Gun is a 7.5" Blackhawk. I have 265 Grn WFNGC bullets and H110. I want it around 1000-1100fps. Go with the H110 or just stick with the Unique? I'm not much of a handgun loader.

I've got a $5 bill that says 10gr of Unique will put you right where you want to be. Hodgdon recommends H110only for top end loads

Dittos, H-110 is IMHO to best choice for top end loads, but that is also it's only use.

Conversely Unique is outstanding for ~1000 fps loads and would be my choice with the 265 gr.

You want to be careful with H110 and W 296. They have a fairly narrow range for optimum performance. Too much is bad, to little is worse. Harder to do too much than too little. Go with Unique for that load.

I can't say why H110 or Unique wouldn't work, but in my experience HS-6 (with standard(non mag) primers) was super easy for me getting exactly what you state.

The problem with H-110 is it can't be safely downloaded and hence starting loads are going to be clocking 1300 fps which is well above what the op is after.

10 grains of Unique will do the trick. Also very accurate load in most of my .45 caliber Blackhawks

Yes, and a lot easier on the ears than 25 gr of 110.

Thanks all, figured as much.

If you care to experiment a little and shoot a Ruger try 20 gr IMR4227 with a mag primer or 13 gr of HS-6 with a reg primer. Both shoot that exact bullet extremely well.

Pat, I shoot 2400 in mine to about that level of performance. I shoot the 270 grain Penn Thunderheads and 2400. Unfortunately, I am only in my second cup of coffee and having trouble finding my recipe.

I'll keep looking though.

These days I run Universal, HS6 and W296 in my 45 Colt loads, depending on intended use.

13.0 of HS6 (AKA the Linebaugh Load) does about 1075 with 255's from my 4 3/4 to 5 1/2 inch SA revolvers; and I'm betting another ten grains of bullet would scarcely be noticeable on the chronograph.

I don't load that 265 grain, but I do run through boxes and boxes of 250 grain LSWC bullets in my Rugers.
Lately, I have been using 12.5 grains of BlueDot. My Chronograph shows 1015 fps.

Longshot or Titegroup is what you want. I use the RCBS Keith SWC 270 GR in my 45 Blackhawk with Titegroup.

Power Pistol also. Very close to Unique burn rate and a lot cleaner burning

I burn power pistol in my SAA 45 Colt under the 270 gr Thunderhead, shoots right to the sights at around 950 fps, and yes, very clean burning.

have used power pistol and unique, depending on availability, with 270's. both seem to work pretty well.

AA 5 or AA 7 works real well for me. Burns clean and meters like water.

Yep, I use AA 7, works well for 1000-1100 fps and clean.

Longshot is also a good choice for that general bullet weight / velocity range.

Seems he was asking H110 or Unique, no?

I have H110 but have never much cared for it, yes it's for top end loads. But there generally is a small separation between minimum and maximum loads. Unique much wider from low to high.
Unique has been the go to powder for 45colt since just about forever. I use it for a bunch of big bore calibers.

Stay with the unique.


And if you want to try 255gr KT's or 280gr SAA's, let me know.

I just converted 80 pounds of raw WW into ingots. Still got about 300 pounds left to spin.

Yeah, but he might get to a gun store one day.

If the good LT or anyone else does get to a gun store and wants to try something new, Ramshot True Blue has proven to be very good in intermediate loads in three different chamberings.

7.0 grains under a 158 gr. cast in the .357 Magnum, 9.0 grains under a 200 grain RNFP in the .44 Spl. and 11.0 grains under a 255 grain cast bullet in the .45 Colt. All produce velocities in the 1000 fps range at those bullet weights and charge levels, are clean burning and the fine ball powder meters like water.

These are all moderate loads so one can juggle the bullet weights a bit and still stay safe, maybe drop a grain or two to start if using heavier bullets.

Plus if you have a 9mm it is great for full power loads in that.

Thanks, if I see some on the shelf I'll give it a try.