Need 45 ACP Mold Recommendation

[308Jeff]

I fell into a killer deal on a Springfield XD 45 Tactical, so now I own one of those (again).

I'm 99.9% sure I'm going to buy a Mech Tech carbine conversion for it. Would be a shame if I didn't, really...

Funny thing is, I just got finished wet tumbling all of the 45 ACP brass I've accumulated over the past 10 years, so now all I need is booooolits.

I'm looking for a mold that will rain lots of plinking bullets that will work well in both the pistol and carbine configs. I don't mind a Lee, but I also don't mind ponying up for an MP or NOE. I will definitely be powder coating. Want something that shoots mild, basically a lot of ammo that goes pew pew pew.

Intend to use Unique for the powder since I recently discovered that I have 25 pounds of it, not the 16 that I thought I had. [smilie=1:

So what do you fine gents (and ladies) recommend?

[Harter66]

The H&G 68 is popular .
I have a knock off 45-200SWC .
It would be tough to beat a 452-200 RNFP 6C for production though.

[380AUTO]

Can't go wrong with the lyman 452374 RN

[Blackwater]

Most any 200 gr. SWC by a reputable mold co. should work. They vary, and you have to work out what OAL each one needs to feed reliably in your gun, but that's pretty well true of any bullet you buy, or cast, so .... no biggie there. I have the Lee 6-cav. 200 gr. WC, but have used the 190 gr. TL in the past with good results. Nose length varies, with the 190 TL being shorter. The RCBS 201 gr. SWC is a real classic in the .45, also, and old timers claim that no SWC has ever fed better in autos, but again, OAL does need to be worked out as with an other cast or jacketed bullet. Either of those would be good, but there are plenty of others as well. The 200's have always performed well for me, even on deer. I haven't taken a deer with them, but a friend has taken several, all with fine results. All ya' gotta' do is put 'em in th' right place. The full velocity 200 gr. SWC cast is a VERY versatile load, and will do 97% of all that we do with pistols in a fine fashion, even hunting deer, if you're a really decent hunter and know how to get close without spooking them. Cheap, too! What could be better than that???

[308Jeff]

This seems like a great time for me to get an education on SWC's. I've never loaded any, nor do I think I've ever even fired any (except possibly many moons ago in a 38 special that were someone's reloads).

I'm new to casting world and cast bullet designs. What's the purpose of a SWC? What's the functionality vs say a simple RN design? Why might it be preferred over another design?

[Murphy]

My experience with the XD 45 Tactical has not been good with SWC boolits. The main issue seems to be the fired case rim catching on the loaded round in the magazine. Some report not having had that issue, others can't get anything but a RN to not create a stove pipe jam.

Another issue with the XD 45 is the short throat. But that isn't just a Springfield thing, it seems to be happening with others as well. Bear in mind, gun makers build guns for jacketed factory ammunition.

One thing is for certain I guess, go with a round nose mold and all should be well. Just keep in mind you may have to seat them a tad deeper. Even then, many have sent their XD 45 barrels out to be throated in order to cure the problem of the short throat regardless of what cast boolit they were using.

Murphy

[Juan Jose]

This seems like a great time for me to get an education on SWC's. I've never loaded any, nor do I think I've ever even fired any (except possibly many moons ago in a 38 special that were someone's reloads).

I'm new to casting world and cast bullet designs. What's the purpose of a SWC? What's the functionality vs say a simple RN design? Why might it be preferred over another design?
Their purpose? They punch nice round holes in paper targets for accurate scoring. Also, some give the flat bullet nose a lot of credit for doing damage to critters.

[waco]

I have the NOE RG4 H&G68 copy. Once it's hot it rains boolits!200105

[jonp]

The Lee 452-200 RF works well in my Kahr's, various 45 ACP Govt's and a Blackhawk not to mention it's a great target round for the 45lc.

[308Jeff]

My experience with the XD 45 Tactical has not been good with SWC boolits. The main issue seems to be the fired case rim catching on the loaded round in the magazine. Some report not having had that issue, others can't get anything but a RN to not create a stove pipe jam.

Another issue with the XD 45 is the short throat. But that isn't just a Springfield thing, it seems to be happening with others as well. Bear in mind, gun makers build guns for jacketed factory ammunition.

One thing is for certain I guess, go with a round nose mold and all should be well. Just keep in mind you may have to seat them a tad deeper. Even then, many have sent their XD 45 barrels out to be throated in order to cure the problem of the short throat regardless of what cast boolit they were using.

Murphy

Strictly a RN (as in no RNFP)?

Thank you.

