all around 45acp load

[docmagnum357]

I have been getting more and more crotchety as time goes by. I used to have a closet full of rifles, now I have one,well, one and a half. An AR 15 and a 22 upper. Same way with handguns. I have a good 1911 and a 625, and i have a Ciener kit for the 1911. One shotgun, and a slug barrel. I load slugs, buckshot, And all my pistol ammo.

Anyhow, I am so crotchety I am looking for ONE load for the 625 and the 1911. I like big metplat boolits and am convinced they will kill, in actual use, as well or better than hollow points. I can't tell you how much small game and varmints I have taken with a 1911 and a #68 H&G clone. I recently got a 230 grain Lee mold. My question is this; if you were going to go to one load for target, self defense, hunting game up to white tail, what would you choose?

I am not interested in hot rod loads. Just normal pressure, nothing special , shoot a box every day loads that will reliably take game up to deer and still be very accurate. I have taken one deer with a 1911, A Lee 230 TC took her from over 300 feet with a high shoulder shot. About 125-150 lbs. deer. Bullet did not exit on a broadside shot. Would a 200 grain SWC have exited? My load was 3.9 Clay Dot. I could go a little hotter, but prefer not to. Any other wide metplat boolits anyone could suggest? I wonder if anyone has used the #68 on deer at less than 1000fps? Looking for excellent accuracy and complete penetration of small deer at 100 yards. I was using a 629, but found myself using "hot" 44 specials more and more. 240 keith at 1000- 1100fps, or a 310 grain Lee flat nose at 900- 1000fps. Just didn't seem to need more, and i hunted with those loads on purpose. Seems like I ought to be able to find a "sweet spot" with a 1911 that will do it all.

[Char-Gar]

Take your #68 and run it at full speed (850 - 875 fps) and you have your do all load. Can you find loads that "might" be a smidge better for some purpose? Maybe! Will you ever notice the difference? Not likely!

[jcren]

I have good luck with the Lee 200 rf in handgun and carbine. 4.6 red dot for general purpose and 9 of hs-6 for full house. Have killed 3 hogs with the 4.6 load out of a hi-point carbine (980 fps) and many smaller yard vermin with the 1911. Actually haven't shot anything bigger than a dillo with the hotter load.

[richhodg66]

Seems like something that duplicates GI ball is what you want. I bet that 230 grain TC and five grains of Bullseye would do it for you.

[scattershot]

I don’t hunt with it, but my favorite load is a 200 SWC over 4.0 Red Dot, for a shade over 800 fps.

[Outpost75]

Agree with CharGar on a full charge load with your H&G68. A flatnosed Cowboy bullet like the Saeco #954 or RCBS 45-230CM will also do well for you. My charge establishment firings with Alliant Bullseye:

.45 ACP Data_____________________Velocity
________________________________Avg/Sd/ES
Bullet___Type_Weight_LDRotor#_Powder_Grains__Weble y4"____Ruger4-5/8"___M1911A1__1917S&W5-1/2"
H&G68___SWC_200___7_______Bullseye__4______742/12/37____not fired______819/7/20__not fired
____________________8_______Bullseye__4.5____ not fired______862/21/54____831/15/37_789/18/44
____________________9_______Bullseye__5______not fired______922/19/42____916/6/17__904/10/29
___________________10______Bullseye__5.5____not fired______951/16/37_____not fired___ not fired

Saeco#954___LFN_230__7______Bullseye___4_____693/10/29_____not fired______not fired___not fired
_____________________8______Bullseye___4.5____not fired______not fired______817/16/42__803/10/27
_____________________9______Bullseye___5______not fired______872/13/38____830/15/44__814/23/56
__________________10______Bullseye___5.5___not fired____980/11/30___957/10/29___953/12/30

[Larry Gibson]

docmagnum357

I, long ago settled on 5 gr Bullseye under 190 - 205 gr cast bullets in the 45 ACP as my "all around" load. that load runs 885 - 915 fps, depending on which bullet, out of my Colt M1911 and P-14 with 5" barrels. Besides being excellent for practice and plinking it has proven very effective on game up through deer. I have put down a several domestic animals (goats, sheep and a large cow) with it along with a couple injured elk. It is not a quick killer unless the CNS is hit. I always try to shoot a a second or third shot if I can. The deer I shot in the heart/lung area traveled a bit (30 - 50 yards+) before dying, even with 2 - 3 well placed hits. I used the Lee 190 SWC, the H&G 68 and the Lee 200 RF. Never say much difference between them in terminal effect. Penetration was not a problem even though I aim to put the bullet through the heart regardless of the angle.

