45 Colt and Unique

MSD Mike · June 1, 2010, 12:58 PM

I have been loading 8.5 grains of Unique behind a 250 GR lead bullet for my Ruger Blackhawk for some time now. I recently Chronographed this load for the first time and was suprised to see that it was running 990 FPS out of my Blackhawk with a 5 1/2" barrel. This is a good deal faster than my Lyman manual says it should run. I have pulled a few bullets to check the charge and it is correct. Has anyone else had this experience?

Thaks
Mike

Brian Pfleuger · June 1, 2010, 01:10 PM

How far were you from the chrony?

MSD Mike · June 1, 2010, 03:45 PM

About six feet. Maybe to close?

Thanks
Mike

Brian Pfleuger · June 1, 2010, 03:59 PM

That is likely to be too close, yes. Even at 25 feet you're going to be at 99% of true muzzle velocity. 15 feet would be much better than 6, 10 is probably very close to minimum.

MSD Mike · June 1, 2010, 05:12 PM

Thanks
I will try moving it out.

Mike

jmortimer · June 1, 2010, 09:46 PM

Max standard SAAMI load ( 14 k psi) for that bullet is 9.5 grains of Unique and your velocity is "above average" but you do have a longer barrel and Ruger rifiling supposedly shoots a little faster. I think 15 feet is a good distance for the chronograph and in the end the most important thing is whether or not your bullet hits at the point of aim.

June 1, 2010, 12:58 PM	#1
MSD Mike Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2009 Posts: 213	45 Colt and Unique I have been loading 8.5 grains of Unique behind a 250 GR lead bullet for my Ruger Blackhawk for some time now. I recently Chronographed this load for the first time and was suprised to see that it was running 990 FPS out of my Blackhawk with a 5 1/2" barrel. This is a good deal faster than my Lyman manual says it should run. I have pulled a few bullets to check the charge and it is correct. Has anyone else had this experience? Thaks Mike

June 1, 2010, 01:10 PM	#2
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	How far were you from the chrony? __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

June 1, 2010, 03:59 PM	#4
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	That is likely to be too close, yes. Even at 25 feet you're going to be at 99% of true muzzle velocity. 15 feet would be much better than 6, 10 is probably very close to minimum. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

June 1, 2010, 03:45 PM	#3
MSD Mike Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2009 Posts: 213	About six feet. Maybe to close? Thanks Mike

June 1, 2010, 05:12 PM	#5
MSD Mike Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2009 Posts: 213	Thanks I will try moving it out. Mike

June 1, 2010, 09:46 PM	#6
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	Max standard SAAMI load ( 14 k psi) for that bullet is 9.5 grains of Unique and your velocity is "above average" but you do have a longer barrel and Ruger rifiling supposedly shoots a little faster. I think 15 feet is a good distance for the chronograph and in the end the most important thing is whether or not your bullet hits at the point of aim.