230 gr. .45 Colt

haymaker · September 11, 2014, 11:10 AM

I recently started reloading for .45 Colt. So far I done 255 gr. cowboy loads and Hornady 240 gr. XTP hollow points.

I have a box of Hornady 230 gr. jacketed RN. These would be perfect for .45acp but I would like to load them for .45 Colt. I can't find any load data for .45 Colt using 230 gr. jacketed ball ammo. What would you guys recommend. I'm using Unique powder.

I'm shooting a Ruger Blackhawk and a S&W Governor. I want to keep velocities in the 800-900 fps range.

WESHOOT2 · September 11, 2014, 11:45 AM

What you'll find is that those bullets will creep forward under recoil, potentially disabling your revolver.

If you load them down to the 680--740fps range they probably won't.

If you insist on the 8-900fps range I suggest a Unique start of 6.0g.

If they have a cannelure you can roll crimp into that to help secure them. Any crimping should be done using the Redding Profile Crimp Die, as it, based on proper adjustment, allows first a gentle symmetrical taper before getting to the 'roll'.

OzeanJaeger · September 11, 2014, 11:48 AM

That is very good advice.

WESHOOT2 · September 11, 2014, 11:51 AM

too much 'roll' can deform the bullet, lessen neck tension, buckle the case, and other bad stuff

haymaker · September 11, 2014, 12:40 PM

How many grains of Unique would you recommend for a 700-720 fps load?

OzeanJaeger · September 11, 2014, 12:48 PM

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...l&type=Handgun

This may help.

WESHOOT2 · September 12, 2014, 04:32 PM

In the big Colt case I still suggest a start of 6.0g.

I might also experiment with magnum primers from CCI or Federal.

haymaker · September 12, 2014, 05:10 PM

Thanks for the info. 6 gr. seems reasonable.

September 11, 2014, 11:10 AM	#1
haymaker Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2007 Location: central Washington State Posts: 108	230 gr. .45 Colt I recently started reloading for .45 Colt. So far I done 255 gr. cowboy loads and Hornady 240 gr. XTP hollow points. I have a box of Hornady 230 gr. jacketed RN. These would be perfect for .45acp but I would like to load them for .45 Colt. I can't find any load data for .45 Colt using 230 gr. jacketed ball ammo. What would you guys recommend. I'm using Unique powder. I'm shooting a Ruger Blackhawk and a S&W Governor. I want to keep velocities in the 800-900 fps range.

September 11, 2014, 11:45 AM	#2
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	good luck What you'll find is that those bullets will creep forward under recoil, potentially disabling your revolver. If you load them down to the 680--740fps range they probably won't. If you insist on the 8-900fps range I suggest a Unique start of 6.0g. If they have a cannelure you can roll crimp into that to help secure them. Any crimping should be done using the Redding Profile Crimp Die, as it, based on proper adjustment, allows first a gentle symmetrical taper before getting to the 'roll'. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

September 11, 2014, 11:51 AM	#4
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	ps too much 'roll' can deform the bullet, lessen neck tension, buckle the case, and other bad stuff __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

September 12, 2014, 04:32 PM	#7
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	In the big Colt case I still suggest a start of 6.0g. I might also experiment with magnum primers from CCI or Federal. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

September 11, 2014, 11:48 AM	#3
OzeanJaeger Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2014 Posts: 301	That is very good advice.

September 11, 2014, 12:40 PM	#5
haymaker Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2007 Location: central Washington State Posts: 108	How many grains of Unique would you recommend for a 700-720 fps load?

September 11, 2014, 12:48 PM	#6
OzeanJaeger Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2014 Posts: 301	http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...l&type=Handgun This may help.

September 12, 2014, 05:10 PM	#8
haymaker Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2007 Location: central Washington State Posts: 108	Thanks for the info. 6 gr. seems reasonable.