Lyman 452423 in a 1911 pistol

[David LaPell]

I have been looking into getting another 1911 pistol after a few years, with money tight it will likely be a Springfield Mil-Spec or Auto Ordnance 1911A1 unless I run across a decent one used and with ammo in short supply (even shorter here in NY with the impending background checks on every box as soon as the state fixes the system for it) handloading will be the norm. I have a combo mold with #358429 which is why I bought it and the other is #452423. I know some people have loaded those in a 1911, and I know feeding can vary from gun to gun, but I would like to know about some loads for it and how far to seat the bullet with a taper crimp to see if it feeds. Also, are there any other molds of about 230 grains for a cast bullet that might work better if this one doesn't?

[Dale53]

David;
Lyman's #3 Cast Bullet Handbook shows 6.0 grs of Unique with the Auto Rim case 1.200" over all length (for use in a revolver). That load should work well for you in the 1911. You'll have to adjust the length to feed using this photo guide:
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/1911Headspace.png (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/Dale53/media/1911Headspace.png.html)

With most of the harder alloys, this bullet will weigh somewhat less than the nominal 240 grs. It won't be enough heavier than the standard 230 gr weight to matter. I have used this load and bullet in a 1911. It fed fine but that will be pistol specific.

A bullet that WILL feed in nearly all 1911's is the Lee 230 gr TC. It is available in a six cavity mould and I prefer the standard lube groove. It has a nice flat meplat (not as big as the 452423 but still considerably better terminal effect than hardball). Lyman shows a maximum of 7.3 grs of Unique with the 452374 (round nose to simulate the hardball profile).

NOTE: The Lee 230 TC has a much greater seating depth than the Lyman 452374. The latest Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook shows a maximum load of 5.7 grs of Unique with the Lee bullet. That is a LOT of difference. Stay alert...

FWIW
Dale53

[35remington]

A few commentaries that are relevant.

Since when seated to a functional overall length for a 1911 the 452423 is often quite considerably deeper in the case than most 230 RN's and raises pressures much more with identical charge weights, reduce all charges considerably. The difference between this bullet and a 230 RN or FP is much more than just a few grains weight. I'd suggest starting with around 5.5 grains Unique and going from there.

Somewhat more caution is needed when using the 452423.

Second, be very, very cautious about Lyman's 7.3 grain max with the 230 grain-ish ball similar cast bullets including the 452374. In my guns, this is well past Plus P levels. Lyman's data is sorely dated in this regard and is in serious need of revision.

Dale, not trying to step on your toes. Just forwarding my experience with all these bullets, as I have shot the mentioned ones with a number of different powders.

[enfieldphile]

The Lee 230 gr TC is a honey of a boolit! It has a bevel base, a good, single lube groove and just glides through any 1911 gun or through the Tanfogilo .45 semi-auto. I use the six -cavity mold and size to .452.

[littlejack]

+ another for the Lee TC boolit. Works great, looks good, shoots great etc. etc.
Jack

[robertbank]

I have loaded 250 gr Barnes Builets using 3.9 gr of Bullseye. Avg velocity 735 fps. OAL1.887 using Win. primes. Worked in my Norinco 5". Very soft shooting PF 184.

Take Care

Bob

[Char-Gar]

I have considerable experience with 452423 in the 1911 pistol going back to 1961. It will feed in most pistols, but not in some. The others have cautioned you about the issues related to reduced powder space due to the deep seating of this bullet. My recommended power charge is 4.5 to .4.8 grains of Bullseye. I have killed several deer with this load. I do not favor Unique or any other powder in the 1911 pistol (45 ACP), but that is a personal choice.

You do not need a recoil buffer nor a recoil spring heavier than 18 lbs for this load. 16 lbs works fine as well. Avoid springs heavier than 18 lbs.

I currently have two Norinco 1911A1s and one Colt GM and this round does well in all three pistols.

That said, there are other bullets as good or better for use in the 1911 pistol (45 ACP) as others suggested. But if you want to try it, have at it. Here is a pic that gives a look at a loaded round and the OAL. Yep, a taper crimp. Bullet sized .452 and a Winchester LP primer.

My "go to" load for many years in the 1911 pistol has been Hensley & Gibbs 68 or Lyman 452460 powered by 4.8 - 5.0 grains of Bulleye.

[MtGun44]

Char-gar said: "My "go to" load for many years in the 1911 pistol has been Hensley & Gibbs 68 or Lyman 452460 powered by 4.8 - 5.0 grains of Bulleye. "

Yep. I use 4.8 BE or 4.8 TG - same results, under a H&G 68 (real or commercial clone) as my std load in 1911s - for at least 32 yrs now., with a
few periods where W231 was cheaper so I ran 5.9 gr of W231. Back to TG now, large quantity on hand.

My 452460s get about 3.8 gr TG for target work.

Bill