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Bullseye for reloading 45 long colt

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1.3K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  gwpercle  
#1 · (Edited)
Does anybody use Bullseye for 45 long colt?
I have an old Speer reloading manual #10 that lists 6.6 to 7.1 grains of Bullseye for 250 gr. lead semi wad cutter.
I've loaded 250 gr. lead flat nose over 5.4, 5.7 and 6.7 grains of Bullseye.
Have shot the 5.4 and 5.7 loads and they seem a bit stout.
Stouter than Winchester 250 gr. lead flat nose cowboy action loads actually.
Haven't tried the 6.7 loads yet.
The same manual also has Ruger or Contender loads for the same projectile of 8.8 to 9.3 grains of Bullseye.
All loads have been shot out of an old model Vaquero.
As a side note, primers are CCI #300 large pistol primers.
Are there any opinions out there in regards of using Wolf large magnum pistol primers?
 
#2 · (Edited)
I recently started Colt loading but unfortunately haven’t used Bullseye.
It will be interesting to hear folks comments!
Typically toward the top is more efficient. jmho
I’m getting good accuracy with Alliant Power Pistol, Unique and Accurate Silhouette. PP leaves the least unburnt mess.
Hopefully @Iowegan will be along with his expert advice.
 
#3 ·
The rule of thumb for 45 Colt .... mid-burn rate powders work the best and keep chamber pressure within SAAMI limits. As such, good ol' Unique, Universal, or Power Pistol seem to work the best. Bullseye powder is very fast burning. To get normal velocities, chamber pressure may run high with Bullseye.
 
#4 ·
In my reading of Elmer Keith's 1936 book " Sixgun Cartridges & Loads " he recommends a "light " load for the 45 Colt as the 250 gr. cast SWC and 5.0 grs Bullseye powder . My notes show this as being about 736 fps out of my Ruger BH 6 1/2 inch barrel ...
and a rather pleasant and accurate Tin Can and Target Load .
I don't know if I would load Bullseye any heavier in the 45 Colt ... I would call 5.0 grs Bullseye / 250 gr. SWC as my Pet Load and stop right there .
Gary
 
R
#5 ·
Looking at my load tests, I never tested Bullseye for .45 Colt. Closest fastest burning powder I tested was Red Dot and Clays. Personally I would stick with the medium burn powders like Unique, True Blue, Green Dot, Universal, Power Pistol and such.... Right now my goto powder is Green Dot for .45 Colt.
 
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#8 ·
If you have Unique , the load of 8.0 grs Unique / 250 gr. cast SWC ( Iowegan's post #7 ) is the classic factory equivalent load .
My personal Unique load is a tad lighter ...
... 7.5 grs Unique - 255 gr. Lyman #252424 SWC
@ about 800 fps ... my Ruger Blackhawk just loves that load .
Load Safe ,
Gary
 
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