I tried out a near full power load for 200 grain(nominal) cast today using CFE Pistol for propellant.
I had checked the Hodgdon data site and saw claims for 1050 fps and up to 1145fps using CFE Pistol with standard or below pressures. I decided to try some.
Powder charge was 7.6 grains of CFE Pistol. This is .2 grains higher than the suggested starting load and .6 grains less than the listed max.
Pistols used were Springfield 1911 Mil Spec and a SIG 1911 Nickel Rail.
First, I didn't have my chrono with me so can't verify the speed. I can tell you the recoil is significantly higher than what I have been shooting for fast loads. Remarkably little muzzle flash. Less than the Bullseye loads I had been using. I had been using a Titegroup load under a Nosler Custom 185 grain Hollow point and it has less recoil and a lot more flash than this CFE load.
This load didn't heat the gun up the way the Titegroup load does.
The boolits were cast from range scrap and water dropped. BHN was probably around 12-16. They were just hard enough I couldn't scratch them with my fingernail.
I sized them to .452 and lubed with NRA 50-50(White Label). The boolits weighed out at 210 for the Lyman 452460 and 205 for the Lee H&G 68 clone.
The Lyman 452460 boolits were loaded to 1.200 OAL. The Lee H&G 68 clones were loaded to 1.255.
There was no leading after 25-30 rounds in either pistol I used.
Accuracy was very nearly as good as what I get with lighter loads. I think, after I got used to them, they would do just as well.
The pressure indicators were normal. No flattening of the primers. No apparent swelled cases. No cracked or split cases. No soot on the sides of the cases. No failures of any kind while shooting. Brass got ejected a bit farther than what I normally get but that was to be expected.
I may try another set of them and see how they do over a chrono since they worked well enough in all the other ways. My tests over the chrono with CFE Pistol in 38 special and 9mm have been close to what the data site calls for.
If they are achieving the book velocities, this combo will be producing right at 500 ftlbs of energy. Very respectable for 45ACP.
They might serve well as a hunting load or even a backup self defense load for here at the house. At the least, they will serve as a practice load for producing the feel of factory full power loads.