New 45 pistol, need mould recommendations!

[vandeusenps]

Happy Saturday all, I just purchased a CZ 97, and need some recommendations for some good cast bullets. Let me now what moulds you guys are using with your 45 autos!

I try to stick with Lyman moulds, but lee would be ok, as long as they aren't tumble lube.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[DLCTEX]

This question comes up often and the H&G clones of the 200 gr. SWC win the day every time. Lees copy is good. I have one that has had the bevel base removed and a Mi Hec that is also plainbase, that is just a bit better in quality. I would go with a six cavity if you shoot a lot.

[Bohica793]

Without question my recommendation is the NOE 453-200 SWC (H&G clone). I own one and highly recommend it.

[Jupiter7]

I like the rcbs 45-230cm. I have a mihec clone of the same. I shoot it in all my 1911's and in 205gr hollow pointed configuration it is my bullet of choice for competition.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/651749/rcbs-2-cavity-cowboy-bullet-mold-45-230-cm-45-caliber-452-454-diameter-230-grain-flat-nose

I would borrow or buy some 200gr SWC's and load them first. Not all guns like them.

[prs]

No experience with your gun, but the 6 cavity Lee 452-230-TC is a generally popular easy to cast traditional lube groove design. My 1911s feed them well and they are reasonably accurat.

For a 200 gr, the 68 design is most popular.

prs

[Larry Gibson]

Lyman's 452460 has been a winner for eons........

The Lyman 452630 is the equivalent of the H&G 68.

Both are 200 gr.

Larry Gibson

[vandeusenps]

Thanks to all who provided information. It seems like the 200gr. semi wad cutter design from more than one brand are popular. I would like to try them out. I assume the Lyman 452460 and 452630 are comparable to those mentioned above?

[igolfat8]

My Springfield is really accurate with the Lee H&G 68 clone.

[Unforgiven]

I tried a bunch of 45 auto boolits, the Lee 452-230-TC is my personal favorite. It feeds well in every gun I have and is plenty accurate.

[Artful]

Happy Saturday all, I just purchased a CZ 97, and need some recommendations for some good cast bullets.

Let me now what moulds you guys are using with your 45 autos!

I try to stick with Lyman moulds, but lee would be ok, as long as they aren't tumble lube.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Congrat's on your new 45!
I'm currently using a Flat Nosed Trucated Cone of 230 grain - I use it in 1911's and revolver's and a SIG 220.

I shoot steel and other reactive targets these days...

For years I mainly used 452460 Lyman 200 grain SWC for punching paper targets - either would be a fine choice.

I'm not familiar with the CZ 97 does it have the polygonal barrel?

[Cherokee]

The Lyman 452460 and 452630 are not the same but similar. My preference is for the Lee 452230TC (not TL) and it feeds in every 45 ACP I have tried it in. The Lee 452200SWC (not TL) also feeds well in all my 45 ACP's. I used the TC design for 30 years and switched over to the Lee TC for casting volume. I used the 452460 for years and it worked fine. Now I use the Lee because of casting volume.

[MtGun44]

H&G 68 clone, Lee is close but not a clone.

Saeco 068 or 069 are both excellent.

MP has made a superb H&G 68 clone in the past.

Bill

[vandeusenps]

Congrat's on your new 45!
I'm currently using a Flat Nosed Trucated Cone of 230 grain - I use it in 1911's and revolver's and a SIG 220.

I shoot steel and other reactive targets these days...

For years I mainly used 452460 Lyman 200 grain SWC for punching paper targets - either would be a fine choice.

I'm not familiar with the CZ 97 does it have the polygonal barrel?

The CZ 97 is basically the same thing as the popular model 75 (9mm), but in 45 acp. The barrel is standard rifling. I just wanted a full size steel 45 without spending big money for a 1911.

As for molds to feed it, it sounds like I might try the Lee 230 gr. RN first, due to the multiple recommendations for it so far.

Thanks to everyone who has chimed in.

[Artful]

On thing you can do to test before you buy a mold, is to try factory rounds with the same nose shape as the mold you are interested in.

[mstarling]

'Tis sage advice to try some ammunition with a projectile nose shape similar to the mold you might like to acquire ... or to acquire some projectiles cast using that mold.

The H&G 68 shape and the Lyman 452460 shape do sometimes require polishing of the ramp and throat in the pistol to get perfect function. Is not usually a problem with the classic round nose or with Mihec's flattened round nose.

I shot the 452460 for years, but apparently loaned the mold to someone who never returned it ... sign ... So now do the H&G 68 and the Mihec mold. All three have given me superb accuracy.

I shoot 1911s, SIGs, an XDs, and a UMP in 45 ACP.

[Hounddog]

I shoot the lee 230 grn round nose tumble lube, 230 grain truncated cone, 230 grain round nose, and 200 grain SWC (h&g clone) in both my Taurus PT1911 and M&P and all feed well and shoot great. I prefer the 230 tumble lube cause I can make up a huge batch real quick. Can't go wrong with any of em'!

Hounddog

[trixter]

I am a real fan of the Lee TL 452-200 SWC. I have the newer 6 cavity mold and It drops boolits at .453-.453.2, and they go through my Lee Push Through sizer and come out at .4516. My XDm gobbles them up like appetizers. I love Tumble Lube boolits.

[goblism]

Just be aware that the 97 has a short throat, much like the 75 so it may require a decrease in oal to feed. I tried the tc and the best I could do is get 1 out of 20 ftf. Extremely picky on the oal, so I would avoid this style. The SWC is better than the TC design, but still not perfect. Had good luck with Montana RN before I started casting.

[mdi]

Whenever I start casting/reloading for a new gun or caliber, I usually go with tried and true components. When I started casting for my 45ACPs, I went with a 225 or 230 grain round nose bullet over Unique. Once I get that down, I start with different combinations and I'm now using a H&G 68 clone SWC at 200 gr...

[Echo]

And don't dis the TL design. I did, until I tried it, and now I use it almost exclusively for 38/45 boolits. Easier and faster than regular loobing (except for Star use!), and one can buy a Lee sizer in the desired diameter cheaper than a Lyman/LAM or Star sizing die. I loob, size, and re-loob.

[trixter]

I have become a big fan of Lee TL 452-200 SWC. They make the Purdyst holes in the targets.