WN231 for 45LC?

[oldtimer]

I have been usung Unique for 45LC 8 grs. I like to use 231 with 200 lead. what would be a good target load? Is it as dirty as Unique? I know it is a faster powder and I use it in 38's thanks oldtimer

 

[oldtimer]

I have been usung Unique for 45LC 8 grs. I like to use 231 with 200 lead. what would be a good target load? Is it as dirty as Unique? I know it is a faster powder and I use it in 38's thanks oldtimer

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Why not try Trail Boss? It burns pretty clean, if at the highest load levels, yet gives good accuracy and moderate target velocities. It also fills the case nicely to prevent possible overcharge. I've found it to be very accurate in most loadings in 45 Colt. I also like to use WSF, which burns very clean, and is quite accurate. However, I had to develop my own loads for it. There is no published data for it in 45 Colt as far as I know; it is well established in 45ACP.

 

[Noah Zark]

Originally posted by oldtimer:
. . . I like to use 231 with 200 lead. What would be a good target load? Is it as dirty as Unique? I know it is a faster powder and I use it in 38's thanks oldtimer

I use 6.0 to 6.4 grs of W231 under copper plated 230 gr FMJs in my 45 Colts, depending on which revolver from which I fire it. I've adjusted the load to each gun so that POA is POI at 25 yds. The velocity is nominally 800 fps, ranging from 780 to 860 depending on barrel length, which ranges from 3" to 7.5".

The cases still schmutz up a bit, but not as bad as with Unique.

HTH,

Noah

 

[max]

I have loaded 7 or 8 grains of Unique with the 200 gr cast swc and both work fine.

 

[2000Z-71]

I moved several years ago using from Unique in my "Cowboy" loads to using Universal Clays. Similar burn rates and Universal burns lot cleaner.

 

[GCF]

I have used 231 7.0 - 7.2 under a 260SWC-PB / 10bhn, in my 625-6 MG (.45 Colt), w/ very good results. Accurate, & although a bit snappy - not over pressure. Fairly clean burn too, as I recall.

I suspect 231 would work great w/ 200 lead, although I've not tried it.

My pet load for this revolver is V V N-330 7.8, under a 11-12 bhn 265 Keith bullet (.452"), from Joe at Black River Bullet. Just friggin' perfect!

 

[zeke]

A favorite 45 LC load that i use is 7.5 grains hp-38 ,200 grain lrnfp, Fed 150 primer and heavy LFC. Gets about 880 fps from 4 5/8 barrel and very accurate in every Ruger owned.

The POI is substancially lower than heavier bullet loads at 25 yards. Nowadays, 231 and hp-38 are supposed to be the same finished product.

 

[VonFatman]

I'm going to guess that zeke's load is as close to W-231 as you have going in this thread.

I have stayed with 240gr SWCs for the most part.

This is my "go-to" load (range work):

240gr Laser Cast SWC
7gr. Tight Group
WLP
Mixed Brass
Firm Crimp
(outstanding load in 29-5 and ruger SBH)
970 fps w/S&W Model 29-5 six inch
1,000 fps w/Ruger 7.5 inch SBH

Just more info FWIW.

Bob

 

[Snapping Twig]

Here's my favorite .45LC load with W231/HP38

250 ~ 255g cast over 7.5g

WLP

Sweet shooting.

 

[Dave H.]

I've been using 8.0 grs. of W231 under a 250-260 gr. lead bullet as a "standby load" in my .45 Colt guns for years. That said, I'd also like to say that all of my .45s are modern production Ruger and S&W guns. I'm not shooting any original Colt single actions, Italian made replicas, or early S&W guns.

 

[max]

Several years ago I dealt with a professional reloader and he loaded a 250 gr cast bullet and 7.0 of 231.