OP
pvtschultz
Blackhawk
bchannell":188688hd said:
It is a slower powder and more powder burning may be happening outside the barrel than with Unique. Just a guess.
45 Colt + HS6 mid-level load data
- Thread starter pvtschultz
- Start date
It is a slower powder and more powder burning may be happening outside the barrel than with Unique. Just a guess.
andyo5
Single-Sixer
I got my PACT chrono back from the factory yesterday, and used it today to test my 12.0g HS6 load in my 4" Redhawk. I found the 255g SWC bullet with 12.0g HS6 averaged 893 fps.
So it looks like I will be trying 12.5 to 13.0g of HS6 next. My goal is 1000 fps. I like HS6 because it is consistant on my Dillon press and allows me to load without weighing each charge.
So it looks like I will be trying 12.5 to 13.0g of HS6 next. My goal is 1000 fps. I like HS6 because it is consistant on my Dillon press and allows me to load without weighing each charge.
I used a 280 gr hard-cast with 13 grains of HS-6 and got 1042-1051 fps for 5 shots out of Colt 7 1/2" bbl (New Frontier .45C). The mean average deviation was only 3.25 fps which is the lowest deviation I've measured of four well-known powders, including also H-110, H4227, and Alliant 2400.
The bullets were Mt. Baldy, recoil I perceived as medium, and deemed safe in my New Frontier by a very famous gunmaker friend of mine. This powder is a bit faster-burning than the others listed here, so provides a bit sharper recoil (perception). This 280-gr is a WFN design and would be a great hunting round.
Sonnytoo
The bullets were Mt. Baldy, recoil I perceived as medium, and deemed safe in my New Frontier by a very famous gunmaker friend of mine. This powder is a bit faster-burning than the others listed here, so provides a bit sharper recoil (perception). This 280-gr is a WFN design and would be a great hunting round.
Sonnytoo
Shot some this afternoon in my S&W 625-6 Mountain gun I'm using the LBT 260 grain LNFP flat base bullet. Load was 13.0 grains of HS-6 in WW brass standard primer.
It netted me 1024 fps out of the 4" barrel with a low ES and SD of 8.6 fps.
All in all it's a good load, shoots to point of aim & manageable recoil
41
It netted me 1024 fps out of the 4" barrel with a low ES and SD of 8.6 fps.
All in all it's a good load, shoots to point of aim & manageable recoil
41
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Wonder how many of those who provided input on this thread are still here after 17 years to appreciate your input....
I also love HS-6 for those "mid-tier" Ruger loads. Much easier on the wrist than a full case of H110
I also love HS-6 for those "mid-tier" Ruger loads. Much easier on the wrist than a full case of H110
We're a whole new audience.
Agree on HS-6 being user friendly. l avoid the fire breathing dragon that is H110 especially in my old age.
A 260 grain hardcast moving at 1000 fps is plenty powerful for me. I'd imagine this combo would have decent straight line penetration
Agree on HS-6 being user friendly. l avoid the fire breathing dragon that is H110 especially in my old age.
A 260 grain hardcast moving at 1000 fps is plenty powerful for me. I'd imagine this combo would have decent straight line penetration
protoolman
Service-Sixer
Hs-6 is a lot dirtier than unique in my experience and not as efficient unless you push it hard you get a lot of unburnt powder. Uniques grey soot is easy to clean and gets way more complete burn. For medium loads in 45colt it's hard to beat unique. Top end is 4227 heavies. I'd only use hs6 if it's all I had.
I bought 1 lb of HS6 during the last great powder shortage. I've been impressed with it, and it wasn't on my radar at all. I'm personally glad I came across it
For me it's been an accuracy powder that gives good velocity with low ES & SD, this in multiple calibers
The recoil impulse isn't as sharp as a case full 2400 which actually gave a lower velocity reading.
Have a few handgun powders I'd still like to try out
Major Pistol sounds interesting as does the CFE pistol
For me it's been an accuracy powder that gives good velocity with low ES & SD, this in multiple calibers
The recoil impulse isn't as sharp as a case full 2400 which actually gave a lower velocity reading.
Have a few handgun powders I'd still like to try out
Major Pistol sounds interesting as does the CFE pistol
contender
Ruger Guru
Even though this is a very old thread,, and as noted,, some new folks around,, it's still fun to re-read.
It's quite obvious that everybody has their preferences in what they use for mid-range loads. Some love Unique,, & others hate it. Some love HS-6 & others hate it. It goes back to what I've said often. I let the gun's accuracy decide what I use. Accuracy first,, period. I can clean a gun. I can wipe out unburnt powder. I can work on my crimp to get a better burn rate. I can use powder coated over lubed bullets for less smoke.
