Well, I just got me a new member of the family. I just bought a used Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt. I want to load for this gun and see what kind of ammo I can produce for her.

I have only loaded for rifle so far and have not tried loading pistol ammo yet. So and reccommendations on procedure as well as accurate loads would be greatly appreciated.

I am loking more for a plinking round then anything else. But I would of coarse like it to be accurate. What is the best powder that I could use for the 45 Colt? Also what do you suggest for the brass and primers as well? Like I said, I never never tried loading pistol ammo before so I can use any and all advice you can offer.

starline 45 colt brass is the best around. I use 2400 for most of my 45 loads, 14.5 gr with 270gr cast bullet, 18.5gr with 250gr jacketed, and 20gr with 270gr cast bullet

My plinking load is Starline brass, Winchester primers, a 250 gr. lead bullet, and 9 gr. of Unique.

Can someone explain to me what a cowboy load is?

How is if different from any other loaded? What about it is loaded different?

Less recoil? Lower velocity? Whats the difference?

"Cowboy Action Loads" are supposed to equate the original loadings for the caliber you are using. Rally, that is about all I know as I have never been involved in CAS - however, if you go to http://www.cowboyactionshooting.com/pages/cowboylinks.html you will find all the info you could ever want and probably more.
Best regards,

7-8gr of unique & a 225-230gr bullet is a very mild & accurate load. Look around, there are alot of guys casting this weight in a RNFP w/ a crimp groove. I have shot 1,000s in CAS. CAS loads are light recoiling for faster follow up shots in competition. The real speed freaks use .38specials & if they do use a .45colt they will shoot 200gr bullets @ about 700fps. Accurate & very easy to shoot. My wife also shoots a .45colt for competition & out of the bigger Bisley revolver, it shoots like a .38.

My current back packing pistol is a 4 5/8" SSBH. I use a 300gr LFP over 16 1/2gr 2400 for just under 1000fps. It's accurate & while recoil is there, it is controlable & penetrates really well.

[ 06-02-2003, 14:26: Message edited by: fredj338 ]

Embalmer
If you want very mild loads shoot the "Cowboy " loads. but for most plinking loads you'll find that the standard one's shown in the manual are just right!! The 200-250 gr bullets are made for these loads and easy on the recoil. I've shot many 230 cast 45 ACP bullets .452 in mine and there are great plinkers/small/light game bullets!
Favorite loads is 9.7 gr Bulleye at about 1000 fps in my SRH and 1300fps out of my Win 94!


[ 06-06-2003, 00:43: Message edited by: Gunnut45/454 ]