Are these loads okay?

[Kermit2]

I know it's fudging a little to ask this question since I didn't cast these bullets myself, but I haven't gotten a mould yet and got set up to do .452 boolits, and since I wanted to shoot right away I cheated and bought factory produced cast lead bullets. Forgive me.

I'm going to prepare some handloads using the following: mixed .45 acp cases, Winchester large pistol primers, 200 grain GLC cast lead semiwadcutter bullets, and 4.6 grains of Bullseye powder. The second powder charge I am considering using with the same components is 5.7 grains of Unique. The bullets are produced by GLC Cast Bullets of Springfield, MO. The overall length of the bullets is .648 from base to nose. They are cast at .452 and have a Brinnell rating of 15.

My Alliant reloading guide says the maximum Bullseye charge with a 200 grain LSWC is 4.6 grains, but my Lyman guide shows a max of 5.6 grains.

The Alliant guide shows max for Unique with a 200 grain LSWC is 5.4 grains while the Lyman guide shows a max for Unique and a 200 grain LSWC is 7.5 grains.

Do the 4.6 grains Bullseye and 5.7 grains Unique loads appear to be reasonable? Your input will be appreciated. Thanks!

[fecmech]

The loading of 4.6/BE and 5.7/Unique are kind of middle range loads IMO with a 200 LSWC. You certainly would be in no danger from excessive pressure with either of them I don't believe.

[littlejack]

Kermit:
I think you may have misprinted your C.O.L. .648 is too short. It should read 1.???.
While the Alliant data may be light, there may be a reason for them posting that particular data. It may be that they are trying to keep the velocity down to target speeds.
The Lyman data may seem high, but my 49th edition shows the same powder weight.
I would work up to the max load and keep an on things. If you are just plinking, no need for full tilt loads.
I believe there are a lot of folks out there that use the old standard 5.0 grain load of Bullseye and the 230 grain boolit for there max.
Jack

[Kermit2]

Littlejack,

I was referring to the length of the cast boolit rather than the overall cartridge length. The boolit itself is .648 from it's base to it's nose. If I can get velocities in the 750 - 830 fps range I'll be happy.

[littlejack]

That makes sense on the boolit length. Those velocities you mention will be easy to achieve.

[mpmarty]

If you're shooting in a 1911a1 I'd start at the minimum listed load and work up until the pistol functions reliably. There is no need to beat a nice gun to death.

[Inkman]

4.6gr Bullseye under a 200gr LSWC is gonna be fine. A lower mid-range load. Should cycle fine with anything but the lightest recoil spring too. What 1911 you shooting it thru?

I routinely load 4.8 to 5.0 Bullseye to make PF in USPSA with 200gr LSWCs. Runs great in all my 1911s.

Al

[Kermit2]

Inkman,

I'll be shooting the rounds through one of the new Ruger SR1911's.

I also bought some Ranier 230 grain copper plated bullets, and have loaded and shot them. Using the same 4.6 grain charge of Bullseye they are pretty darned accurate in my pistol. Me being the lazy, slothlike creature that I am I thought it would be awesome if I could use the same powder charge with either the 230 grain plated bullet or the 200 grain cast boolit. I may load a few of the cast boolits with a 4.3 grain Bullseye charge to see how they do also. I'd like to stay in area of 760 fps. The 4.6 grain Bullseye load with the plated 230 grain bullets is averaging 765 fps and they shoot very well. If I can use the cast boolits without leading trouble I can cut my shooting costs significantly.

Anyone have any other thoughts on the 4.6 or 4.3 Bullseye and the 5.7 Unique loads that use the 200 grain LSWC? As always, your input is appreciated.

[WHITETAIL]

Kermit, You are doing OK.
I just looked in to my Lyman 48 edition.
45 ACP at 200gr. boolit with Bulleye
is 3.5-5.6 gr..
I have always used 5gr. of Bullseye
with a 200gr. boolit.:guntootsmiley:

[44magLeo]

I have Lymans #49 and they show two different 200 gr boolits. One lists 3.5 to 5.6 gr BE and 5 to 7.5 grs Unique. The other 4.9 to 6 grs of BE, 6 to 7.5 grs Unique.
Your loads are ok. starting to light loads. TRy them, Try in 1/2 grain steps up to about 5.5 grs BE and 7 grs of Unique. the heavier loads may be a bit more recoil but may shot better.
Each gun is a law unto itself. Many shoot the same loads better than others. Starting where you are is safe, experement to see what works for you.
Leo