45colt 255gr. load question

Burch · August 14, 2007, 06:30 PM

First off, I have a Ruger Vaquero 45colt, 5.5bbl.
I`m wanting some info on loading a 255gr. cast SWC. I have H4227 on hand and was just wondering what you folks we`re using as a pet load using the 255gr.`er and if the H4227 will work or not. I`d like to use a powder that I can hunt with. I really don`t want to push pressure loads to the limit but would like a stout enough load to hog hunt with.

Thanks To All,
Burch

cdrt · August 14, 2007, 06:57 PM

You might want to go to a jacketed hollow point for hog hunting. The ones here in Texas would just shrug off a lead bullet. I hit one in the heart with my .280 Remington and he still ran about 40 feet before dropping.

Burch · August 14, 2007, 07:51 PM

I just figured with a SWC i`d get a lot better penetration.

cdrt · August 14, 2007, 11:13 PM

Not too sure about that. If you hit a bone with a lead bullet, the results may not be the same as if you hit it with some kind of jacketed bullet. I bought some 240 grain soft point jacketed bullets to try on the hogs here out of my S&W 629 (.44 magnum). Unfortunately, haven't had a chance to try them yet. Maybe this deer season.

I found some loads for your 255 SWC bullet, but it was with IMR 4227, not H 4227, so I doubt if they would work since it's my understanding that the two powders are not identical.

Burch · August 15, 2007, 06:24 AM

Which of the powders will fill the case better. A lot of you folks seem to like the H-110 and Unique seems to be a favorite. I think i`ll go with the Trail Boss on a target load but still not sure about a hunting load for my 255swc.

cdrt · August 15, 2007, 08:10 AM

I've used Unique in my Colt SAA with good results. Min is 6.0, max is 8.5 grains. Don't have any loads for H110.

KW-Bane · August 15, 2007, 09:18 PM

I use W231 for mild to hot loads in my .45 Blkhwk.
I also use H110 for my .45 & .454.

H110 loads will be hot!

I use both LBT's LSWC 325gr. and Hornady XTP's 250gr. for hunting.

Hodgdon's website has a great loading data finder.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

stinger · August 15, 2007, 10:34 PM

Caution, the following loads may be too much for your guns, but they suit me just dandy. Work from a manual and start low and step up.

There is a reason why African dangerous game is hunted with solids and not hollowpoints. Penetration is the most important thing when dealing with big game.

I'd choose the cast over the hollowpoints from a handgun in this instance. You don't know how big the hog is going to be, and punching all of the way through the other side is critical. That 255swc at say 900-1000fps WILL punch through both sides of MOST hogs you'll ever meet. I also like my chances of a (good) cast bullet continuing on its path after it meets bone; with the hollowpoint, not so much.

I'd use Unique for moderate loads, and 2400 for heavier loads. Unique is the most common powder I use in 45 Colt and 8-9g has suited me well, most of the time I shoot right around 8.4g. That load is just above the Ruger only limit. I've never used 4227, but I'm sure you could come up with some good loads there, as well.

stinger · August 15, 2007, 10:35 PM

Oh, I certainly wouldn't shy away from GOOD hollowpoints...

August 14, 2007, 06:30 PM	#1
Burch Junior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: Cocoa,Fl. Posts: 14	45colt 255gr. load question First off, I have a Ruger Vaquero 45colt, 5.5bbl. I`m wanting some info on loading a 255gr. cast SWC. I have H4227 on hand and was just wondering what you folks we`re using as a pet load using the 255gr.`er and if the H4227 will work or not. I`d like to use a powder that I can hunt with. I really don`t want to push pressure loads to the limit but would like a stout enough load to hog hunt with. Thanks To All, Burch

August 14, 2007, 06:57 PM	#2
cdrt Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2007 Location: The Lone Star State Posts: 255	You might want to go to a jacketed hollow point for hog hunting. The ones here in Texas would just shrug off a lead bullet. I hit one in the heart with my .280 Remington and he still ran about 40 feet before dropping.

August 14, 2007, 07:51 PM	#3
Burch Junior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: Cocoa,Fl. Posts: 14	I just figured with a SWC i`d get a lot better penetration.

August 14, 2007, 11:13 PM	#4
cdrt Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2007 Location: The Lone Star State Posts: 255	Not too sure about that. If you hit a bone with a lead bullet, the results may not be the same as if you hit it with some kind of jacketed bullet. I bought some 240 grain soft point jacketed bullets to try on the hogs here out of my S&W 629 (.44 magnum). Unfortunately, haven't had a chance to try them yet. Maybe this deer season. I found some loads for your 255 SWC bullet, but it was with IMR 4227, not H 4227, so I doubt if they would work since it's my understanding that the two powders are not identical.

August 15, 2007, 06:24 AM	#5
Burch Junior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: Cocoa,Fl. Posts: 14	Which of the powders will fill the case better. A lot of you folks seem to like the H-110 and Unique seems to be a favorite. I think i`ll go with the Trail Boss on a target load but still not sure about a hunting load for my 255swc.

August 15, 2007, 08:10 AM	#6
cdrt Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2007 Location: The Lone Star State Posts: 255	I've used Unique in my Colt SAA with good results. Min is 6.0, max is 8.5 grains. Don't have any loads for H110.

August 15, 2007, 09:18 PM	#7
KW-Bane Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2006 Location: Mississippi Posts: 109	I use W231 for mild to hot loads in my .45 Blkhwk. I also use H110 for my .45 & .454. H110 loads will be hot! I use both LBT's LSWC 325gr. and Hornady XTP's 250gr. for hunting. Hodgdon's website has a great loading data finder. http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

August 15, 2007, 10:34 PM	#8
stinger Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Location: west texas Posts: 772	Caution, the following loads may be too much for your guns, but they suit me just dandy. Work from a manual and start low and step up. There is a reason why African dangerous game is hunted with solids and not hollowpoints. Penetration is the most important thing when dealing with big game. I'd choose the cast over the hollowpoints from a handgun in this instance. You don't know how big the hog is going to be, and punching all of the way through the other side is critical. That 255swc at say 900-1000fps WILL punch through both sides of MOST hogs you'll ever meet. I also like my chances of a (good) cast bullet continuing on its path after it meets bone; with the hollowpoint, not so much. I'd use Unique for moderate loads, and 2400 for heavier loads. Unique is the most common powder I use in 45 Colt and 8-9g has suited me well, most of the time I shoot right around 8.4g. That load is just above the Ruger only limit. I've never used 4227, but I'm sure you could come up with some good loads there, as well.

August 15, 2007, 10:35 PM	#9
stinger Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Location: west texas Posts: 772	Oh, I certainly wouldn't shy away from GOOD hollowpoints...