[blue32]

Considering its a modern auto with, as you say, a shorter throat, then a 200 gr RNFP would be my guess as the best bullet. That will allow you a shorter COAL without going too deep. Different gun but I had feeding issues with SWC in my Glock.

[Smk SHoe]

I run 2 of the Lee 6 banger 230ish TC. Functions in all of my .45's and everyone I load for. With two, you can run them as fast as your pot will allow. When one is too hot, set it aside and use the other that's been warming up.

[EMC45]

My brother had an XD Service and it did not feed the H&G 68 at all! It was a pump action pistol that was plagued with jamming. I will say that the Lee 230gr. TC with standard lube groove worked perfect. Sized to .452 it went through them like a fat kid through M&Ms.

[Moonie]

I love my Mihec 200gr HP RN.

[jmort]

Just got this from NOE

200119

[DerekP Houston]

I love my Mihec 200gr HP RN.

This has been the best feeding round for me as well, I've also shot the lee 230 gr TL variety to good success. The hg68 makes nice round holes in the paper but until I get my barrels throated I have occasional feeding hiccups.

[Artful]

I guess my question is are you going to use any self defense loads out of it, and if so I would try and match the profile of that bullet with my cast. My current favorite is a 230 grn TC that mimic'm the Hydroshock factory round

[RobS]

Lee regular lube groove 230 TC will work however it will need to be loaded shorter for the throat in the XD and in the neighborhood of 1.19 to 1.20" IIRC. This will also likely work well in carbine conversion. If you want another option that will likely give you no problems the 452374 or varients will serve you well.

Mihec has a nice solid/hp version of the 452374 that I use in all my 45 autos and I also created another similar design over at Accurate Molds.
https://www.mp-molds.com/e-shop/molds/hollow-points-molds/mp-452-374-hollow-point-4-cav-brass-mold
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-230V-D.png

The reason why the above two molds designs are good is because they allow for a traditional COAL while not revealing a full diameter drive band above or much above the case mouth so you don't have the issues of the shorter throat giving issues with chambering etc.

[sutherpride59]

My xd eats just about anything but I prefer any other boolit but roun nose, my 230 frn mihex is great and so is my RCBS 201 swc. Just remember it does have a short chamber so seat deeper than normal and plunk test those rounds!!!

[Grmps]

the Lee 6 CAV TL452-230-2R with either HT or PC coating works well in all my guns

[lightman]

The old standby 230 grain round nose is hard to beat. Its not sexy and it does not cut nice sharp holes in paper targets but it just plain works. My favorite is the H&G68 or one of its many clones. I don't know if it will work in your Springfield though.

[jcren]

I have a hi-point and found that the Lee 200 rf is ideal for it. Feeds well and accurate from my pistols, and the large bearing surface stays accurate at high velocity better than the h&g 68 or my 230 tc (both tumble if pushed too hard). Btw, my best results with the carbine are with 9.6 grains of hs-6. That is .2 over recomended max but it is hard to argue with 1300 fps average and 5 inch 100 yard groups with a 3moa red dot sight.

[TexasGrunt]

I've had an XD45 for over a decade. Most of them don't play well with the standard 200 gr SWC.

I have the same hollow point mold as jmort and it works quite well in my XD pistol. It also works in all my 1911 pistols. A couple more range trips and that hollow point will become my carry boolit.

[Bigslug]

Just got this from NOE

200119

This general shape is a good one, & I have it in this mold (most recent), the LBT 230 LFN, and an Accurate 45-230F (the H wouldn't be bad either). The idea is you get an ogive that starts tapering down right at the case mouth, preventing one possibility for snagging on a tight throat, an ogival curve that makes the gun think it's feeding hardball, and a .31"-.32" caliber meplat (that in the NOE can even be had as a hollowpoint) to damage things with. This general formula lets you seat the nose of the bullet out to nearly the front of the mag, which is a thing 1911's like. The HG68 does the same general thing for feeding with a reduction in recoil, but at a loss of potential for blunt force trauma.

[308Jeff]

Great info. Thank you, all!

[W.R.Buchanan]

I saw this cool little SWC HP boolit in an article about loading the .45 Auto Rim.

It looked like a shorter fatter Keith Boolit. I haven't been able to find the mould but I think it was a Lyman mould.

Has any one seen any thing like this? It is not like a H&G68 it is more like a 429421.

I went back and found the article and it was in the Feb 2017 Handloader Issue along with my Hand Press. The mould is Lyman 452424. It has a substantial Crimp Groove so seating it deeper and taper crimping on the top driving band would be in order. The shape of the boolit looks like it would feed just fine. Turns out it's just a .45 cal. 429421

My go to boolit for .45ACP is 452374 with Powder Coating.

