Mr.Bowen is just finishing up his magic on a 4" Redhawk in 45colt that I should have in hand on my return from Afg. I've loaded up 300gr Hornady and 300/360gr Cast Performance in anticipation. Was wondering if anybody might have suggestions as to some of their favorites?

I no longer use top-level 30,000+ psi loads in my .45 LCs. My standard jacketed bullet load is an 250 XTP over 15.0 grains of BlueDot. Gives 1080 fps in my 4-5/8" BlackHawk with very good accuracy and moderate recoil. In a 5-shot revolver you could probably go to at least 16.5 grains, probably more. Work up as usual. Yes, H-110 or lilGun will give much higher velocities.

12.5 grains of AA-5 under a 240/250 grain bullet is the most accurate load I have found in both my BH and Contender. Not the highest velocity but plenty for deer and extremely accurate. YMMV. The same charge under a 280 grain WFN delivers a very heavy punch without excessive recoil.

There is a lot more power available with your Bowen revolver, but after many years of firing heavy .45 LC loads - and others - I have arthritis in my right hand (only) and can no longer comfortably fire heavy loads. I have learned that medium-level loads work just as well as uber-level loads on game, are easier to shoot, and can be highly accurate. Moderate level loads in the Bowen have a huge safety margin, are easier on the gun, and will be very very accurate. But it's your revolver, use it as you want!

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Curious as to what feats he is performing. I load a 250 XTP for MN deer over a stiff charge charge of H110. I will be Working up a 300 grain hard cast load this summer, but it will be on the lighter side of the powder curve. Thinking of TG or HS-6 for about 1,000 fps. No need to break the wrist on a non-expanding slug like that. Congrat's on the new piece, stay safe and return healthy!

Had the basic package for the Redhawk, action job, internals, sights. In addition I had him re-barrel with his 4" SP style, really like the look. Despite some of the bad press, I've been using LiL'gun. I've loaded the 500JRH, 50WE, 44mag in 329PD, and .357 with no ill effects. I do keep the velocity low, 950-1200fps for the 300-440 gr WFNGC, hotter in the .357, 125 gr about 1450, pretty close to the same Vel with 158/160 gr and 1300ish with 180 WFNGC. With the 250/300XTP I push a little faster 1200-1300fps.

13gr of HS-6 under about any weight of cast has proven accurate and effective in my 45s.

Lots of that info is already on this website if you can search and find it.

I assume you are in the military and I send my respect to you for serving, Sir.

Gregg

Appreciate that Gregg. Actually retired now and just enjoy beating my head against the wall here in Afghanistan!

And it feels so good when you stop!

Hope you get home soon, Sir. And your customized Redhawk is waiting for you.