Most of my .45 colt shooting is cowboy action shooting with Ruger Blackhawks. I use a 250 gr RCBS rnfp or a 270 gr RNFP (my own home built mold). I started with 7.0 grs. of Unique very accurate, then switched to 5.6 grs. of Hogdon Titegroup not quiet as accurate as unique (plenty accurate for cowboy action) but far more economical ($10 per pound savings). I recently tried IMR trailboss 5.4 grs behind a 230 gr roundnose and got a 5/8", 10 shot group at 20 yard (1 ragged hole, thats no BS). For bear defense and making lots of noise I use a 300 gr RNFP gas checked bullet with either Winchester 296 or Hogdon H110, I will not quote my charge(1375 fps from a 5.5" barrel, 1750 fps from a 20" barrel) as it is signifigantly above anything I have seen published (if you want more info on what this load might be, go Leverguns.com). Hope this helps