Accurate 45 Colt load

[Wet Dog]

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:

[Wet Dog]

The other bonus is that this load shoots the same point of aim/impact as my hunting 2400 load.

[CanyonMan]

Nice Shooting my friend. ;)
I'm in a hurry today.

Adios!


CanyonMan

[WIG19]

Originally posted by Wet Dog
At 50 yards the group opened up to 5" and centered ~4" lower than POA. Further testing will be required :supergrin: :rofl: That target is PURTY!

I was just tellin' CanyonMan about some guy that showed up while I was playing with various Rugers yesterday and espoused to all his cronies within earshot that the average max effective range of a handgun was 25 yds. The fact that I had a couple of paper plates with highly visible .45 caliber holes in 'em down at the 50yd marker kinda softened his tone a bit. (Those Keith SWC's cut such clean holes, ya know?) :supergrin:

Nope; drop is expected and nothing shaggy about that 50yd group either. Well done, thanks for the report - sounds like you might have a keeper there. :thumbsup:

:patriot:

[Wet Dog]

Yup, don't cha just love all the experts that show up at the range?

Ain't much quite as satisfying as proving them wrong either..:tongueout: ;)

[WIG19]

Originally posted by Wet Dog
Yup, don't cha just love all the experts that show up at the range?
As a species, we all have our moments...

Hope to get into the basement in next day or so when not tired and get this nice Keith/gold-barred front on my Bisley that got here from David Clements yesterday. Putting a more upright blade on my Super Sgl Six really helped and can't wait to say "goodbye, glare" to the existing ramp front on this AccuSport. :supergrin:
Keep them reports comin'. :thumbsup:


:patriot: