Wadcutter for 45 Colt

[tejano]

Rimrock makes a 225 GR. DEWC that it calls “ANTI-PERSONNEL". Does anyone here shoot that bullet or one similar to it? Would like starter load data. I have on hand Unique, Red Dot, Titegroup, Universal, Power Pistol, W231, Universal, 700X, and probably a few others. The revolver I will use is a Freedom Arms M97.

[Kosh75287]

A lot will depend on to what length you seat this bullet. If you seat it like any other projectile, to an overall length of ~1.58", I'd be tempted to follow data for any other 225 gr. projectile.
If, on the other hand, you seat these projectiles so that they are flush with the case mouth, like .38 Spl. 148 gr. wadcutters, you'll have occupied a lot of case capacity, and loads for regular-length .45 Colt may give you higher pressures than you like. Your FA-97 will handle them, but your accuracy may suffer.
For regular length .45 Colt, use data for any 225 gr. projectile. Remember to start 10% under, because the projectiles are not the same. For bullets seated flush with the case mouth, I'D be inclined to reduce your starting load by another 10%, just to be on the safe(r) side. This ALSO may be where your best accuracy will be found.

[tejano]

Thanks Kosh.

[Kosh75287]

Anytime, friend.

[oldsalt444]

Matt's has a few 45 wadcutters.

https://www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68_82&zenid=r3icl00trhr0lsr1mgv8bi00m3

I have used the 165 gr WC in my S&W 25 for bullseye competition. 3.2 Red Dot or 3.5 WST gave excellent accuracy. ~625 fps.

I liked that bullet so much that I had a mold made up to cast my own. Matt's makes high quality bullets and will size them to your specs, but since he is a boutique dealer, his prices are kinda high.

[tejano]

Yep, I have used Matts bullets myself, but never tried that bullet. Thanks for the data, OldSalt.

[georgerkahn]

Rimrock makes a 225 GR. DEWC that it calls “ANTI-PERSONNEL". Does anyone here shoot that bullet or one similar to it? Would like starter load data. I have on hand Unique, Red Dot, Titegroup, Universal, Power Pistol, W231, Universal, 700X, and probably a few others. The revolver I will use is a Freedom Arms M97.

I have used HP38 behind a 230 grain WC, using 6.4 grains in a .45 Colt Vacquero revolver with good results. Mild recoil and more than acceptable accuracy. I have heard that W231 and HP are the same powder -- note operative word here is "heard" -- and if I were you I'd research this and if you are confident the two powders are in fact the same -- perhaps give it a try? I'm not at all familiar with specs of your FA M97 -- regardless, as a revolver, I'd drop the load I use by maybe 20% and work up a load, starting there. As long as bullet exits barrel, imho no worries in a revolver. You then may safely work your way up, if needed, to achieve the load performance you desire. (A good chronograph surely comes in more than "handy"!)
BEST!
geo

[tejano]

Thanks Geo! I have a little HP38 left as well.

[black mamba]

It is well established that HP-38 and W231 are the same powder, but just as with switching from one lot to another, you should approach max loads with caution. Data is completely interchangeable.

[Harter66]

Use start data for 225-230 gr in 45 ACP for flush seated or nose out in 45 Colts cases the case volume will be very close to the same .

[tejano]

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

[DougGuy]

For regular length .45 Colt, use data for any 225 gr. projectile.

Not exactly accurate information. *IF* the boolits are seated where the base of the boolit is the same place in the case when comparing load data, then yes because the weight is the same, and case volume under the boolit is the same. THIS is what you want to check most importantly when using load data for a different boolit even though it is the same weight.

[tejano]

I noted that manual “start data” was recommended. I would have done that anyway so I believe I received good suggestions. Thanks again.

[NuJudge]

Bear Creek has a number of wadcutter and hollow-base bullets in .45 caliber. The only one I have shot is the 185gr SWC-HB, which comes at .452", and shoots well for me at 50 feet and 25 yards, even in a S&W 25-2 with .455" throats.
https://www.bearcreeksupplybullets.com/bulletselection

[rintinglen]

I have used the old 454-309, a 235 grain over 8.0 grains UNIQUE, but it was no real barn burner in the accuracy department in limited testing.

In fairness, my Ruger Vaquero was pretty mediocre with everything I tried. It probably needed some throat work, but back then I was unaware that such a thing was possible, so I sold that gun and haven't gone after another 45 Colt since.