Looking for 1,000 FPS .45 Colt, 4" barrel

[BehindBlueI's]

4" Redhawk in .45 Colt, I want to drive a 255 gr SWC at 1k fps, give or take. Most of the load data is for a 6" or 7" barrel. I'm thinking of trying Accurate #2. Anyone have any recommendations?

It's the .45 Auto/.45 Colt combo. I could, in theory also purchase some .45 Super brass and load that.

Purpose is: reasons. This isn't for any real purpose other than for funsies and because I like loading .45 Colt. I probably should have just went with the 6" version to begin with, or trade into one, but I'm still playing with the 4" for now.

I've been using Acc #9 for hotter loads, but I'm thinking the burn rate and amount of powder isn't really geared toward the 4". I'm looking for a more efficient load to get the velocity I want but less recoil and muzzle flash. (I know it's not going to be low recoil...just lower)

[Jim Watson]

Looking at AA data, a MAXIMUM load of #2 might get you 1000 fps 4".
Or you could back down on the #9 and put up with a little blast and flash.

Look at Brian Pearce's article. Yeah, he was using a heavier bullet in a 5.5" barrel, but he has some options.
There have been several barge loads of .45s shot with 10 grains of Unique, even though it is really an overload for a SAA.

[Jim Watson]

For some reason I cannot edit my posts here. See Pearce's stuff at:
https://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL%20246partial.pdf

[5pins]

http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt45lc.htm

[TiroFijo]

I would go for 9.0-10.0 gr Unique or Universal Clays; or 9.0-9.5 Power Pistol.

With your 255 LSWC bullet (or a little heavier) you should get close to 950+ fps in that range; it is about 20,000 PSI and very comfortable to shoot.

For me, for mid range 44 mag loads or 45 colt, the powders with burning velocities like unique provide lower flash, blast and recoil, and are ideal to use with this kind of lead bullets.

[okie john]

There have been several barge loads of .45s shot with 10 grains of Unique, even though it is really an overload for a SAA.

You really can't go wrong with this, even if some people think that Unique is the moral equivalent of FFFg. Works like a champ in the 44 Mag as well.


Okie John

[Malamute]

The older manuals I had access to when first loading 45 colt indicated that 8.5 grs Unique was a factory equivalent load with 250 gr cast. I loaded and shot quite a lot of them, as well as 10 grs Unique as a slightly stepped up field load. When I had opportunity to chrono the 8.5 gr loads, they were doing 925 fps in my 4 5/8" barrel Ruger SA. This was with old Unique I believe.

I also like the medium level loads in 44 mag, vastly more pleasant to shoot than full power mag loads, and much flatter shooting than spl loads at 2-300 yards. I settled on 9 grs Unique or Universal.

I agree, many say Unique is dirty. In the medium range loads I think it burns fairly clean and fully. Not as great in light loads as other powders, but not bad in the medium pressure range.

[BehindBlueI's]

I'm going to try and source some HS-6 and/or Unique and will report back.

[okie john]

You might also try 231. I had pretty good luck with it in my Model 29-2. You'll need to use +P data for the 45 Colt, but that's no problem in a Ruger.


Okie John

[LtDave]

Take a look at Longshot. I've found a couple loads at 9.5 to 10.5 grains that hit allegedly come close to or exceed 1000 fps with 270 Cast RCBS. Pearce says 9.5 to 10.5 grains of Power Pistol is good for 1013-1025 fps (20000 psi load) with the same bullet. Haven't tried these myself.

[BehindBlueI's]

I picked up some HS-6 and Unique. If I don't like them for .45 Colt, it'll be no problem using them in .38/.357 loads.

It'll be a bit before I'll be able to set up a chrono and check anything, but I'll report back.