PGM - I own a Stampede in a .45 Colt with a 7 1/2" barrel (I also have a 5 1/2" Ruger Blackhawk as my "power" gun). The Stampede is better balanced, more fun to shoot, and has more than enough power for most hunting situations where a "sidearm" companion, rather than a specialized hunting arm is employed. My best load is 8.7grs Unique (new or old) with a 255gr SWC or 240gr JHC Sierra at just over 900fps with either load. Don't pay any attention to "foot pounds" of energy, but do pay attention to range and bullet placement and you'll be amazed at how effective this combination works. I've tried a few higher pressure loads that stayed within the pressure requirements of Colt replicas and gained another 100fps or so; however, accuracy did not improve and recoil increased dramatically. (I tried 16.5gr of 2400 with a 255grSWC that was suggested by Sheriff Jim Wilson, Skeeter Skelton, and others, but I found the load at the max I would "stuff" into the action and still acheive easy extration. Again, no improvements resulted when used in my gun.) I did find 6.8gr Bullseye with either bullet also gave about as good velocity and accuracy as the Unique load, but seemed to be more sensitive to whether the pistol has been shot from a "barrel down" position (before firing) or a "barrel up" position. Buy and enjoy. My 2 cents - Jager
