Second thought, this fits better in the reload forum. 
Today's test
I had loaded 6 .45 Colt rounds some time ago with 30 grains Pyrodex behind a 255 grain flat nose. I never got around to trying them. Well, I found them yesterday while organizing my reloading room and just tested them. No chronograph tests, just accuracy. I got some pretty mundane results. Two of the first three shots went way low and not my fault. I was shooting off a rest and got a good sear break on all 6. The last 3 went with the one that was near the bulll, but even those 4 were only a 3" group from 25 yards. This gun, a Ruger stainless 4 5/8" Blackhawk, shoots 1" at 25 yards same bullet in front of 8.3 grains Unique.
I guess I could try some 777, don't have real Black. But, I see little reason to try 777 as it doesn't have that wonderful black powder smell I love so much. One thing, though, my 5.5" '58 Remington shoots about 2.5-3" with 30 grains Pyrodex and a .454" round ball. I have been wanting a .45ACP cylinder for it and WILL get one soon. I'm thinkin' that should out-perform the Pyrodex...theoretically you understand. LOL I shoot 5.0 grains Bullseye and a 200 grain cast SWC in .45ACP.
I guess I could try some 777, don't have real Black. But, I see little reason to try 777 as it doesn't have that wonderful black powder smell I love so much.
One thing, though, my 5.5" '58 Remington shoots about 2.5-3" with 30 grains Pyrodex and a .454" round ball. I have been wanting a .45ACP cylinder for it and WILL get one soon. I'm thinkin' that should out-perform the Pyrodex...theoretically you understand. LOL I shoot 5.0 grains Bullseye and a 200 grain cast SWC in .45ACP.1 - 11 of 11 Posts
"None of the above"???
(It's a test, right?)
(It's a test, right?)
Clean up was much quicker than with my cap and ball stuff, just soap up the barrel and cylinder, not much in the rear of the frame to worry about. AND, it's a stainless gun, which is always a plus with BP stuff.
Not a compressed load, only 30 grains, pretty full case, but not compressed. You could pack it to the gills with 777 (more power than Pyrodex) and it wouldn't hurt the Blackhawk, though. I shoot loads involving 2400 and a 300 grain Hornady XTP in that thing that will send a .44 magnum standard factory load screaming for mercy.
I MIGHT try a few more, but I've kinda lost interest with the lack luster accuracy I got from a gun that I know shoots lights out.
Not a compressed load, only 30 grains, pretty full case, but not compressed. You could pack it to the gills with 777 (more power than Pyrodex) and it wouldn't hurt the Blackhawk, though. I shoot loads involving 2400 and a 300 grain Hornady XTP in that thing that will send a .44 magnum standard factory load screaming for mercy.
I MIGHT try a few more, but I've kinda lost interest with the lack luster accuracy I got from a gun that I know shoots lights out.
Well, in my cap and ball guns, I use corn meal as a filler for lighter loads so that they compress. One can buy the wads that go in before the ball, but I've never used those. Cornmeal works. I might try that. Good point on the compression, hadn't thought of that.
Good point on the compression, hadn't thought of that.
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
