TC, RNFP, SWC in 45 ACP ?

[makicjf]

This may be a ridiculous question, and touches on two "hot button" topics ( a single action for self defense and carrying cast bullets/reloads in said thumbuster); it may also not have an answer. However... here goes:

I can't decide what the better all aound carry round round is for my 45 acp cylinder in my blackhawk. I have a lee 255 (actual 260-263) rnfp over 6.2 of unique, a 252 swc ( 255 actual ) over the same charge and a lee 230 tc (238-239 actual )over 6.2. All are seated to 1.20 and show zippo pressure signs and shoot well from the revolver. They are all cast from straight wheel weights and air cooled. Which design is best for solid penetration and thump without extreme over penetration? Should I just stick the speer 260 jacketed hp in when I come to town? I like the idea of not having special ammo, but having good utilitarian loads that will work on pigs, 'yotes or two legged vermin appeals to me. which design and weight meets the criterion the best?
Jason

[white eagle]

all your criterion is similar and close in weight
pick one that is accurate and go with it
best o luck

[Potsy]

FWIW, I usually tote Lee 230 TC's (never bothered to weigh one, hmmm) over 5.5grn H-Universal and it gives right around 900fps out of my Kimber Eclipse (might back that load up a little next go around, but it never has given any trouble).
Haven't really shot much with it besides paper, cans, gongs, etc. But I've never felt undergunned with it.
That and it cuts 2" 25 yard groups which is about all I can do and about all I'll ever ask of it.

[makicjf]

Thanks. The best group of about inches off hand at 25 yards was not a listed load. Before I had the throats reamed I had to use 6 of unique under the 230 tc with an oal of 1.170. The longer tc load was all over the place. The other loads shot the same group just a hair bigger. If bullet design is not that great of a difference I'll stick with the stubby tc 230 load. Its tko # is 13 and it pops a water bottle well enough.
Thanks

[saz]

FWIW, I use the Lee 255 in my 1911 with very good sucess and I dont feel I am lacking anything with it.

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

which ever one measures the largest meplat and shoots reliably and accurately from your gun

i can't imagine that any boolit that works well on a hog and yote, wouldn't do the same to a man.

men know when they are shot , hogs dogs and deer not so much.

[200swc]

Didn't think of carrying lead or reloads for SD. I guess it makes sense if that's what one practices with all the time.

[tek4260]

Why even use the ACP cylinder when there is the Colt cylinder that does it all better?

[makicjf]

Why even use the ACP cylinder when there is the Colt cylinder that does it all better?

That is a great question! I actually bought the 45 acp cylinder for my 7 1/2 bh and the convertible 4 5/8 in 45 colt/45 acp before i was reloading and casting. This let me shoot some. So when I started loading I had a ton af 45 aco brass so I kept stuffing them. Know I have 1500 rds of 45 acp ( I just kept loading them, out of habit i guess) . As a carry round, the 45 acp rounds do not load as well from the tuff strip as do the longer 45 colt: the acp used to eject better, but the belt mt, shrerifs model base pin now allows for positive ejection of the colt cases. The only possible "real" case for the 45 acp is it requires less powder and the brass is cheap or can be scavenged.
But I have well over 1000 45 colt loaded, so brass ain't scarce...
Maybe the best answer is habit!
Jason

[tek4260]

The ACP isn't anything to sneeze at from my 1911. 276gr Mihec HP's at 850fps. But, in the 45 Blackhawk, the ACP isn't even close to the Colt. I guess I am on the opposite end of the spectrum as I have been scrounging up 45 Colt brass for about 4 years now and have a pile.