Bud Hyett
posted this
08 November 2021
I'm seeking some kind of a standard load I can shoot over a range of revolvers. I'm going back to shooting pistol as part of my cancer therapy. The chemotherapy has robbed me of strength in my arms and grip. I figure this is a fun way to build back the muscle and grip.
I did this when I as twenty and hospitalized for burns over my upper body. Hands wrapped and not used for a month, I was very weak. Bought a Ruger Mark 1 bull barrel and a case of ammunition, went out behind the corn crib and started in.
Conundrum: The cylinder throat size on the older guns means bigger bullets and the strength means lighter charges. Fortunately my big cylinder throats are on the Level 1 revolvers, the S&W all are .452 or .453 press fit. The Ruger and Colt Anaconda run .453, which is good.
I've previously used 6.5 grains Unique with the H&G 200 grain semi-wadcutter for Level 1, but this hardly gets through the paper. It does not cut a clean hole like the 8.0 grain load in the S&W Model 25.
After all the input, I'm thinking of separating the S&W loads, 8.0 grains Unique and the 200 grain semi-wadcutter. This will be the everyday load for practice several times a week. I'll shoot the S&W for regular practice, I'm getting too old to be continually picking up brass from the Gold Cup. It will also work for the Ruger and Colt Anaconda for plinking.
The Level 1 load will be 7.0 grains Unique and the SAECO #954 cast of scrap wheelweight alloy. Again, just for plinking.
The SAECO #954 and RCBS 45-230-RN loaded with 9.5 grains Unique will be for the Elmer Keith Memorial Match. This match is shot at 140, 200, 250, and 600 yards over iron sights. Fun, but very challenging.
Thank you everyone for the input,
Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest