Hot loads for the FTX in a Blackhawk - The Firearms Forum

al45lc · 10-02-2012, 10:33 PM

Got lucky (I think), buddy of mine gave me a box of the hornady FTX 225 gr. bullets (misordered from a catalog), but I have no load data for them and my research indicates that Hornady does NOT recommend using data for same bullet weights for some reason.
I shoot Speer 225 Mag HP's with 15 grs Blue Dot and get excellent results, but am not familar enough with these FTX to be comfortable using that data, in light of the Hornady warning.
Any one have any experience here with these, or suggestions on where to start?
I thought about using data for a heavier bullet (230) and reduce by 5%, but also figured this forum might be my best bet for real life data.
Thanx!

JLA · 10-03-2012, 07:15 PM

The reason for hornadys recommendation is because the FTXs are supposed to be used in short cut cases. the OAL isnt gonna matter in your BH because the cylinder will accomodate 1.7" cartridges. Max OAL for the .45 colt is same as .44 mag at 1.6. so you have a 10th of an inch to play with. Use a starting charge for 225 grain bullet and seat them to the cannelure and measure them. if they are at or below 1.7" just crimp them and develop a load like normal with regular 225 gr data.

JLA · 10-03-2012, 07:16 PM

holy smokes i just assumed you are loading for a .45 colt BH. If you arent you gotta be loading for a .44 mag BH and the same still applies..

al45lc · 10-03-2012, 09:16 PM

Oops, sorry! Yep, for the BH .45 lc, although I was also going to use them in my Marlin 1895.
Ya'know, this explains the mysterious very short cases I picked up at the range that were all headstamped "Hornady 45:Colt" in red.
I rarely buy factory ammo, and was unaware of this situation with that bullet loading.
Thanx for the info.

10-02-2012, 10:33 PM	#1
al45lc Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: colorful colorado Posts: 1,016	Hot loads for the FTX in a Blackhawk Got lucky (I think), buddy of mine gave me a box of the hornady FTX 225 gr. bullets (misordered from a catalog), but I have no load data for them and my research indicates that Hornady does NOT recommend using data for same bullet weights for some reason. I shoot Speer 225 Mag HP's with 15 grs Blue Dot and get excellent results, but am not familar enough with these FTX to be comfortable using that data, in light of the Hornady warning. Any one have any experience here with these, or suggestions on where to start? I thought about using data for a heavier bullet (230) and reduce by 5%, but also figured this forum might be my best bet for real life data. Thanx! __________________ You are what you do, when it counts. -->

10-03-2012, 07:15 PM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: Hot loads for the FTX in a Blackhawk The reason for hornadys recommendation is because the FTXs are supposed to be used in short cut cases. the OAL isnt gonna matter in your BH because the cylinder will accomodate 1.7" cartridges. Max OAL for the .45 colt is same as .44 mag at 1.6. so you have a 10th of an inch to play with. Use a starting charge for 225 grain bullet and seat them to the cannelure and measure them. if they are at or below 1.7" just crimp them and develop a load like normal with regular 225 gr data. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

10-03-2012, 07:16 PM	#3
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: Hot loads for the FTX in a Blackhawk holy smokes i just assumed you are loading for a .45 colt BH. If you arent you gotta be loading for a .44 mag BH and the same still applies.. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

10-03-2012, 09:16 PM	#4
al45lc Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: colorful colorado Posts: 1,016	Re: Hot loads for the FTX in a Blackhawk Oops, sorry! Yep, for the BH .45 lc, although I was also going to use them in my Marlin 1895. Ya'know, this explains the mysterious very short cases I picked up at the range that were all headstamped "Hornady 45:Colt" in red. I rarely buy factory ammo, and was unaware of this situation with that bullet loading. Thanx for the info. __________________ You are what you do, when it counts.