Out of my revolvers the 200 gr #68 runs 880 fps out of the Uberti SA with 4 3/4" barrel and 890 fps out of the S&W M1917/25 (1917 with a 6.5" M25 barrel).

The Lee 200 gr RF feeds excellently through my M1911s with standard Colt feed ramp. However with the steeper ramped barrel of the P-14 the RF bullet is not reliable. The Lee 190 and copy of the #68 along with all commercial #68s feed slicker than snot through all my M1911 type pistols.

This 5 gr BE load is also extremely accurate in my 10" contender Barrel and in the 16 1/2" Rhineland 45 ACP conversion on a M98 Mauser. Additionally I have shot this load through numerous sub guns with excellent performance also.

[P Flados]

Hunting with a 45 acp in a 1911 at 100 yds and wanting better penetration is pretty non-typical for the gun.

To retain velocity and maximize penetration, you probably want to be on the heavy end.

You have used the Lee 230 TC (BC of 0.146). A 200 SWC (BC of 0.127 for Lee version) would have lost more velocity prior to impact and would have less terminal impact and/or penetration at 100 yards.

A wider meplat RNFP in 230 would probably have a similar or less impact velocity, similar or slightly better "smack" but likely to have less penetration.

Your objective for "complete penetration" and your experience with the 230 TC tend to argue for:

1. More muzzle velocity. You probably do want to pick the powder that gives the best velocity you can get for your desired pressure range (stated as not "hot rod").
2. Heavier boolit. The small case and the autoloader platform dont help. As such there are not many choices over 230 gr and much less load data.
3. Better BC / less meplat.

At 45 caliber, you may still have plenty of smack with a RN, but you would definitely be going down the road less traveled to pick an RN over a TC for hunting. A 230 RN boolit with a flattened nose for a meplat just a little smaller than your TC might be a "sweet spot". Nose flattening is a really old trick to improve smack and there are a number of choices for how to do it. Simplest are a file or hammer. Best is set somthing up to use a reloading press.

If you wanted to focus on 45 ACP in a revolver, you may have easier options for working with heavier boolits.

[Dave C.]

4.2 BE under a H&G#68 Will run a BALL GUN or a WAD GUN .
I have found it to be better then the shooter and half inch holes stop dang near anything from paper to critters.

[tazman]

I really like the H&G 68 style boolit at 800fps+ for general purpose use. It is accurate in my pistols and feeds well. It also works for social occasions.
Since I don't hunt with my 1911, I can't give an opinion on that part.

[Thumbcocker]

My one .45 acp load for 1911 and revolvers is a Lyman 452460 over 5.8 of 231. Old Lyman manual listed 6.0 of 231 as max and accuracy load. Accurate at 100 yards in a Sig 1911 and a couple of revolvers.

[GhostHawk]

I have a SA 1911 (Mid 1990's era) and a Hipoint carbine in .45acp.

4.5 to 5.5 grains of Red Dot under either the 230 gr TC or 230 gr round nose bullet.

Ballistics actually favors the round nose for longer range.
Like the OP I like the meplat on the TC, and I think they are easier to load, and have fewer loading problems, failure to feed with the TC. But I can't prove it.

The other point is the .452 230 gr TC is a 6 cavity, the round nose is a 2. So guess which one I use. :)

I have a LOT of confidence in this load.

Out of a 16" carbine barrel, you are looking at 1100 to 1200 fps muzzle, or 493 to 550 foot pounds of energy at 100 yards.

I don't have a chrony because it would be a real pain to set it up at my local range.

So I can't say for absolute certain sure bet the farm that it is moving at that speed.

And no I won't bet the farm on it, nor the house. Car maybe.

It is more whoop@$$ than I hope to ever have to need. And its ready on tap.

If you got evil on your mind stay out of Fargo ND!

[plainsman456]

I use 5-6 grains of bullseye.

Some times i have used others but i always come back to it.

[lotech]

I think post #7 wraps it up for a useful .45 ACP (or Auto Rim) load. I've found some guns will shoot slightly more accurately with the Lyman round nose #452374 than they will with the #68 or clone #68, but the difference is not great. For quite a while, I've used the SAECO #069 and 5 grs. Bullseye for just about all .45 shooting.

[HangFireW8]

Another vote for the 200LSWC and enough Bullseye. I have a 452460 I never use anymore because I got a Mihec brass 4 cavity, single lube groove version that rains boolits.

