.45 acp major loads

[crabo]

I have lost most of my load info on making major power factor loads with the #68 200 grain swc.

Anyone have a list of charges with the different powders? WST, 231, Bullsye, Unique, ect.

Thanks,

Crabo

[slughammer]

WST out of a 5" 1911. 4.7gr with a Winchester primer, 4.9gr with a Federal. Right about 840 fps for my BarSto barrel. 1.250 OAL

Just guessing on 231, but I would imagine it will be better than 5.0. I use WST because it was recommended as being less temperature sensative than 231. Which will make a difference as the seasons change or if you travel.

[Dale53]

Here is Hodgdon's web site:

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

I have used, with great satisfaction, IPSC full power loads using the H&G #68 with both Win 231 and IMR 7625.

Dale53

[Larry Gibson]

Shot IPSC for a number of years back in the 70's and '80's. I used 5 gr Bullseye under 200/205 gr SWCs out of 5" colt barrel and 5.5" Wilson Comp barrel and never had problems making "major". Velocity always exceeded 855 fps which made major back then both by calculation and shooting against a ballistic pendelum.

Larry Gibson

[crabo]

Thanks guys, this is what I am looking for. I just started casting a Saeco 69, which is very close to a H&G 68, but with a plain base. I loaded up a magazine and cycled them by hand and it was like shucking corn.

I am not shooting IPSC any more, but I don't want to shoot whimpy loads in my 45. I am a firm believer in practicing with what you carry.(or close to it) I always shot speed plates with major loads, either in my .45 acp or .38 super.

Does anyone have any experience with Titegroup or Power Pistol? Any reason to get either one of these powders for .45 acp? I have Bullsye, 231, WST, and Unique already.

Thanks,

Crabo

I am about to start accuracy testing at 50 yards with these different loads.

[wiljen]

I've shot titegroup in 45 ACP. Very accurate and very clean load but may not quite make 855 fps with a 230gr bullet. My normal load runs a 230gr RN at 820fps using 4.8gr of Titegroup. I have seen 5.4 listed as max with the 200gr but have never used above the 4.8 load as it does what I want it too.

[Jim]

For what it's worth.....
I've never used Titegroup but we sell a ton of it at the sporting goods business where I work.

[BD]

During 2004 and 2005 I went through 16 lbs of Titegroup using 5.0 grains under 200 gr. #68s. in my Kimbers. 850 fps in my 5" gun 820 fps in the 4' gun. I liked that load alot and it was much cleaner than the HPC-18, (surplus 231), I'm shooting now. I think I've got about 12 pounds of the HPC-18 left and when it's gone Titegroup will most likely be on the bench again. 4.8 grains of the HPC-18 gives me 855 in the 5" Kimber. 825 makes major, bullet weight x velocity = or > 165,000.

If you want to convince yourself to use Titegroup, load some light loads in a larger case like the .44 mag and chrony the difference between a cartridge with the powder charge forward, and one with the powder charge against the primer. Compare this to Unique or 231.

BD

[slughammer]

Does anyone have any experience with Titegroup or Power Pistol? Any reason to get either one of these powders for .45 acp? I have Bullsye, 231, WST, and Unique already.



I have found WST and Tightgroup to be very similar power wise for same charge weights. I had been using WST for a long time before I tried Tightgroup. In my 38 special load I found my gun (forcing cone and frame junction) to get much hotter using Tightgroup. Not sure why, but it is. For the self shucker it probably doesn't make a difference. Also, there is much more data for other calibers with Tightgroup compared to WST. But I've got great loads for 45 and 38 special allready, so it would be hard for me to change.

Power pistol would be great for top end loads, but for 840fps you are better served with your current spread.

[KYCaster]

I have found WST and Tightgroup to be very similar power wise for same charge weights. .


The story I heard says that Winchester dropped 452AA from their line because of odd temperature sensitivity...the colder it gets, the hotter it burns. They replaced it with WST which is not so temp. sensitive.

When Win. dropped it, Hodgdon picked it up and called it Tigegroup. Same powder, same manufacturer...same, same, just a different name.

The little bit of experience I have with Titegroup seems to confirm this...higher velocities at lower temps.

Jerry

[robertbank]

I shoot IDPA and use 5.3 gr 231 under my 200 gr LSWC. Makes 165 PF+ using 1911's with 4.25" & 5" barrels. In my 1911's this load is accurate. Not sure I wuld describe shooting cast boolits with lube ever a exercise in cleanliness but 231 is about as clean as any I have tried.

Take Care

Bob

[AlaskaMike]

231 has been pretty dirty for me, but based on others' comments I think it may just be that I have an unusual lot. It was bad enough that my Springfield Mil-spec was jamming from powder residue after about 100 rounds, maybe a little more. I cleaned it up a lot by upping the charge some, and reducing the OAL, all in an effort to raise pressures. In the end I decided to save the 231 for my revolver cartridges where it wasn't presenting me with any problems. I've pretty much settled on Clays and Power Pistol for .45 ACP.

Mike

[Bula]

+1 on the 5.3 W231 load with the any 200 gr swc. Good load, easy shooting. I run an 18 lb recoil spring in my full sizes, it works great.

[frank505]

5.8 grains of 231 or HP 38 with the 200 grain semi wadcutter is all I've ever shot in my 45's. This load is extremely accurate in all the 45's Ive owned and even wore out one. It will clean pins very well, no "dead wood" even works on small game.