I did a little looking at Handloads.com
http://handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=45%20Colt%20%20P&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=
45 Colt +P --- LSWC 255gr --- 9.0 gr Unique --- 950 fps --- WLP
A nice accurate standard pressure load. Velocity was measured from a 5.5" Bisley
45 Colt +P --- 250gr LSWC --- 9.5 gr unique -- 1,100 fps -- CCI LP
good practice round, cases last a long time
45 Colt +P ---SWC 255gr --- 8.0 gr W231 --- 915 fps --- WLP
Suggested starting load: 7.2 gr
This is an accurate and easy load to shoot.
or 8.0 - 9.0gr of Universal. You might need to bump them up a little but realize they are a little over 45 Colt SAMMI pressure but well within the pressure range for the Redhawk.
12-13 grs HS6 would be my choice....(Don't use much "Obsolique" anymore myself, but 231 comes highly recommended albeit at the lower end of your needs ) There's 3 pages of testimony in the "Another convert to HS6" thread.. :wink:
Thought you might be interested in some actual numbers doowop. These are from my 7.5" barrelled NMBH using WW cases and WLP primers. Bullet is the cast 252 gr Lee:
Don't want to hijack this thread, but is there much difference in recoil with the HS6 vs. Unique? I'm trying to get around 1000fps (white tail deer load) and about 9.5gr Unique is all I want to shoot. I'm assuming recoil is about the same for different powders with the same speed out of the barrel?
There is a small component of pressure in felt recoil. It's about the same phenomenon as as a balloon where the smaller balloon (higher pressure from the elastic around it) flies faster than a full balloon (lower pressure). You could also think of a pressure washer and a garden hose. You need to really hold onto a pressure washer wand whereas a garden hose isn't anything to write home about even though they are both flowing the same amount of water.