3.9gr of Clay isn't much for deer, you can do better but stiffer loads won't turn the 45ACP into something it's not.

[Texas by God]

I like the 200 swc over 5 grs of Bullseye. I have the 230 TC Lee but I haven't tried it yet. I've not shot a deer (yet) with the acp but if I do it'll be under 50 yards.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[DougGuy]

If it works good on bowling pins, it will do everything else with plenty of energy. I like a 255gr LSWC for bowling pins, but you may need to make sure the barrel has enough throat to plunk these, they work great. I have a 5" WWII era 1911 that gobbles up 454423 quite reliably, in front of 6.0gr Unique this is not punishing but it is stout enough for pins, deer, two legged varmints, etc..

Taking a shot at 100yds with ANY LOAD from ANY open sighted 1911 would not be my idea of an ethical and humane kill. 50yds and less, yes of course. I don't know very many shooters or hunters that can hit a 6" paper saucer with a 1911 at 100yds with enough accuracy to place a humane shot on a deer, so I wouldn't do it myself. I suppose there are guys out there that can hit an insect at 100yds with a 1911 I just don't know any of them.

[Char-Gar]

[QUOTE=DougGuy;4245590
Taking a shot at 100yds with ANY LOAD from ANY open sighted 1911 would not be my idea of an ethical and humane kill. 50yds and less, yes of course. I don't know very many shooters or hunters that can hit a 6" paper saucer with a 1911 at 100yds with enough accuracy to place a humane shot on a deer, so I wouldn't do it myself. I suppose there are guys out there that can hit an insect at 100yds with a 1911 I just don't know any of them.[/QUOTE]

Amen and amen!!!!!

[Wayne Dobbs]

I've killed a couple dozen Texas whitetails with .45 ACP from a 625 Mountain Gun. I've used 240 and 255 Keith type boolits over 6.5 grains of Unique and a couple of factory loaded 230 JHPs. All have died within 25 yards and all were one shot. Haven't recovered a projectile yet. Best experience was two spikes in about five seconds (cull hunting operation). All shots were also within 25 yards, which I think is responsible for the good performance, accuracy wise.

[Mr_Sheesh]

The Lee TL452-230-TC and 452-230-TC are quite similar to the Truncated Cone hardball bullets that were developed for improving the 45's effectiveness with hardball.

I found those in j-word boolits would always feed in the 1911s I had access to, and they shot very well.

So I can't say that those 2 molds will make boolits that will be THE answer for you, but you might give them a look. I'll probably get the latter and cast up a few hundred, and enjoy :) Not sure if I'll put those over Unique or what, yet.

[Char-Gar]

A word on heavier than nominal cast bullets in the 1911 pistol. I have for many years used Lyman 452423 in the 1911 pistol. I have killed all manner of game including Texas Whitetail deer with it. I would not hesitate to use it as a defense load either.

Since I have had DougGuy throat a Colt barrel I can seat the bullet out and achieve 100% reliable feeding. It is a good field load and defense load when pushed out the barrel by 4.5 - 4.7 grains of Bullseye. I will add a pic below with the difference in the OAL length between a throated and non-throated Colt barrel.

That said, these 245 grain Keith type SWCs are not the do-all bullet the OP is seeking. The slide speed and recoil impulse will make then hard on the pistol in continued regular use. I am not a believer in heavier than nominal recoil springs. My pistols have Wolfe 16.5V springs in them.

For this reason my vote goes to the 200 grain SWC for a do all everyday load, when pushed to the proper speed in a 1911 pistol. In a revolver these Keith SWCs and similar heavy bullets with a monster meplats are just the ticket.

[vzerone]

A word on heavier than nominal cast bullets in the 1911 pistol. I have for many years used Lyman 452423 in the 1911 pistol. I have killed all manner of game including Texas Whitetail deer with it. I would not hesitate to use it as a defense load either.

Since I have had DougGuy throat a Colt barrel I can seat the bullet out and achieve 100% reliable feeding. It is a good field load and defense load when pushed out the barrel by 4.5 - 4.7 grains of Bullseye. I will add a pic below with the difference in the OAL length between a throated and non-throated Colt barrel.

That said, these 245 grain Keith type SWCs are not the do-all bullet the OP is seeking. The slide speed and recoil impulse will make then hard on the pistol in continued regular use. I am not a believer in heavier than nominal recoil springs. My pistols have Wolfe 16.5V springs in them.

