herco for 45auto

[Catsmith]

I see that herco can be used for 45 auto. Anybody tried it?

[littlejack]

The only load that I have used Herco in, is the heavy 255 Lee round flat nose. I got the load data from the Speer #12 manual. The bullet used in the Speer manual is the Speer 260 grain jacketed hp.
The Lee boolits do hit with authority when pushed by the Herco powder.
All of that being said, The Herco powder is probably too slow for the lighter weight boolits, ie 185's and 200's. It may work ok with the heavier 230's, and 240's. I may have to try it out someday.
Reguards
Jack

[warf73]

Yup I use herco in 45acp great powder can't double charge it (case over flows) and meters good on a 550.

[A pause for the COZ]

I tried some Herco, Results for me were not what I was looking for. I wanted a slower powder to take advantage of the 16 inch barrel in my 45 carbine.
It worked ok, but it did not out perform Bullseye in the Carbine. Seems the blow back bolt barely stays closed long enough for a fast powder.
I am going to be converting a Mauser to 45 ACP. I bet it performs better in that rig.
So yea it will work, But I found Herco to be better in light cast rifle loads. Gives you about 100 fps more with the same pressure as Unique at 1 gr more loading.

[bobthenailer]

I have used Herco in the 45 acp with good results in full power loads with J bullets, but i prefer a faster burning powder so i can use less powder with a lower charge weight so its more econmical with cast bullets.
Herco workes well in the 9mm with full loads with J bullets also.

[Hardcast416taylor]

Back in my early days of reloading I bought a 12 lb. can of Red Dot and another of Herco. I not only loaded my scatterguns with both powders, but used both powders in all handguns I loaded for from 9mm up thru .45 Long Colt and .45 acp.Robert

[sundog]

As far as pistol loads go, Herco can be thought of as a slow Unique. Very good powder for some applications.