Powder Options in 45 Colt

[NHKen]

Ok, I ran some at 5.8gr - 6.0 - 6.3 and 6.5
All ran fine, no sticky extraction or strange looking primers.
The gun is filthy after only about 40 rnds.
Thanks to everyone that helped and pointed out my flawed logic.
Ken

 

[Rule3]

So it sounds like you are using a 45 ACP bullet? Does it have a crimp groove or not? If npt you need a taper crimp to keep the bullet from moving in a revolver. Using 45 Colt dies will want to roll crimp which you can do my putting a heavy crimp on the bullet.

In theory, yes you can use FMJ data for lead as the lead bullet will not generate as much neck tension and pressure as a jacketed,

But if you are new to all this it is better to just stick with published data.

 

[NHKen]

No, it's not an ACP bullet as it has a crimp groove. Yes, typically I strictly adhere to published data, but lack of powder options has me scrambling. Thanks again for the help, I like revolvers, but I'm really attached to my hands and eyes - I'd like to keep them.
Ken

 

[Rule3]

OK then, I am not saying to do so but a guy could use the load data for the 230gr Jacket bullet. You will grt a little more velocity also.

The "dirt" is due to the lube and the lower powder charge of Bullseye. It gets real sooty at low charges.

Use at your own risk, The 45 Colt can take a a lot. Even if it is a SW and not a Big ole Ruger.

 

[NHKen]

Thanks. Yes, I'm intrigued, so I'll work on some other loads. Aside from sticking in the cylinders, what other pressure signs should I look for?

 

[Nevada Ed]

Does make you wonder what the new S&W models can take....
vs the old Colt single actions back in the 1890's.

a 45 colt 255 lead with 40gr of FFg hit around 770 fps.
Old manual with Bullseye has it maxed out at 819 fps.

Have seen some "New" data with the 250gr Cast at.........1098 fps.

 

[Rule3]

If you ever can find Unique or HP38/Win 231 then those are good powders for the 45 Colt.

Only caliber I use Unique in. I shoot cast 250 gr lead with a healthy dose of Unique. I do not go over published loads as there is no need to. The caliber was not made to be super fast. If it's in the 900 fps range it's plenty, The paper does not seem to care and I am not shooting any Brown Bears. We do have Black Bears but they are protected unless it's life or death. The HP38 and Unique loads will go through a car door probably both sides.

There are lots of articles and ongoing threads about the 45 Colt. If I need something faster than its a 44 Mag.

 

[NHKen]

Rule3 - I'm not a recoil junkie by any definition. I just want a safe load with the powders I have access to, that being said, I like to have some options. I'll be buying some Unique as soon as it's available - it looks to be very versatile, especially in 45 Colt.

For now, I'm going to stick around 6.0 gr of Bullseye. Accuracy is good and no pressure signs.

Thanks again,
Ken

 

[ArchAngelCD]

NHKen,
I really wish you would have bought a middle speed powder instead of a very fast powder and 2 slower powders. If you added AA#5 to the powders you have it would have been better.

Other than those 3 were the only powders on the store shelf why did you buy those 3 powders? What other cartridges are you loading for where those powders are applicable?

 

[fredj338]

After some research and review, I deleted my previous posts.

It seems that out of you powders Bullseye would probably be the best. Still not my choice but you got what you got.

I am so used to using Unique or HP 38, I "assumed" BE was to fast but apparently not.

The burn rates of AA 7 and Blue Dirt are almost the same.

Any powder can be made to work in any caliber. There will be performance sacrifices, but those are the facts.

 

[Biggfoot44]

If you have to Ask

What are pressure signs , you shouldn't be attempting experemental load developement.

Given the current component situation , I will presume that those three were the only pistol powders available locally to you.

If you had a BlackHawk , etc , and said you were interested in top end loads , we could quote published Blue Dot loads , and speculate upon AA7 at similar pressures. But alas for the moment proceede with modest loads of Bullseye , and when you find some , get some medimum speed powder.

 

[alwslate]

This thread needs a reality check and someone has to do it so here
goes. For standard pressure loads at modest velocity Bullseye is no
doubt a better powder to use than Unique. Too many reasons to list
all but with large capacity cases and lots of air space the best
consistancy is obtained with the fast burners. Speer #12 loads for
standard pressure .45 Colt loads at 14,000 psi maximum lists 7.0 grs
Bullseye as top charge with their 250 gr lead SWC and 7.1 grs as top
with their 260 gr JHP. These are top charges listed under the pressure
ceiling of 14,000 psi for standard pressure .45 Colt. Pressure is not
listed for these loads but is probably somewhat less than 14,000 psi.
Does anyone seriously think that there is any danger of blowing up
a gun by starting with 7.0 grs with a 230 gr lead bullet or one of the
listed bullets? The old admonition about working up a load by starting
below maximum and working up certainly applies in some cases,
particularly with high power rifle loads which often operate above
60,000 psi but is unnecessary with revolver loads at 10-12,000 psi.
What pressure signs does anyone think they're going to see? Sticky
extraction and flattened primers at 12,000 psi? Not likely. I often
wonder if some people actually read their loading manuals when they
post their opinions that directly contradict pressure tested data. The
near phobic reaction to the mention of the fast burning powders makes
me wonder how some can even dare to reload at all. With the variety
of loading criteria involving handgun loads for swaged target bullets,
cowboy action velocities and JHPs the difference between top listed
loads and maximum loads is poorly understood by many handloaders.

