300 XTP load for the 45 Colt

[irold]

Evening Gentlemen

I'm at it again , trying for something different .   I spent all last summer finding a 240 load for my SRH ( in 45C )now think I'll try the 300 XTP.  Everyone tells me the 45 Colt will do better with heavier bullets.  My bullet of choice is the Hornady 300 XTP/Hp.  I'm hoping to find a decent shooting load with either 2400 or W-296.  Any suggestions ?   I just loaded 15 rounds with 21 gr. of W-296 with a WLP primer. Haven't got a chance to try them yet.  I'm using three manuals...Speer , Hornady and a Lyman handgun manual.  21 grains seemed to be an average from all three to start with.   Thought someone out there uses the 300 XTP in their 45C and would consider sharing some info.   Thanks

regards , irold

[spinafish]

that is the load that my Contender 45 LC/.410 shot the best...It does well in my 7 1/2 Bisley also..

[irold]

Good , maybe I'll luck into something that will work real quick !

Thanks ,  irold

[Hit or Miss]

The last 300 grainers I loaded were over 15 grains of 2400, they work pretty well.  Should come in around 1000 fps out of my 7 1/2" Blackhawk.  Not too hot but certainly not weak!   That is a TC or Ruger load only, use with caution, all disclaimers apply!

[irold]

Thanks Hit or Miss ,

I'm using the 45 C out of my SRH 454......any of the Ruger/Contender loads shud be safe.   Thanks ,

irold

[huntswithdogs]

I shot a similar load from my BH. Proved to be a handfull!

[SHOOTALL]

I load the 300 gr. XTP to max powder charge as listed in the Ruger section of the Hornady reloading manual. ( don't have exact load at work with me ) . I use H 110 or Win 296. I use win Win LP primers for standard or magnum loads or mag primers . Since it is a max load I weigh each one. I shoot this in a redhawk and super redhawk .

[dpe.ahoy]

Another good powder to try for the heavy 45 Colt loads is LilGun from Hodgdon.  DP

[243dave]

Irold,  I shoot and hunt with a 94 win trapper(16" barrel)in 45colt so its not even close to the same gun but I shoot the 300gr xtp's. Your RSH is stronger than my 94 trapper so my load will be safe in your pistol.  My load ended up being 23grs of h-110, winchester brass, and federal gold medal large magnum pistol primers.(H-110 AND W-296 ARE THE SAME POWDER, BUT DO A LITTLE CHECKING AND DON'T TAKE MY WORD)  I started off hunting with the regular 300gr XTP's at about 1600fps and they would not exit if deer were not perfectly broadsided.  They expanded to much at this velocity and limited penetration.  Next I switched to the 300gr XTP mags with the same 23grs of h-110.  This bullet is much tougher and better suited for the velocity that my 16 inch barrel can spit them out at.  A couple years ago this bullet traveled length-wise thru a average size doe.  This bullet hits hard and leaves big exit holes and kills quickly.  I imagine the regular XTP would do as well if slowed down a bit.  Accuracy wise both the XTP and XTP mags were able to hit 6 inch gongs at 200 yds with no problem.  I never shot them for groups so I don't know which was the most accurate out of my rifle.  If you decide to push the velocity up much past 1400fps you might want to try the XTP mags, I don't think a 454 can drive them hard enough to cause over-expansion, hornady says they are good to 2300fps.  The XTP's are very good and accurate bullets if used within their designated velocities.    Dave  

[irold]

Shootall ...I think thats the direction I'm heading.  I'll see how the 21 grains shoots and go from there.  Thanks

Dave , good thoughts.  I do shoot 454 with the XTP-Mags....they're hard to find around here.  I really pay through the nose to order them, shipping and the fact they're the mag bullet drives the price up.  The standard XTP is pretty easy for me to find and the velocity and pressure in the 45C load should allow me to use them.  I'm looking for 1100 to 1200 from my SRH.  That seems pretty hot......but my manuals say it will do it. Thanks

regards,irold

[SHOOTALL]

With jacketed bullets I found that Rugers both in RH , SRH and BH . 44's ,45's or 454's it seems the faster you drive them the better they shoot . That has been my experince.

[cwlongshot]

  My 45COLT load for the 300Gr XTP consists of W296 powder a CCI LP mag primer and a FEDERAL case. I get 1300fps form a 10" Contender, better then 1100 from a 7.5" Bisley and better than 1700fps from a 20" barreled Marlin. This load has accounted for many many animals over three or four states.

CW

[243dave]

CW, Have you had any trouble with penetration(no exit wounds on deer)and the 300gr xtp when being shot out of your marlin rifle ??  I have and switched to the XTP mags, just wondering if anyone else has had this problem.    Dave

[cwlongshot]

I have literally shot end to end thru deer with a lesser bullet.. Speers PLATED 300SP... 

I have no worries with the XTPs. I also shoot the 357 dia 180gr at 2200fps on whitetails with excellent results.

CW