.45 colt loads please

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steven123654

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Hey guys,

I have a bunch of .452 FMJ-RN bullets that I was reloading with Pyrodex and 777 for my H&R Handi Rifle in .45 colt.
Now I have recently purchase a Pietta 1873 Cattleman bird's head grip revolver and want to reload for it.
I would like to know if anybody has some load data for me using these bullets with Unique powder?
I am a bit worried about the strength of this revolver compared to my Handi Rifle and want to stay in SAAMI specs.
No P+ loads please.

Thanks in advance!
 
Sounds like you are using 230 grain .45 ACP bullets.

8 grains of Unique would give you around 800 FPS and would be well within SAAMI specs for standard .45 LC.

My Lyman Reloading Handbook (which seems pretty conservative) lists 8.0 grains of Unique as the starting load with 9.0 grains as the maximum load, using a 225 grain JHP bullet. 225 or 230 grains, very similar, and both jacketed.

I have used 8.0 grains of Unique with 250 grain cast lead bullets since the 1970s.
A very old and standard load for any smokeless powder 1873 Colt or any modern Colt replica.
 
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I haven't worked up any jacketed bullet handloads but I will throw in my cast bullet loads as food for thought. Use this data at your own risk.

With a 250gr RNFP cast and quenched to 15 BHN and sized to .452 I have worked up and shot a bunch of cowboy loads for my Uberti 1860 Henry and Remington 1858 Conversion revolver.

5.7 grs Trailboss (near max for most books / Hodgdon's load data site, DO NOT COMPRESS trailboss.....it can be very bad)

5.7 grs Titegroup (consistent and not position sensitive but the charge density makes it easy to potentially quadruple charge a 45 colt case)

7 grs WIN 231 (load density better than titegroup but burns dirtier, a classic load if you can't find Unique)

8.8 grs CFE Pistol (not much data or people shooting this combo, I tried it because Hodgdon shows you can achieve velocities close to the original black powder loadings still be within SAAMI pressures. The recoil is between 45 ACP and a medium 44 magnum loading.)
 
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