Reducing .45 Colt load

[Certaindeaf]

I haven't used Red Dot since I first got into reloading because it's so "soft". I think it would make a good choice for a light load. I remember Bullseye, Red Dot, Green Dot and 231 as being all about the same as judged by my internal "kick-o-meter".
I would start with Bullseye, because I have some.
I use Unique for loads that are more inline with ammo made by the mainstream manufacturers, like 38 Special and 45 ACP and it's definitely hotter than Bullseye.

They say Red Dot is very close in speed to Bullseye but it takes up much more case room and isn't position sensitive. I've used a lot of Red Dot in my shooting career, from .25acp to 30-06.

 

[Cerberus Group]

Powder burn rates...fastest to slowest...

 

[fstdraw]

I've had a few problems with 231 in .45 Colt pistol. Now it is my go to with .45 ACP. Also 231 has preformed great in larger doses such as for my .45 Winchester carbine.

It could just be me, but I'm going to try some of the suggestions from the forum members.

 

[orygun]

Powder burn rates...fastest to slowest...

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Well, I'll be damned. 231 is a lot closer to Unique than I remembered. About the time I went thru the stages of loading those powders in a Magnum, I discovered Blue Dot, but that's a completely different story!

 

[dangerranger60]

One thing about TiteGroup is when putting a tiny charge in a huge case of a 45 colt, it is not position sensitive. some of the harder to ignite powders I had to use fillers to keep the powder charge back near the primer. Since changing to TG for light loads I have not used any fillers. Use of fillers were common in the 60's, 70's, and early 80's.
Easy to ignite powders like TG have made loading reduced loads so much easier.
The downside is it takes so little powder that a large case like 45 Colt could hold a triple charge. So I really watch the cases when loading. If you are using a progressive loader find a way to visually see the powder charge before seating a bullet. DR

 

[Cerberus Group]

Well, I'll be damned. 231 is a lot closer to Unique than I remembered. About the time I went thru the stages of loading those powders in a Magnum, I discovered Blue Dot, but that's a completely different story!

My 257 brother, you're still my hero.

 

[Mikej]

Powder burn rates...fastest to slowest...

View attachment 1984880

I consider a "Burn Rate Chart" to be one of the most important tools to have on the bench when deciding on powders.

 

[Cerberus Group]

I consider a "Burn Rate Chart" to be one of the most important tools to have on the bench when deciding on powders.

With some powders being a bit elusive, the burn rate chart makes it easier to get alternative options.

 

[Mikej]

With some powders being a bit elusive, the burn rate chart makes it easier to get alternative options.

I also consider it very valuable to help know what's going on in the chamber and barrel. For instance a slower powder in a longer barrel can help lower recoil as powder burns longer while a bullet is still in the barrel. I know you know all that stuff doing what you do. Myself, after reading of people getting good results in the Swede Mauser with slower powders I tried StaBall 6.5 instead of the IMR4064 that I had been using. I was impressed.