Clays Loading Quandry

[Terry37932]

I know I'm not the brightest bulb on the tree, but here goes; I picked up 2lbs of Clay's(Hodgon) Powder, I load for both 155gr Lead Cast and 230gr plated in 45ACP. The loading data for the 155gr Lead is 4.9 to 5.2grs. The data for 230gr Plated is 3.5 to 4.0grs. Can anyone explain to my why the lighter weight lead bullet has a larger charge listed than the heavier plated bullet? Or have I had too many cups of java this morning.

I just don't want to ruin my gun or my hand. Thanks

[44MAG#1]

Because lighter bullets take heavier charges of powder. There may and are some exclusions to that general rule.
Anyone that studies reloading data will know that

[Terry37932]

44MAG#1, thanks for the info, I'm rather new at this and would have rather asked the question than not known.

[williamwaco]

The lighter bullet offers less resistance to the powder gasses, thus it takes more powder to produce the same pressure.

[Rich S.]

Terry,
you are a very lucky dog to have found any Clays powder.
It is my favorite powder for 45acp and many others.
hope you enjoy it.

[OptimusPanda]

Inertia is the culprit. An object with more mass takes more pressure to accelerate. Since it can't out of the way of the combustion gasses as fast as a lighter slug it takes less powder to achieve the same pressure.

[Warner C]

I love clays with a 200 grain bullet but not with a 230 for some reason. Clays is a great powder. 4 grains and a swc hard to beat.

[Coyote3]

4 grains and a swc hard to beat.

Gotta agree with you there. Clean and accurate.

[ShooterAZ]

4 grains is my go to load with a 200 SWC also. I wish I could find some...haven't seen any in a LONG time.

[nightal]

I also use Clays, 200grS/W 3.8 for range use......

[GBertolet]

I contacted Hodgdon recently about when Clays will be available. They said they expect new shipments the first of the year. We shall see. There was a fire at the ADI facility in Australia some time ago and production of the Clays line of powders was interrupted. ADI makes many of the powders Hodgdon markets. AS30N is the ADI designation for Clays. Anyone who finds any Clays powder now, is quite fortunate.

[billsr]

Try to find Alliant Clay Dot. It has the same characteristics as Clays, and at least for shotshell loading, you use the same amount of Clay Dot as you do Clays.

[Pinsnscrews]

Generally speaking, a 155gr bullet is smaller in physical dimensions than a 230gr bullet. Therefore, takes up less room in the case when seated to the same COL. This creates more room inside of the cartridge, allowing more powder, and a higher velocity. If, you took the larger powder load of that smaller 155gr bullet, and put it in the case with the larger 230gr bullet, you very well could end up with not only a compressed load, but since there is less space for the powder to expand, a pressure spike.

[mainiac]

I love clays with a 200 grain bullet but not with a 230 for some reason. Clays is a great powder. 4 grains and a swc hard to beat.

This is my go to load as well,,,,

[Hamish]

A word of caution to those who read this thread.

There are at least 4 distinct and seperate powders using the word "Clay" in their name. Please note that three of them are Hodgdon.

Hodgdon Clays

Hodgdon International Clays

Hodgdon Universal Clays

Alliant Clay Dot

Watch your load specifications,,,,,,,,,,

[Maven]

I'm very glad you made that point, Hamish!

[OregonCaster]

My Sig P220 will eat it up all day long. Loaded at 3.8 Grains behind a 200 grain LSWC.

[MtGun44]

Williamwaco nails it.

Be aware that Clays is not capable of making full power loads with 230 gr boolets (or bullets) in the
.45 ACP within pressure limits ( meaning safely). I use a good bit of Clays, but not in .45 ACP,
where Titegroup is a lot better powder.

Bill

[selmerfan]

For those of you looking for Hodgdon Clays...there is a 4 pound jug gathering dust on a shelf at our LGS in western Minnesota. I have 12 lbs. in my stash, so I sure don't NEED it. PM if you want specific directions/info.

[TMenezes]

Good looking out Selmerfan! =)