45acp cast loads

[twc1964]

Hey guys, i finally was able to cull out 100 good 228 gr 452 boolits out of my first few tries at casting. now i need to pick yalls brains as to a good standard velocity load. i have unique, 231, wsf and universal and hs-6. These boolits are about 11 bhn which I'm figuring is plenty hard. its been so long since i loaded boolits since i had 2k of precision delta 230 fms slugs. just point me to what powders are your faves and i can go from there. thx guys.

[knifemaker]

I use 5.3 gr. of W231 with a 230gr. cast lead that duplicates factory hardball loads. If you want a little softer load, drop down to 5.0 gr. of 231. If your boolits are around 11bhn, you should have no problem.

[twc1964]

Thanks knifemaker, i will give it a try. I've got a couple pounds of 231.

[TXGunNut]

Congrats on the useable boolits, if your .45 is like mine it doesn't demand pefection.
My loads are very similar to knifemaker's. If you want to burn some Unique start around 6.5 grns. It's dirty, but you were going to clean it anyway, right?

[dougader]

I generally run 5.2 grains W231 with a 230 grain cast bullet. Had to run it to 5.4 grains in a Glock 30 to get it to run 100%.

[Char-Gar]

4.7 grains of Bullseye

[twc1964]

Ok folks, guess i have a starting point now and choices to try out. will let yall know how my g-21 likes the recipes. thx

[DR Owl Creek]

I'm still working on mine, but here's what has worked best so far with three different powders (Bullseye, W-231, & Unique):

With the RCBS 45-230-RN, 5.3 gr of W-231, at 1.260" OAL. Not outstanding accuracy, but the best with that bullet.

With the NOE H&G 68 PB 200 gr SWC, 6.9 gr of Unique, at 1.245" OAL. This load produced 3 shots touching in a clover-leaf, with two other shots opening the overall group up to 1 & 15/16". I want to work on this load some more to tweak it, and to chronograph it to make sure the velocity hits at least enough to make major.

The alloy was 50/50, Pb/WW, sized .452". They were loaded in Starline brass. The bullets were taper crimped at .470" after seating the bullets. The loads were fired from a Kimber Stainless Classic Target LE, fired from a bag on a bench at 25 yards.

I'll post more once I get the loads sorted out better.

Dave

[osteodoc08]

I load with 231 typically.

I typically load up 5gr 231 with my 230gr RN or my 200gr LSWC load. Functions my guns, shoots well and easy on the pocket.

I've been trying out TiteWad lately too and have actually preferred it over 231 as it's cleaner. Powder charge is less so you've gotta be careful of double charging.

[tomme boy]

I use 4.7 of 231 or 4.1 bullseye. I don't like the full power loads.

[rsrocket1]

5.0g Unique. It is fluffy enough to easily catch a double charge and you have gobs of margin on either end of the load. This gets me 750 fps out of my 1911 which is very good for everyday shooting. Not too hot, but feels like a "real gun" and not an upgraded airsoft pistol.

[twc1964]

Wow guys, i guess everyone shoots the .45 lol. thanks for the ideas.

[ak_milsurp]

I've always used 5.8 gr of W-231 with either commercial hard cast H&G 68,(200gr SWC), or my own RCBS 200 Gr SWC (water quench WW with a bit of extra tin allow) for excellent power and accuracy.

And the same charge for 230 GR round nose... Been using these well over 30 years.....in my 1911 (Colt Combat Commander), S&W 25-2 revolver, Marlin Camp Carbine, and a friend's Thompson SMG,Mac 10 AMG, and Uzi SMG with .45 conversion kit) Works great. Never any signs of high pressure




Wow guys, i guess everyone shoots the .45 lol. thanks for the ideas.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

With either H&G #34 or he RCBS 225 grain RN, which is for all purposes the same bullet, I have been using 4.0-4.1 grains of Red Dot. It shoots accurately (target work), burns clean, no leading and performs consistently out of autos and revolvers. Never measured the velocity, but it doesn't batter any of the guns. I use a taper crimp of .471 to help things out. LLS

[Char-Gar]

Wow guys, i guess everyone shoots the .45 lol. thanks for the ideas.

The 45 ACP has been a reloaders favorite for over 100 years. It is a very easy round to load for with cast bullets. At last count, I have loaded and fired 1/4 million rounds through various handguns chambered for 45 ACP over the last 50 plus year, at least 99.99% of them have been cast bullets.

Enjoy this fine round...

Best Wishes...Charles Graff