For this reason my vote goes to the 200 grain SWC for a do all everyday load, when pushed to the proper speed in a 1911 pistol. In a revolver these Keith SWCs and similar heavy bullets with a monster meplats are just the ticket.

Not to hijack the thread, but the RCBS 45 Cowboy, a 235 grain bullet, is excellent in the 45acp. I use it quite a bit.

Heavy hot loads beat your 1911 on one end and heavy recoil springs beat your 19911 on the other end! I couldn't agree with you more about heavy recoil springs. Do you run those shok-buffers?

[Char-Gar]

Not to hijack the thread, but the RCBS 45 Cowboy, a 235 grain bullet, is excellent in the 45acp. I use it quite a bit.

Heavy hot loads beat your 1911 on one end and heavy recoil springs beat your 19911 on the other end! I couldn't agree with you more about heavy recoil springs. Do you run those shok-buffers?

I have had those shock buffers batter badly and tie up the pistol. I think I still have a dozen or so around here somewhere.

I am not a hot load fan either. About 1963 I was shooting some hot 200 grain SWC over a big dose of Unique in a Remington-Rand 1911A1 when the firing pin stop came out the the firing pin jump out as well. I picked up the parts out of the dirt, wiped them off, reinstalled them and continued shooting, but not with the hot loads. I suppose a tightly fitted stop might not do that, but I was cured.

Folks begin to try the RCBS Cowboy bullet shortly after it came out in the 1911 pistol with good results. Shortly we did a special order Lee six hole slightly modified version called the 45 BCM. I still have a never used on sitting on my shop shelf. Since then several mold maker like Accurate have produced similar bullets.

[tazman]

I have the Lee 452-230-TC non TL boolit. It feeds perfectly even in my hardball 1911. Accuracy is the same as with other cast boolits.
I have never tried that combination in a hunting situation so cannot comment on it's effectiveness.

[BD]

210700The "all around load" I used for 5 years or so was 4.8 grains of Titegroup. I left my Pro-Jector set up for .45acp and 4.8 grains of Titegroup which gave me 200 gr #68s that made "major" for action pistol and 230 grain BD-acp loads that worked well for killing critters, and flew much more consistently at longer ranges than the SWCs. COAL stayed the same.
I moved away from the single powder concept after coming into 24 lb of HPC-18 which I've been burning behind the #68s for a few years. I can get better velocity with the BD-acps using Bluedot, and I don't shoot so many of them that the cost is as much of a factor.

[vzerone]

I have had those shock buffers batter badly and tie up the pistol. I think I still have a dozen or so around here somewhere.

I am not a hot load fan either. About 1963 I was shooting some hot 200 grain SWC over a big dose of Unique in a Remington-Rand 1911A1 when the firing pin stop came out the the firing pin jump out as well. I picked up the parts out of the dirt, wiped them off, reinstalled them and continued shooting, but not with the hot loads. I suppose a tightly fitted stop might not do that, but I was cured.

Folks begin to try the RCBS Cowboy bullet shortly after it came out in the 1911 pistol with good results. Shortly we did a special order Lee six hole slightly modified version called the 45 BCM. I still have a never used on sitting on my shop shelf. Since then several mold maker like Accurate have produced similar bullets.

Charles I know the earlier shok-buffs were made of a more rubbery material. The ones today are synthetic and believe I haven't been able to tear one up. Yes in personal defense if one tied the gun up it would be a serious thing. Thing is I only use them for target or plinking. Guess since deer and smaller animals aren't dangerous game using them wouldn't be serious if it tied up the gun.

[1Hawkeye]

My .45 acp go to load for years has been a 200 gr lswc with 5.7grs of unique. Iv'e run it through 1911's,p 220's,25-2's, a 625 even a marlin camp gun and a mectech carbine. The only gun I had a problem with was an xd for some reason they don't like swc shaped bullets.

[krems]

I Tried to like TiteGroup with cast bullets as it metered great and was very consistent on the chronograph in a number of handgun calibers. I thought it burned a little hot and It seemed I was always scraping a little lead out of the barrel. My favorite load for the ACP is now 5.3 grains of 231 under a 200 gr. Lswc. No more leading, meters great.

[Bill*B]

Let me put in a good word for lighter bullets in the .45 ACP. I've shot a lot of commercial 155 grain, and my own cast 160 grain wad cutters with complete satisfaction, and my all time favorite .45 slug is the Accurate 45-185HB (http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-185HB-D.png).

[Finster101]

I don’t hunt with it, but my favorite load is a 200 SWC over 4.0 Red Dot, for a shade over 800 fps.