Randy

[308Jeff]

I'm guessing I really can't go wrong with a traditional round nose design. Will probably pick up the Lee 6 Cav 230gr and have a go at it.

[RobS]

I'm guessing I really can't go wrong with a traditional round nose design. Will probably pick up the Lee 6 Cav 230gr and have a go at it.

If you go with the Lee then make sure to know that there are two round nose designs (a 1R and a 2R). The 2R is closer to the shape of 230 grain round nose ball profile. The 1R design on the other hand will need a short COAL length to chamber in short throated barrels.
http://leeprecision.com/bullet-casting/hand-gun-bullet-molds/

[308Jeff]

If you go with the Lee then make sure to know that there are two round nose designs (a 1R and a 2R). The 2R is closer to the shape of 230 grain round nose ball profile. The 1R design on the other hand will need a short COAL length to chamber in short throated barrels.
http://leeprecision.com/bullet-casting/hand-gun-bullet-molds/

Well now that's really educational and interesting. Thank you! Pretty sure I'm going to want the 2R, so I'm stuck with a TL design with the Lee?

[TexasGrunt]

Well now that's really educational and interesting. Thank you! Pretty sure I'm going to want the 2R, so I'm stuck with a TL design with the Lee?

Yep.

There's always seems to be a Lyman 452374 up for auction or here in the S&S. Or this mold is $68 in a 3 cavity. http://arsenalmolds.com/products?product_id=58&limit=100

[308Jeff]

Thanks, Grunt!

[Poygan]

I have the 452374 in a hollow point but I have little to no expansion with it. I like the Lee 452-230TC which has a flat tip and I would guess is more effective than a hollow point at .45ACP velocities. Can get in two or six cavity configurations and also available in the tumble lube version if you prefer. Less expensive way to go.... Feeds well for me.

[MOA]

OK 308, my suggestion is a Lyman RN. #452374

https://s19.postimg.org/j5pgx9pxf/20141025_163510.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/qloqj2dmn/)

https://s19.postimg.org/732zc1pc3/20141107_173130.jpg (https://postimage.org)

https://s19.postimg.org/63h9u2zk3/20141108_144623.jpg (https://postimage.org)

https://s19.postimg.org/605ddf6o3/20141025_094544.jpg (https://postimage.org)

https://s19.postimg.org/5a23lbpxf/2660374.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/kis0z3jlr/)

[RobS]

OK 308, my suggestion is a Lyman RN. #452374

https://s19.postimg.org/j5pgx9pxf/20141025_163510.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/qloqj2dmn/)

https://s19.postimg.org/732zc1pc3/20141107_173130.jpg (https://postimage.org)

https://s19.postimg.org/63h9u2zk3/20141108_144623.jpg (https://postimage.org)


Looks like you have an older Lyman/Ideal mold. The newer Lyman 452347's have a pointier nose profile to them.

[EMC45]

I also have the Lyman 452-374, but it casts under sized for me using COWWs. It comes in at 2-3 thous shy of .452.

[tazman]

I currently own and load 230 grain round nose boolits cast from the Lyman 452374, the NOE 454-230-rn(H&G 34 clone), and the Lee tl452-230-2R. They all work well and shoot accurately.
If I were to pick one, it would be the NOE for the design of the boolit. Not for any theoretical increase in accuracy. They all shot the same out of my pistol which is a Springfield Armory 1911 Mil Spec.
All functioned perfectly.

[Walla2]

If you are looking for a plinking booolit you can't beat a 6 cavity mold for production. :grin:

[Cherokee]

My XDM 5.25" Comp eats the SWC fine, also the 230 TC design. I have Lee, NEI and Accurate. All work. Lately I've migrated to the SWC.

[RobS]

Not all XD's are the same. Some have a small bump on the bottom of the slide which pushes the top round from the magazine down a bit so the fired empty doesn't bind with the next round in the magazine. The problem with XD's that do not have this bump happens with boolit designs that do not have a smooth transition nose profile and the exiting head of the brass will not clear the nose of the next round in the magazine. Such designs with a full diameter front drive bands have issue such as a SWC.

This picture was on another forum and illustrates what I am talking about and both slides are Springfield XD's
- the one on the left has the bump on the slide rib adjacent to the extractor claw and will feed about anything
- the one on the right is the slide without the bump and works best with round nose/TC style boolits i.e. smooth transition nose profiles.
http://i.imgur.com/L61EVNZ.jpg

[Soundguy]

if your guns will feed SWC, I love the results of some lee micro groove style.

