Josh Smith
03-27-2009, 03:46 PM
Hello,
First post here, so be gentle!
I really like Win 231 powder for use in my 1911 (I built it loosely based on the MEU pistol - next one will be closer).
My load for the 230gn LRN is this:
230gn Missouri Bullet's LRN
5.2gn Win 231
Rem 2-1/2 primer
1.23" COL
Now, I decided to try their 185gr LSWC for just regular shooting. I prefer the larger holes in paper, and they seem to be just a bit more accurate should I stumble upon a rabbit in my woods here.
This load would be:
185gn Missouri Bullet's LSWC
5.6gn Win 231
Rem 2-1/2 primer
1.23" COL
Mild load.
Now, I was invited to shoot some comp this summer. I got to looking at the data for the jacketed versions of the same LSWC I'm shooting. They go up to around 7.2gn (IIRC).
I decided to work something up:
185gn Missouri Bullet's LSWC
6.3gn Win 231
Rem 2-1/2 LP
1.23" COL
If you'll notice, the only change is the powder charge. For cast, max is 5.9 or so. For jacketed, it can go up to 7.2gn.
These bullets are HARD, and they do not deform when shot into oak. I've actually recovered several, and they are all of the same diameter, .445". Seems they slugged my barrel.
Anyway, I got jumped on for going over max for the lead version. I believe that the lead version was actually intended for soft lead, not this extremely hard cast.
I'm showing no pressure signs - wouldn't expect to in a lower pressure load like the .45acp - but still...
Are these folks right in that cast bullets so much more different than jacketed, that this load is dangerous? Or should I keep the load, and be happy with it as a high speed alternative to my all purpose 185gn load? I figured I'd get more and better answers from folks who deal with cast bullets a lot.
In other words, what real difference is there between the hardcast and jacketed version of the 185gn bullets, and is my load dangerous in a .45acp 1911?
Thank you,
Josh <><
P.S. BH is 18 on these, and they're made for IDPA competition. J.S.
First post here, so be gentle!
I really like Win 231 powder for use in my 1911 (I built it loosely based on the MEU pistol - next one will be closer).
My load for the 230gn LRN is this:
230gn Missouri Bullet's LRN
5.2gn Win 231
Rem 2-1/2 primer
1.23" COL
Now, I decided to try their 185gr LSWC for just regular shooting. I prefer the larger holes in paper, and they seem to be just a bit more accurate should I stumble upon a rabbit in my woods here.
This load would be:
185gn Missouri Bullet's LSWC
5.6gn Win 231
Rem 2-1/2 primer
1.23" COL
Mild load.
Now, I was invited to shoot some comp this summer. I got to looking at the data for the jacketed versions of the same LSWC I'm shooting. They go up to around 7.2gn (IIRC).
I decided to work something up:
185gn Missouri Bullet's LSWC
6.3gn Win 231
Rem 2-1/2 LP
1.23" COL
If you'll notice, the only change is the powder charge. For cast, max is 5.9 or so. For jacketed, it can go up to 7.2gn.
These bullets are HARD, and they do not deform when shot into oak. I've actually recovered several, and they are all of the same diameter, .445". Seems they slugged my barrel.
Anyway, I got jumped on for going over max for the lead version. I believe that the lead version was actually intended for soft lead, not this extremely hard cast.
I'm showing no pressure signs - wouldn't expect to in a lower pressure load like the .45acp - but still...
Are these folks right in that cast bullets so much more different than jacketed, that this load is dangerous? Or should I keep the load, and be happy with it as a high speed alternative to my all purpose 185gn load? I figured I'd get more and better answers from folks who deal with cast bullets a lot.
In other words, what real difference is there between the hardcast and jacketed version of the 185gn bullets, and is my load dangerous in a .45acp 1911?
Thank you,
Josh <><
P.S. BH is 18 on these, and they're made for IDPA competition. J.S.