by dogsniper » Mon Mar 24, 2014 7:29 am
I am going to try some "reduced" loads. To clarify, I mean reduced from the "Ruger/Thompson Center" only loads, but still slightly higher than the very low pressure factory 45LC loads. My loads that are 255gr Cast lead are "middle of the road" Ruger only loads, and they do not generate the velocities or the pressure of my hunting loads, but they are above what would be considered a factory 45LC load. These loads do not cause the difficult extraction, and I am sure it is because these loads are charged with Alliant Unique powder, and not the Hodgdon Lil' Gun that my hunting loads are. The only problem with trying to find a safe load in the middle of the factory loads, and the Ruger only loads, is these too do not share powders(not with the Hornady XTP Bullets). Factory loads are very low pressure and use powders such as Unique, and Titegroup, where the Ruger only loads use powders such as Lil' Gun, H110/W296, IMR4227, 2400 (more like magnum pistol powders).
Here is my concern with reducing my Hunting loads (250grain Hornady XTP). The Hodgdon data I used to make the loads listed Lil' Gun at a minimum of 22.0gr, and a Maximum of 25.0gr if memory serves me correctly. I am using the minimum load listed for Lil' Gun at 22.0gr. I know with most pistol data, reducing the charge of H110/W296 is recommended NOT to do. I have always loaded within the powder charges listed for a caliber based on what my manuals say is recommended. I have never loaded more or less powder than a manual states is safe. I guess my question would be, Should I also consider Lil' Gun to be a powder that SHOULD NOT BE REDUCED? And if I should not reduce that powder, could anyone give me a suggestion of a pistol powder that is similar to Lil' Gun or H110 (velocity), but does not generate as much pressure? I know there are people with a far better understanding of Burn Rates, and what works well in relation to other powders than I have. To be honest, I have never played with this, mainly because I don't really feel like having a grenade in my hand when it goes off.
I would really like to find the right combination that would allow this rifle to have good velocity, but not be unsafe as far as pressure is concerned. And, I also can't completely rule out weak brass?? Just really strange, that these loads were fired on exactly the same day, within ten minutes or so of each other, some thru my revolver, some thru my rifle, and the rifle was the only brass that showed pressure signs...
It's not the size of the Dog in the Fight that matters....It's the amount of Fight in the Dog!