I don't hunt with it but my press is set up for this load and I have no reason to change it. It has work well in every .45 I've tried it in, and that's been quite a few.

[Rodfac]

In my Remington-Rand 1911a1, Mihec's version of H&G 68 at 200 gr. with 5.2-5.3 gr Win 231 is a winner. ~800 fps I think. I chrono'd 5.4 of Win 231 at 823 fps in the same gun. The only game I've killed with it was a doe crippled in a car accident. From 10' it penetrated her fore head and lodged just under the skin in the neck. 6" or so. At less than 25 yds, I'd guess a .45 ACP would do for deer, but it would be far from my first choice. Rod

[bigboredad]

I love the Safeco 58 it feeds well in all my 1911's and with a meplat of .36 it lays a good smack on whatever it hits. At 215gr around 800fps it is also enjoyable to shoot. I had Tom at accuratemolds.com make me a 4 cavity mold and it will drain a pot in no time. How ever I also love the th 68 design but the bigger replay can do some amazing things

Sent from my SM-T377V using Tapatalk

[waco]

211110
I run the HP version of the NOE copy of the H&G68 with 5gr of BE.
This is shot in a 5" Kimber.

[sghart3578]

Lee 452-200-SWC over 5.0 gr of Bullseye is my go to load.

I also like the Lee 452-160-RF over 9.4 gr of A #5. Fun and very accurate, it feeds great in my Auto Ordnance even though the OAL is quite short.


Steve in N CA

[Budzilla 19]

Lee 452-200 RF over 700x, does quite well, and is fun to shoot! Both .45’s love it. Just my .02

[Rodfac]

Waco, that's one good looking bullet. What alloy are you using and do you get expansion at .45 ACP speeds; say 800-850 fps? Also, if you don't mind, what's the mold number? Thx in advance, Rod

[jmort]

211565

[warboar_21]

Not to hijack the thread, but the RCBS 45 Cowboy, a 235 grain bullet, is excellent in the 45acp. I use it quite a bit.

Heavy hot loads beat your 1911 on one end and heavy recoil springs beat your 19911 on the other end! I couldn't agree with you more about heavy recoil springs. Do you run those shok-buffers?

I have the RCBS cowboy mold as well and it works in my 1911s just as well as my revolvers. I powder coat mine and load them over a near max load of unique.
I don’t hunt with them since Nevada does not allow the 45acp to be used for large game animals. I can honestly say that they do well shooting through wet phone books though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rdbronco]

My vote is for the LBT LFN -230 5 grains of bullseye. Great all around combo

[mr surveyor]

211565


I like the looks of that one.


jd

[jaysouth]

My best .45 ACP load is the cheapest bullet I can buy/cast in 200-230 gr. over 5.2 grs. 231/HP38. Cast/jacketed/swaged/Cu plated? I can't tell the difference.

For match level bullseye, 185 Cast SWC over 3.9 grs Clays.

[bobthenailer]

IMO the Saeco #058 a 215gr swc made for bowling pin shooting with the 45 acp would be the answer! it has a pretty wide meplat. and feeds in most throated 45 acp's no problem in a 625

IF you would like some to try ? please leave a PM

[Stuckcase]

Montana bullets offers that very Saeco 58 bullet and I am all over it with 800X. Kimber Aegis Elite----I will post when game has been taken--may be a while as season is over in West Virtucky. Seems to be the most practical answer to case capacity---meplat---900 fps velocity----no gunsmithing---ACP fun

[RJM52]

"Anyhow, I am so crotchety I am looking for ONE load for the 625 and the 1911."...yea you can do that but why.

Having TWO loads isn't going to kill you and you will be doing any big game animal you shoot a favor... Find your optimum all-around load that will do 99% of what you need to get done with a .45 and then load up a couple hundred of the 1%ers for the times when the 99%ers would be marginal...

It may be you don't even need two bullets...just a different powder charge..one going 800 and the other 950. Or a completely different bullet weight/design and velocity all together...

Anyway...that is what I'm boiling down to...still have lots of guns but each one has a all-around load and a hunting or self-defense load depending on the guns use...

