Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity, pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 5% as a starting point for development where cartridges have greater than 40 grains in capacity and 10% for cartridges with less than 40 grain capacity following safe handloading practices as represented in established mainstream reloading manuals. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.
| 45 Colt +P 28.0 KPSI – 32.0 KPSI |
|
| Firearm | Ruger Blackhawk |
| Barrel Length | 5.5″ |
| Max Case Length | 1.285″ +0.000″/-0.020″ |
| Min – Max COL | 1.515″ – 1.600″ |
| Primer | CCI 350 – Large Pistol Magnum |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.4560″ +0.000″/-0.0060″ |
| Reloading Dies | RCBS |
| Bullet Type | Bullet Weight Grains |
Net H2O Grains Capacity |
COL” | Powder Type | Powder Charge Grains |
Muzzle Velocity fps |
Muzzle Energy ft/lbs |
| Speer JHP | 225 | 30.6 | 1.590 | Alliant Blue Dot | 20.5 | 1401 | 981 |
| Speer JHP | 225 | 30.6 | 1.590 | Hodgdon H110 | 29.5 | 1457 | 1061 |
| Speer JHP | 225 | 30.6 | 1.590 | Win 296 | 30.0 | 1483 | 1099 |
| Sierra JHP | 240 | 28.0 | 1.565 | AA No.9 | 22.5 | 1401 | 1046 |
| Sierra JHP | 240 | 28.0 | 1.565 | Hodgdon H110 | 28.5 | 1416 | 1069 |
| Sierra JHP | 240 | 28.0 | 1.565 | Hodgdon Lil’ Gun | 28.0 | 1450 | 1121 |
| Hornady HP/XP | 250 | 27.3 | 1.595 | AA No.9 | 21.0 | 1340 | 997 |
| Hornady HP/XP | 250 | 27.3 | 1.595 | Hodgdon H110 | 27.0 | 1374 | 1048 |
| Hornady HP/XP | 250 | 27.3 | 1.595 | Win 296 | 27.0 | 1388 | 1070 |
| TrueShot Cast | 255 | 27.0 | 1.595 | AA No.9 | 20.5 | 1311 | 973 |
| TrueShot Cast | 255 | 27.0 | 1.595 | Hodgdon H110 | 27.0 | 1351 | 1034 |
| TrueShot Cast | 255 | 27.0 | 1.595 | Win 296 | 27.0 | 1398 | 1107 |
| Speer JHP |
260 |
27.0 | 1.590 |
Alliant 2400 |
20.0 |
1258 |
914 |
| Speer JHP | 260 | 27.0 | 1.590 | Hodgdon H110 |
26.5 |
1331 |
1023 |
| Speer JHP | 260 | 27.0 | 1.590 | Win 296 |
27.0 |
1377 |
1095 |
| TrueShot Cast | 300 | 24.7 | *1.645 | H110 | 23.0 | 1232 | 1011 |
| TrueShot Cast | 300 | 24.7 | *1.645 | Ramshot Enforcer | 20.5 | 1214 | 982 |
| TrueShot Cast | 300 | 24.7 | *1.645 | Win 296 | 23.0 | 1196 | 953 |
| *Exceeds SAAMI COL of 1.610″. The Blackhawk’s cylinder body is 1.710″, net of rear indexer and front bushing. COL minus rim thickness of 0.060″ puts only 1.585″ in the cylinder and recovers 5 grains of case capacity. |
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I guess H110/W296 will always be the propellant of choice, for best velocities in rounds like .45 Colt and the original magnum revolver loads. More power to all who use these powders in such cartridges, but I have grown more fond of Alliant 2400 for “maximum effort” loads in them. I have never been very comfortable with the 3% work-up margin recommended for W296 vs. the broader 10% work-up margin for Alliant 2400. Additionally, 2400 ignites perfectly well using standard large pistol primers, while H110/W296 seems to require Magnum large pistol primers.