23k psi 45 Colt H110 Load

[1972RedNeck]

Anyone have a “tier 2” 45 Colt load for H110 powder and a 300gr bullet? Have found one for a 265 gr bullet but not for a 300…

[ligonierbill]

My manuals do not list tiered loads for 45 Colt as they do for 45-70. And few list their pressures for "Ruger only". However, Speer 15 does: 28 ksi. I couldn't find it, but I recall an older manual that "split the difference" between SAAMI 45 Colt and 44 Magnum (25 ksi). I've loaded Speer, Sierra, and Hornady 300 gr jacketed bullets to listed max H110 in my Blackhawk without any problems (to the gun, my hand is another story). Note that the 300s load to 1.64 or 1.65 vs "spec" 1.59.

Back off a few grains, which you will be doing anyway, and work up slowly. What are you loading for?

Note: I misworded. I meant to max, "over" intending to mean bullet over powder.

[black mamba]

CAUTION: The following post (or a page linked to) includes or discusses loading data not covered by currently published sources of tested data for this cartridge (QuickLOAD or Gordon's Reloading Tool data is not professionally tested). USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assumes any liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this information.

GRT shows the Hornady 300 XTP loaded to 1.61" giving 22.8 kpsi with 20.0 gr of H110.
If you load out to an OAL of 1.64", then 20.7 gr gives the same pressure.

[1972RedNeck]

GRT shows the Hornady 300 XTP loaded to 1.61" giving 22.8 kpsi with 20.0 gr of H110.
If you load out to an OAL of 1.64", then 20.7 gr gives the same pressure.

Thank you.

What load data is this "GRT" you speak of? I am looking to add more load data recourses to my collection...

[Unclenick]

Black Mamba,

Please read about and use the warning in the sticky, here. It is required for unpublished loads.


1972RedNeck,

CAUTION!

First: GRT (Gordon's Reloading Tool) is interior ballistics simulation software, like QuickLOAD. These programs do not fully take thermal losses and friction into account, so they tend to err on the low side with pressure. In particular, this is most exaggerated with reduced loads, so the pressure from the suggested load is likely to be higher than GRT predicted for it.

Second: WC296 (H110 and 296 in canister grades for handloaders) is a St. Marks propellant that does not like to be downloaded or has less than about 85-90% case fill. You can get lower pressure using it behind a heavy bullet because the bullet's high mass delays acceleration enough to give the powder time to get its burn underway. With lighter bullets, it doesn't have that advantage and can squib out. Hodgdon had a warning on its (currently confused) load website that published loads of H110, and 296 should not be loaded down more than 3% because this powder has a propensity to extinguish at reduced levels, especially when a revolver barrel/cylinder gap is being jumped, leaving a bullet stuck in the barrel for the next round to smash into. Since extinguishing is highly inconsistent, the next round is likely to fire normally, so its bullet rear-ends the stuck one, something that causes barrel bulging or even a gun burst. So you have to be extremely cautious about using this stuff at reduced levels, possibly checking your bore after every shot.

Third, slow powders tend to burn poorly at lower pressures anyway, leaving lots of fouling and unburned powder particles around. They also tend to burn inconsistently when this is happening, giving large velocity spreads.

You would be better off skipping H110 for your application and trying to find some 2400, Power Pistol, Accurate #7 or #9, or something else less touchy than WC296.

[Mike / Tx]

You might find this interesting....
Post #22

[GeauxTide]

Lookup Brian Pearce's 45 Colt article in Handloader #268. He dives deep into 3 Tiers of 45 Colt loads. I would NEVER use a slow powder, H-110, 296, Lil'Gun for medium loads. I use Unique or Power Pistol under my 285gr SWC 45 Colt loads.

[44 AMP]

Sorry, I can't help you much, other than to say look in different manuals or articles for what you want to find. None of my stuff lists H 110 in the .45 Colt sections, and even the ones that list 300gr slugs don't list that powder.

I don't run 300gr slugs in .45 Colt and I don't run H110 in .45 Colt, don't see the point.

I had my years of loading up the .45 Colt in my Ruger, and eventually gave up on it. I have other calibers better suited for heavier bullet or higher speeds.

Somewhere around 30 or so years back I settled on one load for all my .45Colt shooting, a 250gr SWC over a just below listed max charge of Unique in my 1970 Lyman manual. The test gun they used was a Colt SAA, and it was safe there, so I have no concerns about it in my New Model Blackhawk or Contender.

Clocks just under 1100fps from my 7.5" Blackhawk, is accurate, and not punishing to shoot from my guns.

[rickt300]

This link may be of interest.

https://leverguns.com/articles/paco/45coltlevergun.htm

[Paul B.]

Do a search for John Linebaugh. He worked up top level loads for the appropriate Ruger revolvers and had them professionally pressure tested by the H.P. White laboratory. He has them for the .44 magnum and .45 Colt.
Paul B.

[Nathan]

I assume tier 2 in your mind is 23ksi?

That is going to be hard to arrive at. 30ksi loads are known. 18ksi loads are known. Middle is harder.

[5whiskey]

I will mirror what others said about powder selection. Most slow magnum handgun powders do not play nicely at reduced pressure. In some cases the worst you experience is a dirty load, high SD and ES, and unburnt powder.

HS6 might be suitable for what you are trying, but that's likely a little slow burning for the application as well.