200401

[Harter66]

I saw this cool little SWC HP boolit in an article about loading the .45 Auto Rim.

It looked like a shorter fatter Keith Boolit. I haven't been able to find the mould but I think it was a Lyman mould.

Has any one seen any thing like this? It is not like a H&G68 it is more like a 429421.

I went back and found the article and it was in the Feb 2017 Handloader Issue along with my Hand Press. The mould is Lyman 452424. It has a substantial Crimp Groove so seating it deeper and taper crimping on the top driving band would be in order. The shape of the boolit looks like it would feed just fine. Turns out it's just a .45 cal. 429421

My go to boolit for .45ACP is 452374 with Powder Coating.

Randy

Not being a know it all , you've been here way longer than me .
I have a 429421 and a Lyman and a NOE 454424 . The 454423 has a 20 gr shorter nose than the 424 . The 429421 has a much longer nose and smaller meplat . My 429421 was relieved to .448 bands for a 257 gr bullet ideal for a light press fit in either my 49' Dragoon or papered for Schofield and Colts .

[OS OK]

Jeff...lots of suggestions here, are there any that you want to try before you buy?

If I have something you are interested in I'd send you some as bare casts, or PC'd and sized or unsized.

What are you thinking?

c h a r l i e

[Jkrem]

I am getting ready to do a test batch of Lee 358-228-1R sized to .452. Anyone have any experience with this mold? I just got a Lee 4-20, the 6 cavity mold, and Lee 452 sizing die as a package for $40, so I have nothing to loose. The bullets pour out of this thing, but no idea if they will shoot in my son's XD.

[TexasGrunt]

I am getting ready to do a test batch of Lee 358-228-1R sized to .452. Anyone have any experience with this mold? I just got a Lee 4-20, the 6 cavity mold, and Lee 452 sizing die as a package for $40, so I have nothing to loose. The bullets pour out of this thing, but no idea if they will shoot in my son's XD.

Sizing that 358 boolit to .452 is going to require some serious skills!

[NoAngel]

Pictures or it didn't happen!!

[OS OK]

You sly ole grunt...I was waiting to see if anyone would catch that.

He's going to use a 'squisher sizer'...kinda new in the industry! :bigsmyl2:

[Jkrem]

Yeah, it drops the bullets at .457-.458, so it took a little elbow grease for sure. I bought all this stuff on Craigslist just for the LEE furnace which is like new, but couldn't resist trying making some bullets and see how (or if) they run I'm my son's XD. It was kind of cool making all those bullets at one time, but I like my single cavity Lyman molds as I am only casting maybe 50-100 at a session.

[Jkrem]

Or could it be I got a '452'-228-1R mold??? Duhhhh

[308Jeff]

Jeff...lots of suggestions here, are there any that you want to try before you buy?

If I have something you are interested in I'd send you some as bare casts, or PC'd and sized or unsized.

What are you thinking?

c h a r l i e

Charlie, I'd love to try something the next time you cast something up! Either a 200 or 230 grain RF or a 230gr RN if you have anything like that?

[OS OK]

Charlie, I'd love to try something the next time you cast something up! Either a 200 or 230 grain RF or a 230gr RN if you have anything like that?

Jeff, do you want raw cast that you will PC and size for yourself? Or what?
We are talking low pressure .45 ACP and .45 Colt type rounds...right?

You'll need to PM me your mailing address too.

[Hickok]

If your pistol will feed it, this is what I prefer in my Kimber. A member here sent me a couple to try and they worked great. Huge meplat. My go to 45 ACP slug! RCBS 45-230-CM

200572

[HABCAN]

jonp's post #9...............goferit!! Works a charm in mine.

[DerekP Houston]

Jeff, do you want raw cast that you will PC and size for yourself? Or what?
We are talking low pressure .45 ACP and .45 Colt type rounds...right?

You'll need to PM me your mailing address too.

Charlie if you don't have the 200gr MP HP RN design shoot me a PM too and I'll cast up a test batch for him. Same question applies, do you want raw cast or coated? I've got tons already sized to .452 and hitek coated.

[308Jeff]

Jeff, do you want raw cast that you will PC and size for yourself? Or what?
We are talking low pressure .45 ACP and .45 Colt type rounds...right?

You'll need to PM me your mailing address too.

That is correct. I'll send you a PM. Thanks, Charlie!

[308Jeff]

Charlie if you don't have the 200gr MP HP RN design shoot me a PM too and I'll cast up a test batch for him. Same question applies, do you want raw cast or coated? I've got tons already sized to .452 and hitek coated.

Sending you a PM as well, sir. Thank you!