250 gr XTP load for 45 Colt using H110?

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I've been working on this. I've used loads from 23.0 to 25.5. The starting load per Hodgdon is 25.7 gr for this bullet (which seems HOT). Any idea what the safe lower limit is? The data I've seen seems to be all over the place.

 

[45Colt_Man]

I use 26.0. Why would you load at less than Hodgdon's minimum when they warn to not load below 3% of max when using H110 or Win296.

Dana

 

[Ruber]

Great load, I use right around 26-26.5 for the Blackhawk, here's one of my first posts on the forum (I think that question is why I finally joined)...

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtop ... highlight=

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I use 26.0. Why would you load at less than Hodgdon's minimum when they warn to not load below 3% of max when using H110 or Win296.

Dana

Two reasons: 1) I begin to lose accuracy when I get to 25.5 gr. 2) I think these #s are on the generous side. Every manual is different.

I just want to see what others think. Thanks for your input.

 

[Bucks Owin]

Not long ago, I fired some 250 XTPs over 25 grs W296 in WW cases. FWIW, in my 7.5" BH they went 1320 fps with CCI-350s and 1217 with WLPs. Temp in the high 40's...FWIW, John Linebaugh favors 24 grs for 1280 fps with a 260 gr cast. He doesn't mention what primer, I expect it's a "mag" primer of some flavor, judging from his velocity claim...

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

John Linebaugh also says that his 260 gr cast bullet loads can be used with 250 gr XTPs. Which is 1.7 gr lower than the minimum listed by Hodgdon. Perhaps that what you were getting at.

 

[Bucks Owin]

Exactly. Thanks Jayhawk... :wink:

 

[Hammerdown77]

Not a 250 XTP, but I substitute its load data for the 255 gr. LSWC I use. I shot a starting load of 25 grains up to 26, then started going down from there. Went as low as 22.5, and they still went bang. 24 gr. seemed pretty good.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Not a 250 XTP, but I substitute its load data for the 255 gr. LSWC I use. I shot a starting load of 25 grains up to 26, then started going down from there. Went as low as 22.5, and they still went bang. 24 gr. seemed pretty good.

That's another thing. Lasercast recommends 19.2 gr of H110 for their 45C 255 gr hard cast LSWC bullet (BNH of 24). I know we're talking about lead (albeit very hard lead) vs a JHP, but it still suggests to me that 25.7 gr is a pretty high minimum. Maybe my thinking is off (happened before), but that's my take.

 

[pvtschultz]

I'm only guessing, but it could be a fuction of case volume as well.

But, since Hodgdon is the manufacturer (reseller) of the powder, I'd take their data as gospel. There are a lot of lawyers that would love to bring a big company down, so they have a lot to lose with their published numbers.

Personally, Hodgdon should also increase the minimum load for their Lil'Gun in the 45 Colt as well. I'm not sure of the load off hand, but I've had many a hang-fire and a couple squibs from a published Lil-Gun load. My next pound will be H110/W296.

 

[Bucks Owin]

Well, it's close to .45 Colt guru John Linebaugh's starting load of 25.5 grs of H110/W296 with pressure at 24,800. So not as scary as at first you would think. I've shot it and got 1346 fps to his 1364 fps. Dang close huh? :wink: The Master says 27 grs is tops for 1459 at 30,600 CUP. Haven't fired that....yet. I really see no "need" to go past 25.5 grs. That is plenty stout enough and I doubt the extra velocity would flatten the trajectory enough to warrant beating my BH with and additional 6,000 CUP to no "real" gain....I AM surprised that Hodgdon recommends "Linebaugh level" powder charges though. I guess John isn't some kinda "dangerous nut" after all! :lol: IMO, if you want more "power" out of the ol' .45, step up to a heavier bullet. That's my test agenda now, 300-350 gr projectiles.. :wink:

 

[Hammerdown77]

Actually, I'd forgotten that I'd tried 26.5 grains of H-110 with that 255 gr. LSWC. In my notes from that day at the range, here's what I wrote out beside that particular loading:

OBNOXIOUS

 

[Mobuck]

Hey, I've been described as obnoxious, too. But people keep coming back when they really need something done right.

 

[Boxhead]

I have never loaded that bullet but I have used the Hodgdon #26 data manual extensively and trust it completely. It is the best manual out there IMO.