Keith's load in .45 Colt

[jd45]

I recently read Paco Kelly's article @ sixgunner .com regarding handloads for the .45 Colt in rifles. As background, he stated he had used, without ANY problems, Uncle Elmer's load of 18.5grs of 2400 under a 250 or 255gr bullet, in Colt clones (revolvers, I presume). What're your opinions on his experience with this combo. Do you agree this load is safe, or not? I'm curious. Thanx for your feedback. jd45.

[Somerled]

I'm not for certain, but I think Elmer used that load in the old balloon-head cases. I haven't read "Sixguns" lately. Balloon-head cases were weaker but had more capacity. That was years ago. I suspect 2400 is has changed some over decades as well.

I suspect I wouldn't do it even in a stout Ruger. There are better powders anyhow. I have loaded H4427 in .45 clones to a respectable velocity. But I usually just load 7.8 grains of Unique under a 255 grain cast bullet in the clones.

[Graybeard]

Elmer used to use 22.0 grains in the .44 Mag. with the Lyman 429421 (think that's the right #). Now only 20.0 grains of the current H2400 is recommended. So I'd say the powder has changed some.

I personally would not use 18.5 in a Colt or Colt Clone. I do not have a clue what the pressure would be but I'd not do it. I only use 19.5 grains with bullets of that weight in my Ruger Bisley. Not so much for safety sake as I just like that load and the recoil level it gives.

Velocity of the 18.5 should be real close to old BP velocity level but that definitely is NOT an indication of similar pressure.

So I'd use it in a Ruger or similar strong gun but NOT a Colt or clone. That's just me tho.

[Somerled]

jd45,

I shoot the .45 Colt SAA clones for fun mainly. The stouter loads aren't fun in them. And the revolvers take a serious pounding. They won't hold up long without some serious gunsmithing work or replacement.

Now a Ruger Bisley loaded up is fun. It will do some hunting. The sights are far easier to acquire. The sights Hamilton Bowen offers for the Ruger are even better. With the unfluted cylinder and Bisley grip, the extra weight makes recoil manageable. I wish Ruger offered it with a shorter 5 1/2" barrel as a regular option.

The Ruger Blackhawks will also take stout loads. But they whip around more in my hand. Again, it isn't fun to spend a couple of hours shooting them except with some lighter loads. One can put Bisley grip frames on them, however.

If you like fixed sights, look at the Bisley Vaquero in .45 Colt. I'd have to replace the front sight and widen the rear notch a little to take it hunting.

[LAH]

Mr. Keith used that load in the old Colts. Paco I'm sure has fired many of these. It's a good load and one that isn't real stout. I've read velocities all over the board. I get 1050 fps from my 4 5/8" Blackhawk. I would consider the load as safe as 9 grs. of Unique. The Unique load was used my Skeeter in his Colts.

The gun rags say 2400 has changed somewhat but personally I can't tell the difference. I also find 16 grs. of 2400 more accurate in my 45 but dirty.

I would feel safe firing the load in a clone but other loads would be better suited.

[Blackhawk44]

Elmer's old load was 17.5gr 2400 in solid head cases.  18.5 was for balloon head cases and now too much.  This was to be used sparingly in Colts.  While it won't blow one, it will batter one very badly.  Cylinder pins, cylinder bushings and bolts will go quickly.  While I have used this over the years, I found 19gr of H4227 better and about as stout.  Would not think of using over 16.5gr of new 2400 in a Colt or a clone.

[Somerled]

Nine grains of the newer Alliant Unique is too also hot for Colts and the clones. I used to load that charge in those revolvers and a S&W Model 25-5. But I have had to back the charges back to under eight grains with the 255 grain SWCs.