The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - 45 Colt loading with Unique and Lead RNFP?

ClemBert · January 29, 2010, 08:53 PM

I've been loading Colt 45 with: Starline brass, Winchester LP primers, Goex 35 grain black powder, Walter Wad, and a 250 grain lead RNFP bullet. So I have a little experience with 45 Colt.

My questions are in regard to using smokeless powder. I picked up a pound of Unique and plan to use the same 250 grain lead RNFP bullet. My Lyman guide shows the weighed Unique charge to be from 6.3 gr (754 fps) to 8.2 gr (931 fps). My questions are:

1. What is the largest Unique load that your guide shows for a lead 250 grain RNFP bullet?
2. What is the highest feet per second achievable with this bullet and it not be considered to be a +P load?
3. Am I limited pretty much to ~900 fps on the top end if I don't want leading to occur in the barrel?
4. Is smokeless lube always a must for this cartridge given the barrel length is between 3" to 7.5"? I'm not planning on any rifle shooting.

January 29, 2010, 08:53 PM	#1
ClemBert Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2009 Location: Orlando Posts: 936	45 Colt loading with Unique and Lead RNFP? I've been loading Colt 45 with: Starline brass, Winchester LP primers, Goex 35 grain black powder, Walter Wad, and a 250 grain lead RNFP bullet. So I have a little experience with 45 Colt. My questions are in regard to using smokeless powder. I picked up a pound of Unique and plan to use the same 250 grain lead RNFP bullet. My Lyman guide shows the weighed Unique charge to be from 6.3 gr (754 fps) to 8.2 gr (931 fps). My questions are: 1. What is the largest Unique load that your guide shows for a lead 250 grain RNFP bullet? 2. What is the highest feet per second achievable with this bullet and it not be considered to be a +P load? 3. Am I limited pretty much to ~900 fps on the top end if I don't want leading to occur in the barrel? 4. Is smokeless lube always a must for this cartridge given the barrel length is between 3" to 7.5"? I'm not planning on any rifle shooting.