Check my logic for 45 Colt

[FN509Fan]

Sorry about yet another 45 Colt handloading thread, I've been researching numerous manuals that I have (from the 90's) as well as more recent on-line data as loads from the powder site and bullet site. Finally, I've read lots of forums finding lots of favorite loads, I'm just looking for a warm and fuzzy here that I am on the right track.

I haven't done any loading in some time, but Unique seems to be a decent powder and I have 3 lbs left from my heavy handloading days in the 90's. I have WLP primers the same vintage and bought Starline Brass and Hornady XTP 250 gr bullets and will be loading for a New Vaquero that is in waiting period isolation for the next few days.

From Valliant: Speer 250-gr (.705) DCHP CCI 300 Win. 1.600 7.8DNR
From the Lee load data that came with my dies: XTP 250-gr 1.600 7.8-7.8
From Lyman 46 & 47th 250-gr JHP W7-111/Rem 2.5 Rem/Win 1.590 7.5-9.3
From Lyman 49th 250-gr XTP WLP Win 1.590 7.8-8.7
From Hornady 9th 250-gr XTP WLP Horn 1.595 6.2-7.4

The Lee data included with the dies threw me for a minute till I saw basically the same thing on the Valliant page with the DNR (do not reduce.)

Measuring the Starline cases and the distance to the leading edge of the of the cannelure on the XTP, a OAL of 1.590-1.600 seems appropriate, but the SPEER DCHP is .705" long and the XTP measures ~.663 the latter leaving some more room in the case. The Hornady data was also a little baffling in that the max load was less than the starting/DNR load from others.

Based on the above, 7.8 gr seems like a good place to start. Based on what I've read, the New Vaquero can probably handle hotter loads with no ill effect (in the event the Hornady max is accurate.)

 

[GunBum]

7.8 grains of Unique is a fine load for 250 grain XTP’s. A bit on the warm side for a vintage SAA, but ok for a Vaquero. That’s the load Alliant recommends. Not sure who or what a Valliant is.

 

[John from MD]

7.8 grains of Unique is a fine load for 250 grain XTP’s. A bit on the warm side for a vintage SAA, but ok for a Vaquero. That’s the load Alliant recommends. Not sure who or what a Valliant is.

I think he meant to type Alliant and his finger slipped.

 

[John from MD]

Sorry about yet another 45 Colt handloading thread, I've been researching numerous manuals that I have (from the 90's) as well as more recent on-line data as loads from the powder site and bullet site. Finally, I've read lots of forums finding lots of favorite loads, I'm just looking for a warm and fuzzy here that I am on the right track.

I haven't done any loading in some time, but Unique seems to be a decent powder and I have 3 lbs left from my heavy handloading days in the 90's. I have WLP primers the same vintage and bought Starline Brass and Hornady XTP 250 gr bullets and will be loading for a New Vaquero that is in waiting period isolation for the next few days.

From Valliant: Speer 250-gr (.705) DCHP CCI 300 Win. 1.600 7.8DNR
From the Lee load data that came with my dies: XTP 250-gr 1.600 7.8-7.8
From Lyman 46 & 47th 250-gr JHP W7-111/Rem 2.5 Rem/Win 1.590 7.5-9.3
From Lyman 49th 250-gr XTP WLP Win 1.590 7.8-8.7
From Hornady 9th 250-gr XTP WLP Horn 1.595 6.2-7.4

The Lee data included with the dies threw me for a minute till I saw basically the same thing on the Valliant page with the DNR (do not reduce.)

Measuring the Starline cases and the distance to the leading edge of the of the cannelure on the XTP, a OAL of 1.590-1.600 seems appropriate, but the SPEER DCHP is .705" long and the XTP measures ~.663 the latter leaving some more room in the case. The Hornady data was also a little baffling in that the max load was less than the starting/DNR load from others.

Based on the above, 7.8 gr seems like a good place to start. Based on what I've read, the New Vaquero can probably handle hotter loads with no ill effect (in the event the Hornady max is accurate.)

For hunting with a XTP bullet, I would use 10 grains to insure it expands. 7.8 grains is a pretty mild load for a jacketed bullet in a modern .45. I use 7.5 with my 250 gn Lead handloads and it is a medium load which won't wear you out.

 

[GunBum]

I think he meant to type Alliant and his finger slipped.

Thank you captain obvious

 

[FN509Fan]

That’s the load Alliant recommends. Not sure who or what a Valliant is.

I blame the typo on spell checking/correcting. Actually, the Unique I have was made by Hercules.

For hunting with a XTP bullet, I would use 10 grains to insure it expands.

I bought the bullets based on availability and I wouldn't go anywhere near 10gr in a New Vaquero. I don't need expansion to make holes in paper, though Id love to be helping control invasive hogs. Though I think I would be far enough away to use a long gun

 

[FN509Fan]

7.8 grains of Unique is a fine load for 250 grain XTP’s. A bit on the warm side for a vintage SAA, but ok for a Vaquero.

I got a chance to try out my new NV this past Monday with 2 dozen rounds with 7.8 grs Unique and another 2 dozen rounds with 10.7 grs Vihtavuori N350. Both were a bit on the warm side. I neglected to check the speed on these loads, as they were both starting loads. The latter was 974 fps and the former 840 fps, both were more pleasant to shoot than my Python with factory magnum loads, the VV was clearly warmer. Both were too scary for the wife to want to test drive the NV so I'm going to try to out some lighter loads.

From Hornady 9th - 45 colt revolver
Test used 7 1/2" barrel Blackhawk Win primer Hornady case COL 1.595
250 XTP, Unique
Charge wt (velocity)
6.2(600) 6.5 (650) 6.8(700) 7.1 (750) max 7.4 (800)

I also have some Rainier: 200 gr SWCs (some place), 200 gr HPs and 185 gr FNs. And as luck would have it, VV has loading data on line for the 185 gr FNs with a starting load speed of 1135 fps which seems a bit hotter than I want. I'm tempted to try the Hornady starting load, after it all I have the exact Hornady bullet. It's just that it is significantly lower than the other starting loads as well as the Lee die and DNR loads. Thoughts?

 

[Biggfoot44]

Just trying to keep straight - You didn't chronograph , but quote 840fps and 974 fps ? Are those the published velocities then ?

FWIW , 840 fps is in line with standard ( non Cowboy Action) .45 Colt of 250/ 255 @ nominal 850fps .

I totally get it about limited available at the moment , but as John from Md noted , the XTP is a controlled expansion hunting bullet . and expect minimal expansion @ standard .45Colt velocities . If you are seeking expansion @ standard vel , keep your eyes out for some 250 Gold Dot or 250 Nosler .

John - He's using the smaller New Vaquero . I wouldn't think twice about 10gr in Original frame Vaquero ( or NM Blackhawk/ Bisley) . But for the small frame 8.5- ish might be more prudent .