Recommended alloy for 230 gr .45acp

[hawaii five-0]

I'm going to buy a Lee mold for my 45 ACP. Was looking at the 452-230 TC or the 452-228 1R molds. Not sure which works best. I have quite a bit of 100% C.O.W.W. and was wondering if it would be sufficient as is, or I would need to soften it a bit? I prefer not to mix alloy's if I don't have to. Thanks

[Love Life]

COWW are sufficient as is.

[prs]

You can shoot it straight, but it will be harder than necessary. You will probably find a crisper casting if you at least add 1% tin by weight to your ww alloy.

prs

[Jupiter7]

I make all my pistol ammo out of whatever I can get. I only alloy for rifle stuff. Hard bullets just aren't needed in pistol calibers. Fit and lube will overcome most problems.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

I have four H&G molds for the 45ACP and have used straight WW metal for them over the years. Included are the 230 grain RN (#34) and the #68. They shoot well and there is no leading either in revolvers or autos. Never bothered to quench or bake anything. Powders used are Bullseye, Red Dot, Green Dot, 700X and 4756. Use a taper crimp of .471. LLS

[Cmm_3940]

Range scrap is fine. .45ACP is about as unpicky as it gets. Size them right and they won't lead. .452 works for me.

[osteodoc08]

Just about any alloy that can be poured into a mold can be used in the 45acp. It's a great caliber for beginners to learn on, but is still satisfying for the old salts. One of the best auto calibers IMHO.

[mdi]

FWIW, I have read of the 1R Lee mold for the 45 ACP is problematic. Seems the bullet profile is fairly blunt and seating the bullet must be much deeper than other profiles to insure good chambering...

My 45s are usually range lead and "mystery metal" and run about 10-12 BHN.

[Love Life]

The bullet must be seated pretty daggone deep.

[Bloodman14]

Try the TL-230-2R in front of 4.5 grs. of Red Dot or Titegroup.

[bangerjim]

I shoot 50%COWW/50%Pb/touch of Sn mix. You need 1-2% Sn for good fill. WW's are only 0.5%. If

But the ACP is subsonic and you can shoot 9-12Bhn with great results. If you really want care-free shooting (not leading) try powder coating your boolits! Skip the grease lubes.

FYI.....for me and MY 1911's........I size 451 after PC and use the Lee factory crimp die to get 100% loading every time. Otherwise, I had most not even passing the "plop" test in the chamber due to a fat case. The FCD yields factory-compliant ammo for easy consistent loading in semi's. I use it in 9's and 40's also. But again, those are MY guns (match grade barrels).......your mileage may vary!

Cast 'em, load 'em. shoot 'em!!!!!

bangerjim

[Bill in Ky]

I use straight COWW. I cast the Lee 452-230-TC for my M&P in front of 4.5gr RedDot.
I cast Lee 452-200-SWC for my XDs in front of 4gr RedDot.

[twc1964]

Plus 1 mdl, lee .452-2281r has given me fits!! They wont feed in my g21 with kkn bbl unless i seat em at 1.230 oal. Going to try lees .452_230tc. Ive heard good things on that one.

[Cherokee]

Go with the 230 TC...works for me in several 45's. COWW with added tin is best for my use.

[TXGunNut]

I use Lee's version of the H&G 68 for 45acp boolits, COWW alloy is a wonderful thang. It's cheap, it's easy, and it seldom needs anything other than a mould of the proper temp and sometimes a little dab of tin.