Bob

[nseries]

100 yard shots at deer with a 45? When I was a kid, 40 years ago, my father and I used to shoot in a weekly semi-formal competition at a local club outside of Pittsburgh. We shot 5 rounds at 6"x9" steel plates at 100 yards. I think we'd shoot 5 sets, 25 rounds, for the kitty. I usually shot my 7-1/2" SBH, but one weekend I shot either my dad's Combat Commander or my Series 70 Gov't Model loaded with the Lyman 200gr 452460. Probably loaded with a near max charge of Bullseye or Unique. Compared to the 44 Mag, I was amazed at the delay between firing and the sound of lead hitting steel. There was a good bit of Kentucky windage involved using the standard Colt sights. My opinion, just considering the time it takes for the bullet to arrive on target, but I think 100 yards is a bit too far for the 45 ACP. I personally don't have any experience in shooting deer that far. A long shot at a deer for me has been 50 to 60 yards at most.

[6bg6ga]

This isn't rocket science. Open up a Lymans reloading manual and pick any 200gr SWC or 230 gr rn load and simply use them. Either bullet will do what you want them to do. While the 45acp doesn't have a long kill range its more than adequate for a self defense round or a light hunting round. My favorite go to is a Magma 230gr RN with 5.6 gr of 231. Accurate and effective.

[Opcx6]

Take your #68 and run it at full speed (850 - 875 fps) and you have your do all load. Can you find loads that "might" be a smidge better for some purpose? Maybe! Will you ever notice the difference? Not likely!

+1 ! Worked for me for 38 years.

[6bg6ga]

Each person has their favorite. Many years ago I had the famous HG68 mold and produced thousands of bullets and was relatively happy until I wandered into the Magma 185 and 200 gr SWC bullets and promptly sold my HG68 mold. The accuracy for me was better with the magma SWC bullets in both the 45acp and 45LC.

[alamogunr]

210700The "all around load" I used for 5 years or so was 4.8 grains of Titegroup. I left my Pro-Jector set up for .45acp and 4.8 grains of Titegroup which gave me 200 gr #68s that made "major" for action pistol and 230 grain BD-acp loads that worked well for killing critters, and flew much more consistently at longer ranges than the SWCs. COAL stayed the same.
I moved away from the single powder concept after coming into 24 lb of HPC-18 which I've been burning behind the #68s for a few years. I can get better velocity with the BD-acps using Bluedot, and I don't shoot so many of them that the cost is as much of a factor.

Interesting old thread. Since the quoted post mentioned the BD Group Buys and I recall there were 2 or 3 variations, I wonder if there are others who use these boolits? Somehow I ended up with 2 molds and have only used one of them. My molds have the designation BD-45CM. About the only thing I remember is that the Honcho(?) requested an informal poll of which variation was most requested for the GB that I got my molds from. Since I didn't know a whole lot about any of them at the time, I held off expressing which I preferred until I could see which was preferred and why.

It would seem that this boolit would be a good load for self defense. Heavy and large meplat. I haven't resolved the "self cast vs store bought" for carry yet, so this is only an unsupported opinion.

I too am a big fan of H&G 68 style boolits and have 2 MP brass molds for that configuration. I do find that I have to seat to an OAL of 1.225" to get it to work in all my .45's.

[oldsalt444]

A lot of good answers here. My pick for "do-all" load would be a 200 gr. SWC driven to ~850 fps. This velocity range is where the 45 ACP shines.

[stubshaft]

I use 3.7 Clays beneath anything from 185 to 255 grains.

[Petrol & Powder]

This thread started in 2017 and there's some good info in here.

My 45 ACP world is divided between two periods with a long break in the middle. The early period was before I was casting and most of my loads consisted of bullets in the 230 grain range with a few 200 grain Speer "Flying Ashtray" (remember those? ) in the mix.
I then left the 1911 platform while pursuing other adventures.
When I returned to the 1911 I was casting and decided to look for that "All Around" load just like the OP on this thread.

I sought advice from members of this forum and one bullet was always near the top of the list - the 200 Gr SWC.

I was aware of the 200 grain SWC (H&G #68 style bullet) from my earlier days. I was a bit skeptical about the lower weight bullet because most of my experience was with the 230 gr bullets (although the old Speer 200 gr did feed in my pistols).
The more I read about the 200 gr SWC, the more I respect I grained for it.
I went with a SAECO #69 which is close in profile to the H&G #68. That bullet has proven to be an excellent 45 ACP bullet and I have no doubt that it could be called upon for a self-defense load or a target load. I would be hesitant to hollow point that bullet as is, because I think the HP cavity would drop the weight too much. If I wanted a HP version I would start with a heavier SWC and add HP pins so that the final weight was close to the 200 grains. Honestly, I don't think that bullet would need a HP to perform well. With enough speed and a soft alloy, that SWC bullet should get the job done.