 

[NHKen]

As I see powders become available, I buy them. Not many available. I'm loading 9mm, 10mm and 45 Colt. In the coming months I'll be loading 45acp and 41 mag. If someone knows of a source with a large selection of powders either online or anywhere in NH, please share the info.
Thanks,
Ken

 

[Rule3]

This thread needs a reality check and someone has to do it so here
goes.

It's easy to come in at the end of a thread and critique what has been posted.

When the OP who is relatively new (based on posts) and the wording of the original post appears to be new at reloading or at least new to 45 Colt. Then changes the bullet weight, it's difficult to know his level of experience?
The prudent thing then is to post information based on safety an best practices.

Advising someone who is probably new (or anyone) that it is not necessary to start at starting loads, is not a a good "reality" check.

Just because a powder is listed does not make it the best choice.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

This thread needs a reality check and someone has to do it so here
goes. For standard pressure loads at modest velocity Bullseye is no
doubt a better powder to use than Unique. Too many reasons to list
all but with large capacity cases and lots of air space the best
consistancy is obtained with the fast burners.

Well here is a reality check, I think that statement is completely incorrect.

When you load very fast powders in extremely large cases originally loaded with Black Powder it's very possible that powder might not ignite correctly because it's position sensitive. Even if it's not position sensitive there isn't much of it. After all, there isn't much powder in a charge of Bullseye when put in a 45 Colt case. A slower powder would fill the case more and possible burn better because of it. (I said slower, not slow powder) I get the best results with AA#5 and HS-6.

 

[alwslate]

Well here is a reality check, I think that statement is completely incorrect.

When you load very fast powders in extremely large cases originally loaded with Black Powder it's very possible that powder might not ignite correctly because it's position sensitive. Even if it's not position sensitive there isn't much of it. After all, there isn't much powder in a charge of Bullseye when put in a 45 Colt case. A slower powder would fill the case more and possible burn better because of it. (I said slower, not slow powder) I get the best results with AA#5 and HS-6.

Ah, I love to read your posts Arch because of your persistance
in consulting your logical mind instead of throughly reading
the postings and checking data you help make my point.
The OP has Bullseye, not your HS-6 and AA#5. Your logical
mind implies a direct relationship between powder bulkiness
and position sensitivity, do you actually believe this? Can
you really think that at 11,000 psi level Unique or HS-6,
which Speer uses a magnum primer with, will be less position
sensitive than Bullseye? Have you ever tested various
powders for position sensitivity like I have? The most ardent
fans of the .45 Colt recognize that the large amount of air
space in it's large case makes it the worst offender for
inconsistancy with light loads. Some very popular gun
writers are great fans of the .45 Colt and have stated
repeatedly that best consistancy comes with fast burners.
But who cares anyway? The point is that the OP has Bullseye
and it works as well or better than most other powders for
his purpose of modest loads with cast bullets and to alarm
him and insist that he must buy something else is just wrong.

 

[alwslate]

It's easy to come in at the end of a thread and critique what has been posted.

When the OP who is relatively new (based on posts) and the wording of the original post appears to be new at reloading or at least new to 45 Colt. Then changes the bullet weight, it's difficult to know his level of experience?
The prudent thing then is to post information based on safety an best practices.

Advising someone who is probably new (or anyone) that it is not necessary to start at starting loads, is not a a good "reality" check.

Just because a powder is listed does not make it the best choice.

Once again read the post. I came in at #8, not at the end.
Nothing wrong with safe practices but to scare a guy into
thinking he might lose his fingers unless he carefully works
up to a cowboy load level while watching for signs of high
pressure isn't realistic. Read what your manuals say about
reading primers and cases for pressure signs with light
handgun loads. Again read the post. Nobody said that
Bullseye was THE best powder, but at the low pressure
levels of the .45 Colt it's one of the best, AND he already
has it. Ok? Why tell a guy he must try to find something
else when what he has will be fine?

 

[Rule3]

Once again read the post. I came in at #8, not at the end.
Nothing wrong with safe practices but to scare a guy into
thinking he might lose his fingers unless he carefully works
up to a cowboy load level while watching for signs of high
pressure isn't realistic. Read what your manuals say about
reading primers and cases for pressure signs with light
handgun loads. Again read the post. Nobody said that
Bullseye was THE best powder, but at the low pressure
levels of the .45 Colt it's one of the best, AND he already
has it. Ok? Why tell a guy he must try to find something
else when what he has will be fine?

Post #9 and Post #12.

I deleted my previous posts after doing some homework.

Yes, I should have reread your post #8
Which I agree with. so we agree to agree.

Never implied that he was going to blow anything up. Just trying to give someone whom I do not know, some safe and "by the book" answers.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

alwslate,
You sir boarder on insulting with your passive aggressive way of speaking. Right or wrong doesn't really matter but being respectful does. I always try to be respectful to others. You should try it some time, you might like it...

 

[alwslate]

alwslate,
You sir boarder on insulting with your passive aggressive way of speaking. Right or wrong doesn't really matter but being respectful does. I always try to be respectful to others. You should try it some time, you might like it...

Arch I really don't mean to be insulting or disrespectful to you
or anyone else on here or in person either. If I seem passive
aggressive it's because I try to soften my replies out of
respect. Because,..right or wrong does matter after all when
a person asks a question. You are obviously an intelligent
person with lots of handloading experience and probably lots
of data close at hand and so with all due respect I would
expect you to utilize the resources you have in posting a
reply to a technical question. I have a great deal of respect
for strong opinions from opinionated people when those
opinions are based on hard data. With your experience that's
what I would expect from you. I do expect others to use
their heads but believe me I expect the same and more
from myself. Peace.