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So I've got both a Lee and a NOE mold in this bullet weight.
What I'm looking for is a nice light plinking load for it.
Many of the published loads are way to hot for my liking. I'd like something comparable to my 4.2 gr WST under a 200 gr SWC load.
Thanks.
4.0 grains of Clays should fit the bill nicely with that boolit, assuming it's for 45 ACP.
One way to find out for your particular gun. Throw together an assortment of loads and start shooting it - your pistol will tell you what it likes. If lowest recoil is your goal, stick with the lightest load that's accurate and still reliably works the slide. (I'm betting 4.0 grains Bullseye or Clays and the 155 bullet might not be enough- it wasn't in a couple Colt 1911A1's.) But, you may find that those published loads you don't like are minimal for reliable functioning. Sure, you can swap lighter recoil springs into it but then you might open yourself to problems when firing hotter "service" loads. It's always a compromise...
I actually used that same 4.2 grains of WST under the 155 grain boolits(LEE) that I tried. Very soft shooting and it did function my pistols.
You did not mention the intended firearm. I have both a Smith .45acp and Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt revolver, and this bullet performs fairly well for me propelled with 4.5 grains of Bullseye. I recently loaded a few with 4.7 grains, and noted no appreciable tightening of groups (15 yards) with the 0.2 gn difference. However, I think (important is word, "think" as opposed to "know"!) I would NOT go below the four and one-half grain loading. As is, I need hold "six o'clock high" as there is appreciable bullet drop compared to even moderate 230 - 250 grain bullet loadings.
geo
45 what...acp , auto rim ,Colt , Schofield...just a hint would be helpful .
Gary
A low dose of Unique or 231 would be my choice
I'm guessing colt because a light plinking Rd won't cycle through a auto
That boolit and 4.2 grains of WST works fine in my Springfield 1911. Stock factory springs.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozark mike
gnoa has the right idea go with it
4.0 Clays cycles that boolit perfectly in my Kimber 1911 with 18.5 lb spring. It's a powderpuff load for sure, but it's also very, very accurate in my gun.
Sorry, .45 ACP
I'll give the 4.2 gr WST a try since that's what I'm loading under a 200 gr SWC.
Please give us some feedback on how well it works for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Burnt Fingers
155gr swc is the poorest boolit possible for a 45ACP... 200gr is light enough...
The op wants a light plinking load only. The 155 is 45grs “better”- more boolits per pound:-)Quote:
Originally Posted by slam45
I shoot it in a SA Range Officer with 10# recoil spring and 19# hammer spring using 3.1 and 3.5 grs of Bullseye. Adequate for the 6 in plate at 25 yards and easy on my arthritic wrist. FWIW it doesn't seem to have any less recoil than a 190 gr loaded with 3.1 grs of Bullseye. With factory springs you would probably have to up the load.
I made it to the range on Monday. The 4.2 gr WST under the 155 was just a bit light, it failed to lock the slide back. I'm going to go up to 4.4 gr.Quote:
Originally Posted by tazman
Thanks for the tip. I loved the way the 4.2 gr shot.
I've shot a lot of these 155 grain bullets; Penn, Magnus, Dardas, my own NOE cast. At 1.230 - 1.235" COL they are as reliable as factory hardball. A charge of 5.4 grains of 700-X is a nice light load for a Colt Commander, clocking 835 fps, and also functions my SIG 220. 5.1 grains is the least that will cycle the SIG.
Hodgdon says that while 5.4 grains of 700-X generates 13,500 psi under a 155 grain cast bullet, it takes 6.0 grains to push pressure to 16,400 psi (which is just under the old US Army maximum, and well below current SAAMI).
I've thought about loading 700X but it has known issues metering.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill*B
Same here that 4.2 WST should get you somewhere around 850 fpsQuote:
Originally Posted by tazman
My book shows a starting load of 4.9WST for 919 fps@13100 cup and 5.4 as max.
I'm not trying to sell you on 700-X, just reporting my experiences with it. It' s only one of many powders that should work well. My thrown (via RCBS Little Dandy) charges of it do vary by about +/- 0.1 grain. Part of the fun, of course, is finding a combination that balances reliable function with safe pressure and tolerable recoil, while pleasing you! Enjoy the quest.