I would like a nice moderate load in the 1160 fps to 1200 fps range with lead hard cast slugs for a Ruger Vaqero in Forty Five Colt. The other load is the same for a Colt 44.40. I understand H2400 and H Forty Two Seventy Seven are good powders for these loads. Does anyone have any actual chrono work done on these two? Any advice will be appreciated. I shoot mostly full power black loads in these cartridges.

Go to sixgunner.com, FAQ, there is a list of 45 Colt favorite loads, including some less than full house. If you want full house, same site, look at John Linebaugh's articles. You should probably find some articles on the 44.40 as well
peter.

I have loaded 9.5 grs of Unique in the .45 Colt Blackhawk for a long time. The bullet is a 250 Saeco SWC cast from Linotype. This gives 1000 fps. But a friend tried this in his similar Blackhawk with Carroll Bullets which are a local commercial cast bullet and the load leaded.

Mine have never leaded and are very accurate. I don't hunt big game with the handgun so this load is just right for small game, etc.

I use 10 grains of Unique under a 255 gr. bullet in the 45 Colt. I also use this load in the 44 Magnum, and once dropped a white tail with it with one shot. Velocity in a 4" 629 is around 1050. It's accurate enough for small game and powerful enough for deer. It's one of my favorite loads. Okie John.