Lee 452 230 TC load info

I was doing some casting a couple of weeks ago and came across my old Lee 452 230 TC TL mold. I went ahead and cast some, then PCd them for fun. For some reason I can't find any load data for them. I intend to just use regular 225/230 load data, but I can't seem to find any OAL info on it that. I plunked a dummy round into a 1911 barrel as well as my FM45 PCC and have to seat it down to about 1.177" OAL to get it to chamber. Does anyone have any experience with this mold that would like to impart some knowledge? I'm just concerned with pressure if I seat it too deep. Am I over thinking this and if it seats it yeets? For the record, I ran across a few pounds of Ramshot Zip at what amounts to a reasonable price these days and was going to try it out on these rounds rather than the 231 I ordinarily use.

Have you tried to "plunk test" one that has not been powder coated? Since they were designed for tumble lube, the PC may have made it too fat.

When I had a 1911, I loaded that bullet. I seated it to 1.170. There is load data in the Lyman Cast handbook 4th Edition.

Whisler, No sir I have not. It's a 2 cav mold and I only cast about 50 to test and I PCd all of them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bazoo

When I had a 1911, I loaded that bullet. I seated it to 1.170. There is load data in the Lyman Cast handbook 4th Edition.

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I would have sworn I looked in that manual. Going to have to go back and look again. That 1.170 would put it where I need it though. Thank you for the info!

You will probably have to run them through a push through sizing die. I shoot 5gr of red dot behind mine.

FWIW Since Red Dot, and Bullseye...and Unique, are difficult to come by these days, here anyway.. 3.6 gr of the New Formula Nitro-100NF, under the TL 230 RN Lee works very good indeed..and, as a Plus, Nitro-100NF is quite Bulky (note that there is Not 16 OZ in new containers...only 12oz)..but, Inexpensive.

I seat mine at 1.200 which is very close to the lands in my 1911. Since the distance to lands can vary 1.170 sounds like a good place to start but as mentioned do a plunk test on your barrel and make sure the bullet fully seats with gravity only.

I always size these then tumble lube. I load 3.8 gr Clays for a target load at 760 fps. But, as always, double check this load with published data.

I use those in my 1911, powder coated and then sized .452 in a Lee push through sizing die. They plunk at 1.190 in my barrel, but I've found the best accuracy with them just slightly into the lands at 1.200 overall length. I just used the load data for a 230gr lead bullet from the Lee modern reloading manual. Started at the lowest loading and worked up using CFE pistol powder.

I worked loads up with W231 and WSF. My loads with W231 used a lower charge weight than what the book listed as minimum to match factory ball, but my bullets were about 238 grains in weight also. If anyone wants them, I'm glad to dig out the notes and share my loads. I also worked up loads with WSF and the Lee TL452-230-2R (45 acp).

I just ran a bunch of them and PC'd them. Its my latest favorite load again after going thru many others. my 1911s love this load:
6.3gr. of True Blue at 1.17... its a Lyman cast recipe pushed thru to .451 in Starline's / CCI 300 LP

It was a bit spicy at 5.6gr of zip.

Description: 45 acp mixed brass
Notes 1: lee 230tc 1.175 oal 5.6gr zip
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono (FT): 10.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight (gr): 235.000
Altitude (FT): 0.0
Temp: N/A
BP: N/A
Shots
# FPS FT-LBS PF
16 956 476.98 224.66
15 937 458.21 220.20
14 971 492.06 228.18
13 958 478.98 225.13
12 952 473.00 223.72
11 959 479.98 225.37
10 ERROR 2
9 ERROR 2
8 957 477.98 224.90
7 927 448.48 217.85
6 989 510.48 232.41
5 ERROR 2
4 948 469.03 222.78
3 940 461.15 220.90
2 972 493.08 228.42
1 ERROR 2
Average: 955.50
StdDev: 16.84
Min: 927
Max: 989
Spread: 62
True MV: 956.58
Shots/sec: 0.05
Group Size (IN): 0.00

My experience with W231 was the data was too hot. The starting load was more like a "max" load. But my bullets were heavier also, at 238 grains.

Ramshot Zip=WW231=HP38

All the same powders, different names

My pet load is with 5.2 grains Unique .
Lyman CB #4 gives it a velocity of 802 fps
It's the starting load with Unique and the Lee 230 gr TC TL boolit , but very accurate and clean burning in my AMT Hardballer ... it's a nice load .
Gary

OAL is always bullet & barrels specific. The TC has a shoulder & that can contact rifling sooner than say a RN. Its trail & error, every gun is diff, so you are correct using your bbl for a gage.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bazoo

When I had a 1911, I loaded that bullet. I seated it to 1.170. There is load data in the Lyman Cast handbook 4th Edition.

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Your OAL may or may not work. DAta with the XTP oal will be a good starting point.