28 or 29 years ago, after considerable research I carefully duplicated the original loading for the 45 Colt. I had NOS balloon head cases, 255g RNFP bullets cast from 1-20 tin to lead alloy, and FFg black powder.
A 40g charge of BP gave me 914 fps from my 7.5" SAA. The same load made 885 fps in my 5.5" SAA. And finally it produced 864 fps in my 4.75" SAA. And yes I still have the chronograph results.
Where ever the idea came from that the original load produced 700 fps it is so far off the mark it's ridiculous.
And, unless you are hunting very large animals, a 255g projectile at a little over 900 fps will solve most tasks you might take on with a handgun.
Just sayin',
Dave
A 40g charge of BP gave me 914 fps from my 7.5" SAA. The same load made 885 fps in my 5.5" SAA. And finally it produced 864 fps in my 4.75" SAA. And yes I still have the chronograph results.
Where ever the idea came from that the original load produced 700 fps it is so far off the mark it's ridiculous.
And, unless you are hunting very large animals, a 255g projectile at a little over 900 fps will solve most tasks you might take on with a handgun.
Just sayin',
Dave