So, we have a bullet that has a strong reputation for accuracy, that can be loaded at target velocities. That same bullet can be pushed faster if needed and it functions well in most 1911 platforms. It may fall a little short for hunting applications but I don't see the 45 ACP as a big game round anyway.

So that fits the criteria for an "all-around" bullet but this thread is about the All Around 45 ACP LOAD.

With WW231 and a 200gr LSWC, 5.2 grains is a good target load and 5.5 grs. is the max. So maybe somewhere in the middle there, depending on your pistol.
With the same bullet and Bullseye, perhaps somewhere between 4 grains and 5 grains.

[Petrol & Powder]

After going back and reading posts #6 (Outpost75) & #7 (Gibson); I'm going to say that 5 grains of Bullseye under a H&G #68 style SWC is probable going to be "The All-Around Load".

[6bg6ga]

This thread started in 2017 and there's some good info in here.

My 45 ACP world is divided between two periods with a long break in the middle. The early period was before I was casting and most of my loads consisted of bullets in the 230 grain range with a few 200 grain Speer "Flying Ashtray" (remember those? ) in the mix.
I then left the 1911 platform while pursuing other adventures.
When I returned to the 1911 I was casting and decided to look for that "All Around" load just like the OP on this thread.

I sought advice from members of this forum and one bullet was always near the top of the list - the 200 Gr SWC.

I was aware of the 200 grain SWC (H&G #68 style bullet) from my earlier days. I was a bit skeptical about the lower weight bullet because most of my experience was with the 230 gr bullets (although the old Speer 200 gr did feed in my pistols).
The more I read about the 200 gr SWC, the more I respect I grained for it.
I went with a SAECO #69 which is close in profile to the H&G #68. That bullet has proven to be an excellent 45 ACP bullet and I have no doubt that it could be called upon for a self-defense load or a target load. I would be hesitant to hollow point that bullet as is, because I think the HP cavity would drop the weight too much. If I wanted a HP version I would start with a heavier SWC and add HP pins so that the final weight was close to the 200 grains. Honestly, I don't think that bullet would need a HP to perform well. With enough speed and a soft alloy, that SWC bullet should get the job done.

So, we have a bullet that has a strong reputation for accuracy, that can be loaded at target velocities. That same bullet can be pushed faster if needed and it functions well in most 1911 platforms. It may fall a little short for hunting applications but I don't see the 45 ACP as a big game round anyway.

So that fits the criteria for an "all-around" bullet but this thread is about the All Around 45 ACP LOAD.

With WW231 and a 200gr LSWC, 5.2 grains is a good target load and 5.5 grs. is the max. So maybe somewhere in the middle there, depending on your pistol.
With the same bullet and Bullseye, perhaps somewhere between 4 grains and 5 grains.

Actually the maximum load with a lead semi wad cutter is 6.0 gr of 231 using a 452460 mold and 6.1 gr of 231 using a 452630 mold. Either bullet will shoot very accurately above 5.5 gr of 231 up to the max that I listed.

[Petrol & Powder]

I was quoting old RCBS/Speer data but I'm sure you're right.

[tazman]

6bg6ga-- Your data appears to come from the Lyman loading manuals, correct?

Petrol & Powder---Your data is the same as what is posted on the Hodgdon data site.

Another case where different data sources end up with different load data.

[Oregon_Dan]

Here is another vote for the 452423 Keith bullet! I have used it in 1911's, a S&W 25-2 and a 625 Mt. Gun with very good success. I haven't used it in the 1911's for quite a while, but that may change in the near future. Unique was my go to powder back in the day. More recently, I have used it in the wheel guns with Power Pistol, and Herco. The bullet is happy from 700fps on up to around 1000fps, and remarkably accurate. It is also heavy enough to penetrate well on mid-sized game!

[GSSP]

I like a big meplet when it comes to cast and hunting. My preference is the 230 FN by LBT. Accurate with most of the lead "out" of the case, forward of the case mouth, allowing more powder in the case and/or reduced pressures per Veral Smith. I can load it in my ACP (1911 or Ruger Bisley) or or my 45 LC for my Win 1873 or 1892 which is quite accurate with several powders giving sub 1" 5-shot groups at 50 yds.
260213

[AnthonyB]

alamogunr, I was the honcho for the BD45CM buy. I will gladly buy any extras anyone has sitting around. If that bullet over 6.0 gr. Unique won't do the job you need a 30-06.
Tony

[alamogunr]

As an added comment to my post 49, I finally got around to casting up a couple of hundred of a recent GB from Arsenal Molds. It is designated 452-230 WFN. This four cavity mold only took about six throws before it started producing very good boolits. I have a new 1911 that is going to get a workout if it ever stops raining and I can go to the range without encountering "social displeasure". Up to now I have mostly loaded H&G 68 style boolits that I mentioned in the referenced post. I'm referring to this thread for powder info. I have plenty of Bullseye, Red Dot(and Promo) and Unique. I might also acquire another powder if it looks promising. For now I'll keep watching this thread and the load manuals.

