.45 Colt Load Question

[MikeM.]

Ok, So I'm looking at Lee's reloading manual for 45 Colt using a 250gr lead bullet and Unique powder. I see the load suggestions but am wondering if these are good for my Uberti clone or more for heavier revolvers like Ruger? Do you guys think 8gr (which is lower than the starting point of 8.4 in the manual) of Unique would be good for my revolver or will it stand what the manual suggests? don't want to thrash my new gun!! Need help from some of you who have been there and done that

[Abilene]

Is this for CAS or hunting or what?  And where did you find that load? Frankly I hate Alliant's online load data - they only show maximums and their loads are often pretty hot.

You can find a lot of loads at M.D. Smith's pages:
https://reloadammo.com/45-colt-load-data/

In the 45 Colt page, wouldn't you know it, there is a formatting error on the lightest Unique load, and the description of the lightest load got split apart, with the last part of it showing up at the top of that section.  If you look at it you will see what I mean, but basically that lowest Unique load for 250-255 grain LRNFP "SHOULD" say:
Unique - 6.4gr - 716fps (very mild, caution, some bullets can stick in barrel- this is below MINIMUM.)(I do not recommend over 8.5 gr of Unique; tough on guns)
The text I put in blue was out of place, at the top of that column.

He also lists this load for that bullet:

Unique    7.0 gr.    722fps (mild in 4 5/8″ bbl)

[Hair Trigger Jim]

Ok, So I'm looking at Lee's reloading manual for 45 Colt using a 250gr lead bullet and Unique powder. I see the load suggestions but am wondering if these are good for my Uberti clone or more for heavier revolvers like Ruger? Do you guys think 8gr (which is lower than the starting point of 8.4 in the manual) of Unique would be good for my revolver or will it stand what the manual suggests? don't want to thrash my new gun!! Need help from some of you who have been there and done that

First, I'm not disagreeing with Abilene's advice, just supplementing it to answer some specific questions.

8.4 gr is not a "Ruger only" load and should be safe in a Uberti revolver.  Alliant's own data for a lead 250 gr SWC (note this may differ slightly for different bullet profiles) shows a max of 9.5 gr, and since this is manufacturer-published data and doesn't say "Ruger only" or the like, it's intended for normal revolvers including your Uberti.  Alliant recommends starting 10% lower, i.e. at about 8.5 gr.  So your 8.4 should be "safe" for a Uberti revolver.

That said, not everybody wants a full-power load for .45 Colt.  It's not necessary for CAS or target shooting, and lighter loads are generally easier on the gun as well as the shooter.  And Unique does get used a lot for lower-velocity loads.  So now that that question's answered, feel free to follow Abilene's advice and load something lower depending on your needs.   

Just my .02 but since you got it for free, it might be worth what you paid for it.

[DeaconKC]

I am having good results with 250 and 200 grain RNFP over 7.5 grains of Unique. Runs well in all six of my pistols and rifles.

[MikeM.]

This isn't for CAS or anything in particular, just basic target or whatever shooting . I do not( however) want a load that ain't powerful enough to get the bullet out the end of my barrel . I'm not exactly looking for a "mild" load . Just a a good load that won't hurt my gun but is powerful enough to do damage if I need it to do so.

[45 Dragoon]

This isn't for CAS or anything in particular, just basic target or whatever shooting . I do not( however) want a load that ain't powerful enough to get the bullet out the end of my barrel . I'm not exactly looking for a "mild" load . Just a a good load that won't hurt my gun but is powerful enough to do damage if I need it to do so.

  Your Uberti is good for 45C+p's  so  anything in "tier1 " loading will be suitable.

Mike

[MikeM.]

Ok thanks guys !!

[Ranch 13]

Two of my 45 colts shoot 8 gr unique really well, 2 of them prefer 9 grains, the latter being the gold standard for the 45 ever since they quit putting black powder in it in the factories.
But if you really want it to shine for all things 45 colt find the Allianz data using blu dot, works really good in riflesso chambered too.

[Sagebrush Burns]

7.5 to 8.5 grains of Unique is pretty much the "classic" load level for the 45 Colt.  Perfectly safe in any revolver out there.

[Abilene]

I'm a little surprised Coffinmaker hasn't chimed in and said "none of the above!  Fill it full of APP!"   

[Coffinmaker]

  Ha Ha, SO:

Nah!!  NONE of The ABOVE.  It's real simple.  3F APP to the bullet base.  Any bullet base.  Easier to clean the gun with APP as well.  Can't go wrong with "IT"

Sorry I were late to the thread but I been inna shop for a couple days playing wid MY gunz 

Hi Abilene 

[MikeM.]

This won't be my permanent powder as I heard it has been discontinued. I guess I will use what I have and then try some tite group or something. Why would Alliant discontinue this? Isn't it a popular powder? Hope I heard wrong..

[King Medallion]

I don't believe Unique is discontinued, just on hold for a bit till Trump gets the war over.

[MikeM.]

I hope so !

[Ranch 13]

231/hp38 are good replacements for unigue if you can't find any.

[Froogal]

231/hp38 are good replacements for unigue if you can't find any.

Yes. I have found the same thing.