I cast all of my projectiles for pistol/rifle and haven't bought a "store bought" round in years. Everyone has their own preferences - but why buy high priced jacketed when a lead slug has done the job for many years.
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