But I want the gun to send the bullets where I aim!
Various bullets, primers & powders can give each shooter different results. Then the gun itself can decide if it likes a load or not.
I've been known to test hundreds of rounds in a gun chasing the best accuracy. But once I figure out what a gun prefers,, I stick with that.
I use Unique, HS-6, 2400, 4227, Longshot, Trailboss, Universal, & others often.
Due to my due diligence in studying,, AND the fact I didn't see a need to jump in on a newer powder,, I've never tried "Lil'-gun."
I've heard enough stories to be a bit more cautious about that powder in my revolvers.
If I run out of all my choices,, and it's the only powder available,, I might then give it a try. But the above listed ones I use have served me well for decades.
It's quite obvious that everybody has their preferences in what they use for mid-range loads. Some love Unique,, & others hate it. Some love HS-6 & others hate it. It goes back to what I've said often. I let the gun's accuracy decide what I use. Accuracy first,, period. I can clean a gun. I can wipe out unburnt powder. I can work on my crimp to get a better burn rate. I can use powder coated over lubed bullets for less smoke.
But I want the gun to send the bullets where I aim!
Various bullets, primers & powders can give each shooter different results. Then the gun itself can decide if it likes a load or not.
I've been known to test hundreds of rounds in a gun chasing the best accuracy. But once I figure out what a gun prefers,, I stick with that.
I use Unique, HS-6, 2400, 4227, Longshot, Trailboss, Universal, & others often.
Due to my due diligence in studying,, AND the fact I didn't see a need to jump in on a newer powder,, I've never tried "Lil'-gun."
I've heard enough stories to be a bit more cautious about that powder in my revolvers.
If I run out of all my choices,, and it's the only powder available,, I might then give it a try. But the above listed ones I use have served me well for decades.
If you’re trying to make me feel sorry for you…it worked !
Crockett12
Blackhawk lover
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2017
- Messages
- 206
I've been reloading since the early 60's and always been a rifle kind of guy but the last several years have gotten into pistols and have fallen in love with Blackhawks and especially the 45 Colt!
After loading for those Blackhawks using H110 I've started looking for moderate loads because of recoil! I can still handle the recoil at my advanced age (79) but don't like it and would rather make life easier when shooting my 45 Colts! Using 255 gr Missouri Lead bullets I loaded some AA#7 using WLP primers and found unburnt powder in the barrel when looking with my borescope. Accuracy was OK but I'm concerned with the unburnt powder and thought I should try a hotter primer.
I have some Longshot and thought I might try that too! Since you mentioned using Longshot -- would using it help with the unburnt powder issue -- or am I worrying too much about that!
Neon Vernon
Single-Sixer
Longshot is a pretty great powder but for moderate/standard pressure 45 Colt I prefer other powders. Red Dot, HP38 (aka W231) and Power Pistol are my preferences for the lower end of things.
I'm a long time user of Linebaugh's HS6/255 load, 13 grains for 255-260 and 12.5 for the 270SAA bullet. Good accurate and hard hitting load.
I'm a long time user of Linebaugh's HS6/255 load, 13 grains for 255-260 and 12.5 for the 270SAA bullet. Good accurate and hard hitting load.
I'm with you on the 260 HS-6 combo
I also have the LBT 285 in the gas checked version, do you think HS-6 would be the optimal powder for this one?
Neon Vernon
Single-Sixer
I think it would still be in the sweet spot but I'd drop the charge back to 11 grains max for a S&W or mid-frame Ruger.
I've run 12.5 with a 325 but in a Redhawk, I think that one nudges over 32k just a bit. If it doesn't it's darn close.
11.0 grains sounds like a good choice. I'll load up a few & see how this one likes it
Neon Vernon
Single-Sixer
There's some good info on this old chart. No HS6 but a lot of the old standard stuff is listed.
Well, I am still upright! I think. Maybe. Think so....
As for HS-6 in .45 Colt, I use it for my woods load. 13.0gr under 255 SWC. Works for me in any of my Ruger .45s. Marked as accurate in my loads table too (as contender says.... Accuracy is everything ... otherwise why bother...) .
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I’m following this thread with great interest because I have a semi-custom .45 Colt in the works. It will be a hunting gun but I will mostly be using heavy cast bullets if the accuracy is there. The “normal” powders have been hard to find so HS6 has been on my radar.
Different question but on the same lines, does anyone have any favorite Accurate Arms loads with 270/300 grain bullets that they would like to share ? AA#7 and #9 is readily available here.
Different question but on the same lines, does anyone have any favorite Accurate Arms loads with 270/300 grain bullets that they would like to share ? AA#7 and #9 is readily available here.
contender
Ruger Guru
A few posters above have asked about various things using some powders. Like unburnt powder,, or whatever.
