Using components on hand.... .45 Colt

[8X56MS]

Rocky,

I have a good quantity of 250 grain .452 Hornady HP/XTP bullets on hand. I also have a lot of Hodgen H110, and Unique. I cannot find a load using these components though. Rather than just mess around, can you suggest a .45 Colt load for me? I don't need a barn burner, just a mild 1000 to 1200 fps load.

[Rocky Raab]

The classic 45 Colt load is 8.0 of Unique - but it was developed with 255 cast bullets. Jacketed bullets will create a bit more pressure but less velocity.

I wouldn't increase beyond 8.0 (especially since you didn't specify what brand of revolver this is) but that should be safe with any modern gun in good condition.

If AND ONLY IF this is a Ruger Bisley, Blackhawk or Redhawk, or a Freedom Arms revolver, then we might explore some H110 loads. These are full-power thumpers and shouldn't be used in any other brand or make of gun.

Understood?

Okay.

My friend John Taffin uses 21.0 - 22.0 of H110 under a very hard CAST 300-grain bullet. Cut that to 20.0 for your 250 jacketed XTP. Use a magnum primer with H110, and use an expander ball not over .450" plus a firm crimp. You can reduce this to 18.0 for starters, but no lower, as H110 tends to get squirrely with REDUCED loads.

[8X56MS]

Rocky, the load is for my Ruger SA revolvers, I have them in 7 inch and 4 5/8. Thanks for the tips.
I agree with you on being cautious with reduced H110 loads (and W296). I shoot a lot of that in .44 Mag.

[wesattul]

In the .45 colt, you might try the old favorite of 9.5 gns Unigue. That should give about 950fps. 20 gns of H110 should make anything from 250 gn to 300gn bullets leave a vapor trail. As always, consider the strength of your gun and load with prudence.