Hello all, Just wondering how to figure out starting loads and max. loads with different bullet/powder combinations. I know some are published in different manuals but what of the ones that aren't? For example, I just ordered some Beartooth .45 colt 280g WFNGC. Where would I find info for it? (I have Marshall Stantons article on the Mid-Weight Slegehammer) Is there a certain formula with powder burn rates, bullet weights, etc...Marshall does list several powders in the article, but say someone wants to try something else. How do you know where to start and your max load with a given powder? I do have an older Hornady manual and can't find the answer I'm looking for. Very new to reloading and sorry for rambling on.
Thanks, Ken aka "Rockerdog"

I don't know about that 280 grainer, but my friend is loading Lee's cast 300 grainer gas checked bullet behing 23 grains of W296. It rears up a little but seems to be plenty accurate. He has a Ruger black hawk 45 long colt with a 4 5/8th bbl. We just got done fire lapping it and the barrel is mirror smooth inside and takes a brush and two patches to clean. I gotta chrono it this week to see what it's doing for velocity. Will let you know what it is.

Rocker:

I know that you asked for advice on 45 Colt loads. My advice is to be very careful about trying to duplicate someone else's loads in a forum atmosphere, especially those that approach magnum pressures. It's not that anyone is trying to mislead you. Other shooters may be using a different firearm than you have, and few handloaders today have access to pressure testing equipment.

The 45 Colt has been with us well over 100 years and is chambered in all types of firearms. I've seen loads listed in this forum that would be extremely dangerous to use in older revolvers and toggle link rifles such as the Uberti '73 Winchester. The bottom line is the fact that the 45 Colt is not the 454 Cassull.

Get several good loading manuals. I'll recommend Lyman's #48 manual because it covers cast and jacketed bullets. Unlike handloaders, the publishers of these manuals have modern labs and their data reflects thousands of shots fired. Read and follow their advice carefully before you attempt any other experiments.

Thanks for the input. Maybe a better way to put the question would be: How do you figure pressures for different bullet/ powder combinations? By the way my .45 colt is a Ruger Redhawk 7.5".
Thanks again.

You don't. But - fear not, you can look at the chrono data to get a good idea what is going on.

Example, if you have 300 grain data, then you can start with that with your 280s. Watch the velocities, and you can see very quickly what is happening. You'll have to adjust a bit for the lighter bullets, of course, most likely getting similar velocities with a tad more powder.

Just don't change more than one thing at a time, and don't go for any velocity records, you will be OK.

Think about it.... velocity is a very good indicator of pressure, although you can't measure directly. If you're staying with lighter bullets & same velocities, pressures would very likely run a bit less.

The published 30,000CUP data will be no problem at all for your Redhawk. If you're going to experiment, that's the gun to do it with, for sure. If you don't have a chronograph, I'd just use the 300gr. data, as is, but you'll be giving up some unknown amount of velocity.

Rockerdog

8iowa is giving you good advice. There are a lot of 45 Long colts out there that should not see hot loads in. You will find that a lot of reloading manuals have two sections, one for standard 45 long colts and one for Rugers and Thompson center guns. The load I gave you is out of one of my manuals and is for Rugers.

Your Redhawk is one of the strongest guns on the market and should take any load in a reloading manual. I would start a few grains lower and work up looking for pressure signs in any hot load for a rifle or pistol. Lots of times shooting a load 10 percent under the top load will only loose you 3 percent velocity and will gain a bunch of accuracy.

Sorry I didn't say this in my first post and thanks 8iowa for reminding me.

Thanks again gents,
MikeG, So from what I think your saying is if I use 300g cast bullet data for 280g bullets, it will probably be save because there would be less pressure due to the lighter weight bullet, and therefor less velocity. Also, I don't have a chronograph.

Well it will definitely be safe in a Redhawk. That's a tank of a gun! I wouldn't casually experiment like that with a Colt Single Action Army, at the other extreme. Yes, your understanding is correctly, you would almost certainly have less pressure & velocity since the bullet is lighter.

BTW, if you're working with W296 or H110 do no drop down below the recommended load for the thpe of handgun you're using and crimp your load. These powders perform best under considerable pressure. Loading 'light' loads' with them will produce very low/inconsistant velocity (like 600 fps) and excessive powder fouling. No doubt you've noticed that most manuals have seperate data for Ruber Black/Red Hawks and Contenders. The 45 Colt becomes a potent load in these strong guns equalling or exceding the 44 mag in performance.