I want to know some full power loads for the .357mag using 180gr pills and full power loads for .45 Colt using 300-330gr pills. thanks for the help.

Welcome to Accuratereloading!

I recomend you go to sixgunner.com and find the link to back issues. Look for the articles by Paco, he has some excellent data for the 357, and for the 45 colt. It depends on what gun you are using as to how hot you can load.

If you are using ruger blackhawks, they can be loaded to impressive levels, I know folks that load the 45 redhawk even hotter, but don't recomend doing so, get the 454, or my favorite, the 480 if you need more.

[This message has been edited by Paul H (edited 08-02-2001).]

I'll have to get to my notebook, I have a 335gr (I think its 335?) hardcast load you might like. What gun are you loading for?

The 45 Colt, near and dear. There is a wealth of info on the net. Try Rifle Magazine.com for a article "turbocharging the .45 Colt" by Seyfried. Go to sixguns.com and sixgunner.com for a series articles by John Linebaugh and others, great stuff. Try the Hodgdon powder site for recent loads. The Hodgdon manuals, current and immediate past have the "modern" or +P data. For pretty pictures of big bore revolvers, check out Bowen.com for the custom revolver work of Hamilton Bowen. good shooting

Hey cyber,

What gun are you shooting the 45 Long Colt out of?

sorry, i plan on gitting a Ruger Bisley. not sure on the barrel length though, whether 5 1/2 or 7 1/2. some suggestions there would be appreciated. I was thinking of loading a 300gr bullet to 1200-1300fps with either W296 or H110. thanks

As far as barrel length, it depends on how you want to use it. If it will just be a target gun then get the 7 1/2", likewise if you will sit in a treestand with the gun accross your lap. If you are to be getting in and out of a vehicle much while wearing it, like when you are trying to follow hounds that are on a bear, the 5 1/2" is the only way to go.
I had a 7 1/2" Bisley a few years ago and loved it, wish I still had it, but now I carry a 5.5" .44 because it is just handier to me. Sean

Cyber,

I was just making sure your frame was a stout one before listing my loads.

1. 300gr Sierra JFN, 24.0 gr of H110, Win Lg pistol primer, OAL 1.670. Heavy crimp. 1350fps.

2. 328gr Dillon LBT-FN Hardcast, 23.0gr H110, Win Lg pistol primer, Heavy crimp bullet seated to crimp groove. 1250fps.

3. 335gr CBT LBT Gas check, 24.0gr H110, Win Lg pistol primer, heavy crimp. 1300fps.

Now it goes without saying that these loads are max. Work up to them from say 20% less and see how your pressure works. I don't try to reload the same brass with this load. Once the brass has experienced this load once, I put it in the plinking bucket, and load my 1000fps 250gr cast loads with it. Crimps are very heavy, and I'm using my Dillon dies with seperate crimp die. If your seat die is also your crimp die, I recommend doing it as a seperate operation.

All,

I would only use these loads in a Ruger, Lg frame S&W, 454 Casull, or an Anaconda. If you try them in a colt single action, or reproduction single action, etc. you will be pulling the pin on a handgranade and not throwing it. OK? There is my disclaimer. Be safe.

i plan on using the Bisley for stalking mostly. I prefer stalking to any type of hunting. I go thru dense woods and open country and i plan on carrying it in a shoulder holster. I'll do lots of shooting, but barrel length aint too much of a concern in this area. I would like the longer barrel because of better accuracy potential and slightly higher velocity, but i'm wondering if the shorter barrel would be more convientant.

I would probably go with the 7.5" bbl, I think they balance better personally.