Reloading the 45 Colt

[wyotimberghost]

I'm planning on reloading for my Ruger New Model Blackhawk 45 Colt and figured I'd ask what components you guys would recommend. I'll be making one load for grizzly protection/ big game hunting and one for economical plinking. So far I'm planning on using Starline brass for both loads and either the 200gr RNFP or 250gr RNFP Chey-Cast bullets for my plinking loads (gotta support the WY company). I'm still trying to decide on a bullet for my stout +P loads (thinking 300+ gr hardcast) and powder for both the plinking and bear loads. Any recommendations?

[handloader1]

A 300 gr. LBT style bullet will be a good choice for grizzly. Good luck.

[eldeguello]

ORIGINAL: wyotimberghost

I'm planning on reloading for my Ruger New Model Blackhawk 45 Colt and figured I'd ask what components you guys would recommend. I'll be making one load for grizzly protection/ big game hunting and one for economical plinking. So far I'm planning on using Starline brass for both loads and either the 200gr RNFP or 250gr RNFP Chey-Cast bullets for my plinking loads (gotta support the WY company). I'm still trying to decide on a bullet for my stout +P loads (thinking 300+ gr hardcast) and powder for both the plinking and bear loads. Any recommendations?

Using Elmer Keith's Lyman #454424 bullet cast of wheelweights and heat-treated to Brinell 22, mine weigh 268 grains. I use 18 grains of 2400 with them in my Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt. MV is slightly over 1200 FPS, and they penetrate deeply, with little or no deformation. A 300-grainer of the same shape would perhaps be a little better......

If bullets are made TOO hard, they can shatter on impact, rather than holding together.

[goatbrother]

For the heavy stuff I have a LEE mold that casts a 300 grain flat nose w/gas check. For powder, 25 grains of WW 296 or H 110 and a CCI Large Rifle magnum primer to light it off. The load is from, let me think, either the Sierra or Harnady loading book. I use the same powder charge when loading Hornady 300 grain XTP's.

[Ed Lacy]

You might also try using .454 Casull brass trimmed to 45LC length when loading +P loads.You'll get more reloads out of them than you would using regular brass. They are a very stout case.
Ed