[docmagnum357]

Wow, time flies. Lots has happened in my world since this post. My wife was diagnosed with adult onset type 1 diabetes, then 9 months ago, Stage 3c Melanoma. Having issues with inlaws with Alzheimers and paranoid delusions. haven't been able to reload, cast, shoot, or hunt in two years.
To answer a couple of posts, yes, I do hunt with a 45acp, 19911 and 625. Never lost a critter yet. But I fired about 12000 rounds the last year I was serious about shooting. I was literally on the range all day, every Saturday instructing, and shot 2-3 days a week personally. Did one on one tutoring at times, so I was pretty familiar with the 1911 and 625 and the 45acp cartridge's ballistics. Soda cans did not stand a chance at 50 yards, and gallon milk jugs didn't at 100 yards. a broadside shot on a standing deer( or coyote) was a done deal. Groundhogs... 75 yards was my limit on them. Now, after two years of caretaking, my confidence isn't that high, and shouldn't be.

My idea of an ideal load is one that cycles ever time, and doesn't keep the gun from meeting its potential. My 1911 was rebuilt right before I quit shooting every day with a kart barrel and national match bushing. Fellow who built it is a long time USPSA competitor (revolver GM) and also builds a lot of 1911s for other competitors. 625 went to the shop before I ever fired it. Hand and cylinder stop were hand fitted in the first tune up as well as the 3 subsequent tune ups. I don't think it will ever shoot as good as my 1911, but it will shoot better than most 1911s. Only problem with the 625 was the #68 doesn't load as fast with them. Moot point now, since to be competitive in USPSA you're going to have to have 929.
I got a really ratty pre 29 in a trade, and had a new cylinder, hand, and taylor throating done on it. Most accurate N frame I ever had, and I started to have it cut for moon clips and work up a load for 44 Russian brass to shoot practical matches. I looked at the cost of moons, brass, changing the sights.....bought the 625. Easier to work up a load for game with the 625/ 1911 than to run an odd wad set up, and have two calibers in one gun, etc. and keep two guns tuned well. I could buy moons at the LGS and sights are interchangeable on my gun, a JM model. Ratty pre 29 got traded.
What I found out with 44 magnums was a big flat bullet in the right place didn't need magnum velocity. It just needed in the boiler room or the noggin, or neck and good night Irene. Why wouldn't the 45 acp do the same thing? It will. In a revolver I don't think it will ever be as accurate as a 44 mag/special, but the 1911 is more accurate, and in the shop less.
Since I don't compete anymore, #68 at whatever the "sweet spot" is will be the go to load. I'll keep my progressive set up for it.
Wife is recovering from the cancer, and "adjusting" to her insulin pump, needs less help every day. There is a club fairly close to here that has USPSA matches and an IDPA match once in a while. And where we live now, ( Eastern KY) is loaded with coyotes, deer, groundhogs, and we can shoot turtles( I'm pretty sure) etc. Two Squirrel seasons ( I have a 22 conversion for the 1911)...two turkey seasons. I may not be able to teach many CCHP classes, KY recently went Constitutional carry, but I can wear out my guns while filling the freezer.
Off topic, but I got out of the habit of carrying here. I drive a school bus as my retirement gig, so I can't carry on school grounds. Kind of got slack. I was almost in a shooting the other day, 3pm at a gas station. some kind of disagreement between tow groups of trash resulted in a girl getting dragged, and her BF shooting int the car. Then Einstein chased the car to the pump where I was trying to pump gas. Fires two more rounds into the car. Not my business, not my problem. But we were the closest people to the second two shots. No reason to draw and darn sure no reason to shoot at anybody, but it could have gotten bad if somebody had wanted our car. Had a guy come into the break room at work( again, gun free zone) and rant and rave and threaten everybody in the room because his ex and her new BF weren't treating his kids to suit him. 10x less people, and almost been in the poop twice in the last two years, no fault of my own. Broad daylight, "safe " place, minding my own business. Going back to carrying 24/ 7. Except on the school bus. Of course. Never break the law.