.45 long colt loads

Hello all, I have need for some loading info using 200 lead and 185 JHP. I have some 2400 powder I need to use up, this will be for a Ruger old style Vaquero. Thanks for the help.

Is the lead gas checked. I use 18.5 of 2400 with the 240xtp for deer. 7 gr 231 with 250gr lead gas checked and non gas checked.

Alliant Powder does not recommend 2400 for the .45 Colt.  If you use it for light loads, you will not get a consistent powder burn. It is for magnum loads.  Elmer Keith used 2400 for heavy loads in the .45 Colt back when, but it was a much slower burning powder then.
http://alliantpowder.com/products/powder/2400.aspx

cdrt wrote:Alliant Powder does not recommend 2400 for the .45 Colt.  If you use it for light loads, you will not get a consistent powder burn. It is for magnum loads.  Elmer Keith used 2400 for heavy loads in the .45 Colt back when, but it was a much slower burning powder then.
http://alliantpowder.com/products/powder/2400.aspx

The Lyman #50 manual doesn't show 2400 as a recommended powder for .45 Long Colt either, but my Speer manual does. Who says that Hercules 2400 was slower than what is being produced today? Alliant says that there is no change.

I have a model 25.   2400 is not the ideal powder.  Unique is a good one, faster powders  are great.   2400 will work, but velocities will be erratic.

The link above shows loads for 250 grain bullets.   200 and 185 are even lighter which needs a faster powder for a complete burn.

If you have anything else, it would be good.  I use Unique,  red dot, Bullseye,   and 231.  

If you look around, it will come up  that Unique is the most used for 45 colt.  

David

I used to load 45lc for a friend many years ago. His load was 8.0 grains of unique under a Lyman 452460 bullet  cast from wheel weights. The same bullet I used in my Gold Cup.
I was just learning pistol shooting then and he out shot me really bad, all the time. He could really make that old Ruger Black hawk sing.

Darrell

PS. Used 45acp dies just adjusted up for the longer cases. They worked great.

My deer load for my S&W Model 25-5 uses 18 grains of 2400 behind a cast 265gr HP.   Works well for me.

Don

My powder puff/deer load for the 45 Colt is 27.6 gr of H110 behind a .452 240gr XTP.That's for the XVR. NOT NOT NOT for model 25 or old Bisley.

I have been shooting the 45-40(45LC) for 45 years and most of the time with 2400.
Yes,it burns a little dirty but changes have been made.
SO WHAT  It is very accurate in most all of my 24 pistols.
Great in Contenders, always reliable in charges from 15.5 to 18.00 depending on the gun.
That and Unique in 45 ACP are the only powders you need.
everybody with a phone tries to re event the wheel !!
READ Hatcher, Sharp, Naramore ,Nonte

Road Racer wrote:I have been shooting the 45-40(45LC) for 45 years and most of the time with 2400.
Yes,it burns a little dirty but changes have been made.
SO WHAT  It is very accurate in most all of my 24 pistols.
Great in Contenders, always reliable in charges from 15.5 to 18.00 depending on the gun.
That and Unique in 45 ACP are the only powders you need.
everybody with a phone tries to re event the wheel !!
READ Hatcher, Sharp, Naramore ,Nonte

Well, Hatcher, Sharp, Naramore and George would have no problems switching over to more appropriate  powders and bullets available today.
Hell! Even Skeeter and Askins would have changed.
And Elmer would have used all your 2400!


Only reason to use Unique is you bought 100# of it when cheap.

I'm a big believer in using a powder at a pressure level that it is designed to work in.   The OP wanting to use 2400 for 185 and 200 grain .45 caliber bullets doesn't fall in that category.

Don