45 Colt

[any ruger]

Was looking for some loads for the 45 Colt 255 gr lead but the search option seems down , Anyway I found some on another search, does 18 grs. of 2400 sound ok. Anybody have any experience with this load ?

 

[Rclark]

Besides all your 'manuals' to thumb through on your shelf.... here is another reference from Brian Pearce to check : .45 Colt PDF . The 18g 2400 load is mentioned. BTW, you didn't mention for 'what' revolver .

 

[any ruger]

I forgot it's a new model Blackhawk with the lock .

 

[M'BOGO]

I forgot it's a new model Blackhawk with the lock .

Flattop, or ears on the sides of the rear sight?

 

[J Miller]

Two great loads for the .45 Colt and that bullet, both factory level loads:
8.0grs Unique
7.1grs Win 231

Elmer Keith developed his heavy load back in the 30s using a first generation Colt SAA with balloon head cases and his cast bullet, 255 gr Keith SWC and pushed it with 18.5grs of 2400.

I have used that load only with modern cases and it is a very accurate load from my OM BH.
I have not tried it from a mid sized frame Ruger or a Colt SAA sized SA, so I won't comment on using it there.
The trick is a tight case neck tension and a heavy crimp.

Joe

 

[VAdoublegunner]

That is a moderate level load, one that Pearce et al usually classify as safe even in post-war modern steel Colts in 45. So it should be entirely safe in even the new smaller framed flattop 45 Colt Ruger. I regularly shoot 44 Specials in my Lipsey's flattops at that level (a little more actually, up around 25Kpsi, but there is a little more metal in the 44 SP than the 45 Colt chamber). I wouldn't hesitate to use it. I may not feel completely within the margin of safety pushing the RO type loads at 32Kpsi in that gun. On the other hand, Ruger is certainly aware of the long history and existence of RO 45 Colt loads being used in their Blackhawks for decades, and being very product safety conscious after a bad experience way back in their history that gave us the notorious "we'll change your 3-screw whether you want it or not!" rule, I'll bet the gun won't go high order if you accidentally use one in it. :wink:

 

[any ruger]

My gun is anew model with ears , and the black checkerd grips. What ever was Ruger thinking going to these grips ?

 

[M'BOGO]

My gun is anew model with ears ,

Your safe with Ruger only loads in that one. Don't recall off hand, but that sounds like a load I played with about 1999, and it was accurate. I'll poke around, but that sounds right.

and the black checkerd grips. What ever was Ruger thinking going to these grips ?

Buy the mold, and fill the hopper... Cheap Cheap Cheap! On the bright side, you are free to put the exact ones you want on there .

 

[Lee Martin]

My "Ruger Only" 45 Colt loads include:

7.0 of Green Dot with a 250 - 270 grain cast. Goes 900 - 1,000 fps
22.0 of H110 with a 335 WLN. Chronographs just over 1,300 fps

The first will cleanly take anything in North America. The second is the ultimate hammer. With these two I've never found the need to split the difference with HS6 or Blue Dot (though those are great powders in the Colt).

 

[Rclark]

Recently did some testing with Green Dot in .45 Colt and also settled on 7.0g of Green Dot under 250g RNFP (917fps) or 255g SWC for my standard load. Shot really well. Had to readjust my sights though from the 20g of IMR 4227 load that I was using.

 

[Lee Martin]

Glad to see others shooting Green Dot. I've had great luck with it for reduced level handgun.

 

[Rclark]

Kind of funny though... I used to be a Unique/2400 guy (still good powders BTW). Now my standard loads for .357 is Red Dot, .44Spec/.44Mag Unique/Universal, .45ACP Bullseye, and .45 Colt is Green Dot. Use HS-6, AA#5, 2400, Triple-7, and Trail Boss occasionally too.... Go figure.... :roll:

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Funny thing, but that Green Dot load with a 250-255gr hardcast bullet was the one cast load that finally shot well in my Marlin 1894 with microgroove rifling. It took a long time to find a good load for it, then I remembered Green Dot from waaayyyy back.

 

[eric conrad]

any ruger, take a look here. www.reloadammo.com
Its just one of many to check.
Eric

 

[RaisinRiverRon]

+1 on 8.0 grs. of Unique with a 255 gr. bullet. Also like the CPB 335 gr. with a healthy dose of H-110.