What's Your Favorite Powder for .45 Colt?

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  • Bill2905

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    For those who like to sling big heavy chunks of lead downrange, what is your favorite .45 Colt powder?

    I like 8.0 grains of Unique with a 250 grain bullet. My supply of Unique is nearly exhausted however, so I will be experimenting with W231, Bullseye and 700-X.
     

    BehindBlueI's

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    I don't like 700X as it's difficult to meter. I've not tried either of the other powders you list. H110 is very consistent but it's for stout charges.
     

    Leadeye

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    .
    I've used both 231 and Trail Boss, but prefer Unique. H110/296/Lil Gun are great for big charges but make sure you have a gas check on any cast lead bullet, those powders will eat up the base and leave lead deposits in the barrel.

    8 grains of Unique is my go to charge for a lot of cartridges. With a 250 grain bullet in 45 Colt, with a 240 grain bullet in 44 magnum/special, and with a 200 grain bullet in 44-40.
     

    Ark

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    Unique. Nice case fill on the big flakes.

    Too bad I haven't seen a flake of it for sale in 18 months.
     

    binkerton

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    Titegroup is all I have on hand at the moment and some Silver Creek 45-200 SWC, so I found some data in my Lymans book for a 200gr LSWC. Used 6.4gr (range was 6.1-6.8) of TG with 1.55 OAL. Worked fairly well.
     

    NKBJ

    at the ark
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    Yep to AA#5 and Unique. Loved Red Dot and AL-5. But, as always, it depends upon what the shooter, the piece and the projectiles like best.

    Madcap experiments with heavies in a single shot rifle... slower powders are good but as always nobody's data is everyone's data, your mileage may vary, don't try this at home while smoking or watching reruns of any show with Julie Newmar.
    :patriot:
    45Colt 2016-09-12.JPG
     

    Bill2905

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    Feb 1, 2021
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    Yep to AA#5 and Unique. Loved Red Dot and AL-5. But, as always, it depends upon what the shooter, the piece and the projectiles like best.

    Madcap experiments with heavies in a single shot rifle... slower powders are good but as always nobody's data is everyone's data, your mileage may vary, don't try this at home while smoking or watching reruns of any show with Julie Newmar.
    :patriot:
    View attachment 162978
    Man, that's a serious chunk of lead.
     
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