.25 Caliber Auto Reloading (Pistol) Load Data

[sailcaptain]

Is anyone else reloading .25 caliber Auto Pistol, I would like to double check my reload data.
I’m planning on using Winchester 231 and 1.5 Grains. Alliant Bullseye is saying the same amount also.
I have both on hand.
It seems to be too much when looking at it in the casings.
I’m using a 50 Grain Hornady FMJ bullet I have been given.

Also the powder amount is so small it is causing my RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure to stick every 5 or 6 drops. I’m not really confident I’m getting on the proper amount each time which really slows down the process. Is anyone getting better drops with another Powder measure at such small amounts?

Thank you for any input.

[kayala]

If I remember correctly min load of 1.3 gr of 231 cycled my 950 Beretta just fine. Didn't see any reason to go any higher, because it's strictly for range fun.

[sailcaptain]

kayala,
The .2 gr difference in our two loads, using 231, is good to know. I’m using mine in my Llama 380. They cycle fine and make for a comfortable round to shoot.
I guess I’m out of practice reloading this small a round, which accounts for it looking to full in the casing.

Now if I can smooth out the powder flow in my RCBS Uniflow, I’ll be good to go.
I think I’ll have to strip it out and see what binding in there.

[GONRA]

Few years ago, loaded 400 rds. .25 ACP with .251 inch diameter 35 grain bullets,
1.5 grains WW 231 powder, Winchester WSP primers,
brand new S&W brass, RCBS dies, shell holder....
0.860 inch OAL for my KBI PSP-25 copy of Baby Browning.

Once feed ramp was polished, this became GONRA's Official .25 ACP Test Pistol.
200 rds. had Hornady #35450 HP/XTP bullets.
Other 200 rds. had Speer Gold Dot "Uni-Cor" #3985 bullets.

Ran each loaded round thru the RCBS taper crimp die too.

Noted with interest complaints relative to handling this tiny cartridge.
84 year olde GONRA has no trouble, even with crummy finger dexterity,
Its my Hollywood press that has more or less unrestricted hand/finger access.
That’s wot you need for his cartridge.
Bet there’s an inexpensive C Press out there that would be Just Fine? ???

[Trophy Tom]

Would. 50gr. .250 jwords work or does it have to be .251s only ?


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[mf79]

I have done some, I do not use powder measure for that small an amount, not sure if it can measure it, I use a lee scoop and what I do is put each brass on electronic scale and tare to zero then put in partial scoop and put it on scale, the weight shown is the powder only then I adjust til the load I want

[too many things]

only powder measure that works full time is a lyman 55. never had a problem with it if you just close the bottom 2 tight and use the top slide only i use 1gr of bullseye. in cast from a ranchdog and no lube

[photomicftn]

Second using the scale, I used to use a Redding beam scale, the brown one that went to 325gr, with one of the 50gr bullets in the pan, and scooped/trickled the charges in addition to that weight.


I have done some, I do not use powder measure for that small an amount, not sure if it can measure it, I use a lee scoop and what I do is put each brass on electronic scale and tare to zero then put in partial scoop and put it on scale, the weight shown is the powder only then I adjust til the load I want

[sailcaptain]

I agree, I resorted to using my scale rather than the Uniflow. The charge is to light, small and binds in the cylinder to often to be reliable.

[oldsalt444]

If you're using a progressive loading press, then you might want to try Lee Pro Auto Disk measure with the Titan Micro Charge disk. It is designed for tiny powder charges.

https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-precision-reloading-equipment/lee-powder-handling/titan-micro-charge

[car16]

I used my lyman 55 powder measure it worked great for 1 gr bullseye.my uniflow wouldn't go that low

[sailcaptain]

I use a single stage RCBS Rock Chucker Press.
My Uniflow just couldn’t do the job for that small a charge.
I guess this is why when we look back, we see an ever expanding Reloading Bench. Lots of trial and upgrades.

[mf79]

anything unique about that redding brown scale ?
I have one of them

[photomicftn]

Nothing unique, just an old school beam balance type. Very accurate, if well cared for. It was my father's scale, and I learned to use it when I was about seven years old, loading .38 Specials to shoot out of his K-38. I still have both.


anything unique about that redding brown scale ?
I have one of them

[Battis]

I just loaded 50 rounds for my 1908 Colt .25. I used 50 gr cast bullets (.252) and 1.1 grs of Bullseye from my Lee dispenser, with no problems at all. 35 gr bullets don't cycle as well in this gun.

[gwpercle]

This is from Speer Manual #14
25 acp / 50 gr. TMJ RN / no min. loads listed , just one load with each powder under Maximum .

W231 - 1.4 grs. @ 797 fps
Bullseye - 1.3 grs. @ 812 fps
TiteGroup - 1.4 grs. @ 822 fps

Not a lot of powder ... measure small !
For a amount this small I would make a small dipper ... I made a dipper from a fired 22 short case and it dips 2.5 grains of Bullseye ... so to get 1.3 grs it would need to be cut down by nearly 1/2 !!!
That's going to be one tiny dipper !
Good Luck with project,
Gary