blue dot and 45 colt

[jimster]

I just got a large quantity of blue dot powder and would like to use it for 45 colt. I have never used blue dot before, been using unique for many years for an all around load for 45 colt.
Can anyone give me a starting point for blue dot and 250 gr cast bullet? Would like about 850 fps to equal what I get from my standard unique load.

Thanks!

Jim

[dubber123]

The only data I could find was for a 250 gr. jacketed.  Start load at 10.4 grs.  max at 11.4 grs.  Max was at 800 fps.  You will have to taylor these loads due to the lead bullet having less friction.  This will give you a place to start.  Both loads are safe for Colt single actions and their copies.  Hope this helps.

[Glanceblamm]

My Sierra data would have one start the 240 gr JHC @ 14.2gr bluedot for 1,000fps & ends @ 16.9gr
For 1,250fps (Accuracy load is listed as 15.3gr & 1,100fps)

They have their 300gr JSP starting @ 11.5gr for 800fps & ending @ 14.0gr for 1,000fps
240gr OAL=1.600
300gr OAL=1.650
CCI 350 Primers Are Used With Both Bullet Weights

Note: These Loads Are For Ruger, Colt Anaconda, Dan Wesson, & Freedom Arms

I know you were wanting data for a 250gr bullet but this should give you something to go on.

[DWTim]

Alliant:
10.4 to 11.5 grains, 12,200 CUP, max. 890 fps in 7" bbl.

Speer Data:
11.9 to 12.9 grains, 14,000 PSI, max. 1000 fps in 6" bbl.


Kind of nice how these two sources kind of mesh and cover the whole spectrum.

[Lone Star]

I have had very good luck with BlueDot in my various .45LCs over the years.  I seldom have used it for low velocity loads, most of my loads are in the 1000+ fps range.  It bulks up a bit better than Unique in the big .45LC case, and I have seen great accuracy; in my Bullberry 10" Bull barrel Contender with 4x Leupold it devilers consisent 2" 5-shot groups at 100 yards with the Hornady 250 XTP. 

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[jimster]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll start out with 10.4 grs as listed below, and see what happens.  I would like to use it in "non-Ruger" type guns as well.
I have a bunch of this power and just want to start using it.
I was surprised at the difference in manuals out there, one manual would list a starting load at 10.5 and another would start at 11.5, one grain could mean a lot in a Colt type revolver.

Thanks for the help

Jim

[Lone Star]

I was surprised at the difference in manuals out there, one manual would list a starting load at 10.5 and another would start at 11.5, one grain could mean a lot in a Colt type revolver.

Actually it isn't that surprising.  The .45LC has had numerous bullet, chamber and bore dimensions in its life, and depending on the bullet design,  chamber and/or bore specs used by the reloading companies there can be a sizable difference in the pressures and velocities.  Too, some companies do their pressure testing in a pressure barrel and then get their velocities in a production gun; others use a piezo system on the production gun only.  These are some reasons for the differing velocities and pressures in published .45LC data.

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