45 Colt - Use Magnum Primers with IMR4227?

[oldmanruger]

First time loading 45LC's Want to work up a hunting load for Speer 300 JSP with a can of 4227 (ADI).... Have a bunch of CCI 350's...... 20 - 22 Gr. Yes? No? Any feedback is appreciated!!!!

Dan

Weakness for Blackhawks

Single Six 22 magnum 3 screw
357 - 41 - 44 - 45 New Models

 

[WIL TERRY]

THEY will work just fine.

 

[greenmtnguy]

Manuals may be getting more conservative these days, but My Speer #13 doesn't go over 20.5gr (MAX) of H-4227 with the 300 grain 45-UCSP (uni-core soft point?) bullet for Ruger-only loads. My older Speer manuals don't have a 300 gr JSP in them.

I don't think that you have to use a magnum primer with 4227, though you can as long as you are mindful that pressures may be higher

 

[oldmanruger]

thanks for your replies! new Hodgon goes to 22.3 with H4227, but list Winchester LP primer. I loaded only 6 @ 22 gr. with the magnum ..... will test and look for excessive pressure...... or, just pull the slugs and drop the grains.... the more I think about it, thats what I will do.....

 

[greenmtnguy]

Well - you are right, my "One Load - 45 Colt" book has data from Hodgdon that is a few years old and it shows the 300gr Speer JFP (?) with a start load of 19.0 and a max load of 22.3 of H4227. And, that info matches the 2012 Hodgdon Annual Manual info as well. So, the source of the data does seem to indicate they may be getting more conservative, I think, coming from the bullet company versus the powder company. Probably the truth is somewhere in there.. It does show the pressure is right near 30K CUP at max, so I would approach that with caution - you may find it really starts to thump on both ends before you get to 22gr anyway. 300 gr soft point just under 1200 fps will certainly go through any deer or black bear.

I usually use Winchester LP primers for all my 45 Colt loads - they are rated for standard and Magnum use (according to the label anyhow) which simplifies things for me, but I cannot get any now - like everyone else, so we gotta use what we can get, but be careful when substituting.

 

[oldmanruger]

Pulled them and dropped down to 20.5....

As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences!!!!

Dan

 

[greenmtnguy]

From the Hodgdon 2012 manual, they only show an increase in velocity of about 151 FPS as you change from charge weight of 19.0 grains to 22.3 grains, so you may well find that there is a "sweet spot" for accuracy somewhere in the middle, and/or discover the chrony numbers just don't increase much beyond a certain charge weight. After some point, the law of diminishing returns will just beat you up more. Maybe I am a wimp, but I tend to keep my 45 Colt loads around 1100 with ~270gr lead bullets - its easier on me and I can practice longer.

 

[Rclark]

The answer is yes, use Magnum primers with IMR-4227.

20g IMR 4227, 255g SWC, CCI-300, _911 fps, 35 SD, 138 ES, 30 shots
20g IMR 4227, 255g SWC, CCI-350, 1030 fps, 18 SD, _69 ES, 29 shots

 

[greenmtnguy]

RClark - that definitely shows a more consistent burn, and perhaps some more pressure, with the magnum primers. Cutting the SD in half is very significant improvement.

 

[oldmanruger]

thanks Hunter! interesting jump in velocity with the corresponding lower SD..... will post my results after I shoot...... you guys are awesome!
Dan

 

[any ruger]

Rclark tried your load of 20grs. IMR 4227 had a lot of unburnt powder used the mag primers . Maybe a little heavier crimp? 7 1/2 new model.

 

[Rclark]

IMR 4227 always has some granules left in the barrel (and on the bench if shooting from it). Doesn't hurt a thing. I found the load to be one of the most accurate loads that I've shot in my .45s. YMMV . Only reason I don't make it my standard load is the 20 grains..... I go through a lot of powder quickly ! I don't use a real 'heavy' crimp. I just crimp into the crimp groove and call it good.

 

[Hammerdown77]

Yep, if you shoot 4227, you'll have to get used to the little yellow granules left over.

It's worth it for the accuracy potential the powder has, though. Now, if they could just do something about the smell....

 

[ScottZ]

Rclark- thanks for the data. What barrel length did you get these velocities with?

 

[Rclark]

I use a Ruger Blackhawk 5 1/2" for all my test data.

 

[ScottZ]

Thanks