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View Full Version : super light load for .45acp



redneckdan
01-03-2006, 12:04 AM
I'm a range officer at the MTU pistol club, frequently I have new shooters ask to try my 1911, which I'm more than happy to hear. I never relized how punishing normal loads are until one gal (probably 90lbs soakin wet) tried it and when the gun recoiled the front sight just about hit her in the fore head. She was okay but she had a nasty flinch for a while but going back to the MKIIs cured that. She shot my S&W 19 loaded with 158grs@450fps just fine. Does anybody know of a super light load for .45 acp? I'm thinkin like a 200gr LSWC movin at between 400-500fps?

454PB
01-03-2006, 12:09 AM
In a garage sale, I acquired some commercially cast .45 cal. 155 gr. SWC bullets. I loaded some up with a light charge of Bullseye and tried them out. They barely cycled the slide of my P-90, but were very accurate. Recoil was about like a .38 special factory load.

felix
01-03-2006, 12:56 AM
Be very careful with loads this light. Best to keep loads at around 800-850 with the powders we have available. If recoil becomes a problem, switch to a smaller diameter caliber. In your situation, is it possible to find a 32 acp or something like this? Deputy Al should have a recommendation for a quality gun the "range" can purchace for the old lady to use. Insert: Maybe this trailboss powder might be one that can be used safely to download a cartridge below 850 safely. SEE conditions do not get started easily with lots of irregluar shapes within the case, such as donuts. ... felix

mike in co
01-03-2006, 01:36 AM
didnt someone post a round ball load for the 45 ???

redneckdan
01-03-2006, 04:01 AM
i'll have to look into trail boss data for the .45 acp People ask me about the gun when they see it on the table in the officer and when they hear about the history of the 1911 design most want to try it out. Plus they get the bragging rights of having shot the .45 acp round. We are actually looking at getting a couple new guns for the range. We found some extra ching in our bank acount that we didn't know we had. Now we just gotta get 6 guys to agree on what guns to buy.

Beau Cassidy
01-03-2006, 08:09 AM
I use 2.9 grains of clays with a 200 Grain bullet and a 12 lb. recoil spring. Don't remember what the velocity is- probably right about 800 FPS. Light recoil.


Beau

redneckdan
01-03-2006, 08:36 AM
I found some trail boss data for .45 s&w SCHOFIELD. it uses a 200gr LRNFP with 4.0gr of trail boss at 684 fps, pressure is 9,000 PSI Do ya'll think that I could use this load in a .45ACP?

felix
01-03-2006, 08:43 AM
Most likely, especially with a light spring, say 12 pounds? That load is worth a try. ... felix

Beau Cassidy
01-03-2006, 03:03 PM
That's probably gonna require a spring lighter than 12 lbs. Just be sure to dedicate that gun to light loads.

Beau

StarMetal
01-03-2006, 04:19 PM
Actually before you change springs or go to cutting coils, try it with what's in it. I have loaded the hollowbase cast conical meant for a cap n ball remington in my 45acp. That bullet is only I believe, been awhile, 139 grs...I'll have to weigh one again. Anyways it cycles some of my 1911's and a Ruger P90 and I definately didn't load it hot because you really can't with that hollowbase, it'll flare out from the gas pressure upon exit from the muzzle.

Joe

Ricochet
01-03-2006, 11:54 PM
Joe, I'm thinking 139 grains sounds about right for a pure lead ball circa .454". Which might be a reasonable thing to press in the front of a .45 ACP over a light powder charge.

Herb in Pa
01-04-2006, 12:00 AM
4.0 Gr of WW231 with a 200 Gr cast SWC yields 586 fps out my Ballister Molina, I did have to cut a few coils off the spring.

wills
01-04-2006, 01:09 AM
Guns & Ammo had an article in the 60's about using balsa wood bullets in the .45. That shouldnt cause much recoil.

X-man
01-05-2006, 03:49 PM
If recoil is such a problem, instead of cutting springs etc...why not go with a reasonably light 200gr SWC bullet and charge of Bullseye, but put a compensator on the .45? One of those drop in ones work just fine and you don't have to permanently alter the pistol. Would help newbies learn to love the 1911 and the .45ACP round!

redneckdan
01-05-2006, 03:56 PM
i have one of the bushing comps and it doesn't make much diffrence, even with +P loads.

mag_01
01-05-2006, 04:02 PM
I use a 200swc with 3.5grs. of bull very light---also 3.8 and 4grs. of bull same boolit----well thats enough bull for now ---Mag_01

X-man
01-05-2006, 07:29 PM
i have one of the bushing comps and it doesn't make much diffrence, even with +P loads.

That's the problem, +P loads! Try the comp with a light target load using a 200gr cast lead bullet and a light charge of Bullseye and I'm sure you'll notice a marked difference in felt recoil, especially for new and novice shooters, or those with slight builds such as women, kids and teenagers. ;-)

redneckdan
01-06-2006, 12:21 AM
ok, I'll give it a whirl. I noticed I had to do quite a bit of fitting to get the action to cycle with the comp on. Nothing a dremel and a homemade sanding drum can't handle.

David R
01-06-2006, 12:51 AM
3.5 Bullseye and a 200 swc. This is the standard target load. I even think it was carved on some stone tablets and given to moses to bring to the rest of the world. Shot thousands and thousands of em. Might need a lighter spring or just an old stock one that is wore out.

David

StarMetal
01-06-2006, 01:09 AM
I thought the standard target load with the 200 gr SWC was 4.0 grs of Bullseye.

Joe