I say re-read my post above about testing a LOT of different stuff to let each firearm decide what IT prefers.
Accuracy is what matters. I can easily clean a gun. I can live with some unburnt powder or dirty brass. I can NOT live with any ammo that isn't accurate. I can not live with any ammo that may damage my gun over time. I can not live with
"good enough" because I think prices of some components are too high.
I read and I study reloading manuals, printed articles, and as much material as I can when trying to figure out what to try in making my guns as accurate as possible.
It doesn't take long to see a pattern.
Often,, you will see several different PUBLICATIONS (not internet gossip) that point to specific powders or such that perform very well.
I generally do not publish my loads that my guns like because I'm not a legal entity that can back up my data with proven, lab tested loads.
I MAY publish a reference to other sources where I got my data & WHY I used it to test my guns & how it performed.
I was talking to a young man yesterday, whom I've been mentoring in reloading & bullet casting. We discussed some of these very same topics. He was quite proud of his results,, saying that by following my advice,, he's extremely happy with the results he's getting with his .44 magnum, using his own cast bullets, and his testing results. He was asking about different powders,, for a different caliber & purpose.
I told him to suck it up & pay for the stuff he didn't have to try it in his gun. When he said that some of the powder he'd been looking at was expensive,, I reminded him of a recent expense of over $400 for a few bullet molds & such. Then the amount he spent on buying lead to cast with.
He kinda hung his head & said; "Ok, you are right!"
We may not like buying powder at $70 a pound, thinking it costs too much. But I counter with; "What value do you place on accuracy & good results?"
Buy different powders. Try them in your gun. If they work,, then you can invest in more of the same. If not, put what's left aside for the next testing in a different gun.
No one powder does it all. No one powder will be the best in all guns. Too many variables.
I say re-read my post above about testing a LOT of different stuff to let each firearm decide what IT prefers.
Accuracy is what matters. I can easily clean a gun. I can live with some unburnt powder or dirty brass. I can NOT live with any ammo that isn't accurate. I can not live with any ammo that may damage my gun over time. I can not live with
"good enough" because I think prices of some components are too high.
I read and I study reloading manuals, printed articles, and as much material as I can when trying to figure out what to try in making my guns as accurate as possible.
It doesn't take long to see a pattern.
Often,, you will see several different PUBLICATIONS (not internet gossip) that point to specific powders or such that perform very well.
I generally do not publish my loads that my guns like because I'm not a legal entity that can back up my data with proven, lab tested loads.
I MAY publish a reference to other sources where I got my data & WHY I used it to test my guns & how it performed.
I was talking to a young man yesterday, whom I've been mentoring in reloading & bullet casting. We discussed some of these very same topics. He was quite proud of his results,, saying that by following my advice,, he's extremely happy with the results he's getting with his .44 magnum, using his own cast bullets, and his testing results. He was asking about different powders,, for a different caliber & purpose.
I told him to suck it up & pay for the stuff he didn't have to try it in his gun. When he said that some of the powder he'd been looking at was expensive,, I reminded him of a recent expense of over $400 for a few bullet molds & such. Then the amount he spent on buying lead to cast with.
He kinda hung his head & said; "Ok, you are right!"
We may not like buying powder at $70 a pound, thinking it costs too much. But I counter with; "What value do you place on accuracy & good results?"
Buy different powders. Try them in your gun. If they work,, then you can invest in more of the same. If not, put what's left aside for the next testing in a different gun.
No one powder does it all. No one powder will be the best in all guns. Too many variables.
Neon Vernon
Single-Sixer
Pearce, Handloader April '07
3 Levels with the 270SAA (has AA#9 loads at 20k and 32k psi)
He's mentioned 18 grains with the Scovill bullet being accurate with "notable velocity".
I've only tried AA#7 in the 44 mag. It gets up to 1200 fps with about 20% less powder than 2400 but the cost was snappy, abrupt recoil. I didn't care for it.
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Thanks, I will be checking Handloader to get some ideas. Brian is my usual first stop for handgun loads. Taffin is second, and between the two I usually get what I need, but all suggestions are appreciated.
Neon Vernon
Single-Sixer
Pearce is usually my first stop also, though in this case Hodgdon's online load data for Ruger Only 45 Colt has a fair amount of data for AA#9.
He apparently likes Hodgons Longshot with the 285 grain RCBS 45-270 SAA lead bullet. He notes a maximum charge @ 11.3 grains netted him 1053 fps with good accuracy in a medium framed 45 Colt revolver. this load less than 23k psi
This from the April 2022 Handloader issue #337
This from the April 2022 Handloader issue #337
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Already printed out and in my notebook ! Thanks anyway…
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