Wet Dog
10-16-2006, 11:48
Up to this point my Blackhawk has always been happiest with "Ruger Only" loads. Wanting to find an accurate lower pressure load that could be shot in Colt Clones too I've experiemented with a lot of different powders. I think I may be onto one.
In the Speer #13 manual they list 10 grains of SR4756 under a 255 gr SWC as the MAX load to remain under the 14,000 psi maximum industry standard for 45 Colt.
I began at the 9.0 starting load and worked up to 10 grains. The lower charges were OK but not outstanding. Once I got to 10 grains it showed a little promise. I loaded up another batch and shot a cylinder's worth at 25 yards (picture attached).
In my 4-5/8" Ruger Blackhawk I get 842 fps avg. It is pleasant to shoot (I know that is subjective and I know of at least one 9mm shooter that doesn't agree with me). It is not as sooty/smokey as Red Dot and Unique. It burns more completely than 2400. Fun load.
Picture details. Shot a cylinder's worth (six) outdoors at 25 yards offhand. Overcast drizzly 53*F day. All stock Blackhawk. Group measures 1-7/8 center to center.
At 50 yards the group opened up to 5" and centered ~4" lower than POA. Further testing will be required :supergrin:
In the Speer #13 manual they list 10 grains of SR4756 under a 255 gr SWC as the MAX load to remain under the 14,000 psi maximum industry standard for 45 Colt.
I began at the 9.0 starting load and worked up to 10 grains. The lower charges were OK but not outstanding. Once I got to 10 grains it showed a little promise. I loaded up another batch and shot a cylinder's worth at 25 yards (picture attached).
In my 4-5/8" Ruger Blackhawk I get 842 fps avg. It is pleasant to shoot (I know that is subjective and I know of at least one 9mm shooter that doesn't agree with me). It is not as sooty/smokey as Red Dot and Unique. It burns more completely than 2400. Fun load.
Picture details. Shot a cylinder's worth (six) outdoors at 25 yards offhand. Overcast drizzly 53*F day. All stock Blackhawk. Group measures 1-7/8 center to center.
At 50 yards the group opened up to 5" and centered ~4" lower than POA. Further testing will be required :supergrin:
