Colt 45 load

[Hazcat]

As many of ya know I have a Redhawk .45 and a Puma (92 lever) in 454 / 45.

Here is the set up.  I have a guy that reloads for me and will reload what I specify (as long as it is in a book).  Currently I have him reload with 19.5 grains of H110 and a 250 grain bullet.  That gives me around 1100 out of the Redhawk and 1500 out of the Puma.

BUT it seems pretty 'dirty' to me when I shoot.  I ASSUME this is due to the powder.

Bottom line....

Looking for a 45 Colt load that is a pig KILLER that burns cleaner and with a bullet weight of 250 to 300 grains.

NEXT question is bullet make up.  IF I use lead bullets does Hoppes and a bore brush do the job for keeping it clean?

I ask because I am thinking a Keith style semi wad cutter would be a great round.

Input please.

[m25operator]

Hornaday xtp, 300, may not work in the lever action but what a bullet, if the 300 is to long for the puma, then the .260 grain speer, most of the lead bullets at that weight are longer and will not work in lever actions. If it does then your lucky and go for it. I have found the real heavy bullets to be tack drivers and of course hit very hard.

[Majer]

Haz, here's a site that lists a bunch of +P loads for the .45 Colt, from 155 up to 300+ grain bullets

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=45%20Colt%20+P&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

[kilopaparomeo]

I don't know if it is any cleaner, but I shoot 19 gr of 2400 with a 250 gr Speer JHP.  About the same velocity and it put down a 210 lb hog lickety split out of my Blackhawk.  That load used to be closer to 21 gr in the 1980's but Speer has changed their reloading manual.  Feeds fine in my Puma Win92

At those velocities, you may get a fair amount of leading...I don't know for sure, but you may need to try a bullet with a gas check.

[Hazcat]

M25, what about powder and how much?  Looking for less 'smoke'.

BTW, so far I have had no problems with cycling. Maybe cause it's really a .454.

[Sponsor]

[tommy tornado]

I also use 2400 but would think that H-110 would burn cleaner.  Have you tried H-4227?

[Hazcat]

No I have not and I am asking y'all cause I don't know crap about the actual properties of the powders.  Just the loads and such from the reload manuals I have.

As I stated I am looking for a clean burning 1200 fps (handgun) and a good stopping bullet.

THANKS!

[PegLeg45]

I have heard that Titegroup is fairly clean burning, and the using gas-checks on hard cast lead bullets will prevent leading.

Friend sent me this when I asked hi about it a while back. I have a pound of it but have not tried it yet.

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/powder-keg/39106-titegroup-powder.html


http://www.hodgdon.com/shotpist.html

[ellis4538]

Haz, I would go with a jacketed bullet load because part of the smoke you are getting is from the lead bullet.

Richard

[TAB]

Is the chamber in the rifle long enough for a ruger only load?

Just for the nut swingers, the ruger only loads are do to rugers having a longer cylinder that can take a longer OAL.  It has nothing to do with strength.

Since the 454 has a greater OAL, it might work.  you do need to check before you order a bunch made up.


The ruger only loads will let you run up to 360 grainers.

Lots of guys also use lit'gun for powder.