.45 ACP 1911 Reloads

[frjeff]

New to reloading and have just broken in my first 1911 (RIA FS Nickel Tactical)

I want to find a good target load which is a bit soft on recoil. Some have told me that the 1911's are very fussy about what is fed to them, while others are telling me they reload and shoot cast SWC in the 185gr size with no problems.

I hate to go buy 500 185gr, SWC and then be stuck with them if they do not feed well, etc.

Any input on this. I'm looking at this 185gr boolit:

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii26/frjeff/1224075417668-842788366.jpg

[870TC]

The 200 gr. version of that bullet is probably the most popular to reload. But the 185 loads just about as well in my experience. Taper crimp to .469-.470 and overall length around 1.250 and you should be fine.

[August]

I've heard that too.

My Springfield feeds SWC just fine.

However, I use PB roundnose for competition.

Guess I can't help you much....

[fecmech]

If your gun has the stock 16 lb. recoil spring somewhere around 4.0 grs of Bullseye or 4.3 of 231 should have enough recoil to operate the slide. If not go a little higher till it does, conversely if it works good at 4.0 and you want lighter recoil go down till it doesn't feed. My Springfield MilSpec will feed 185's at 3.8 grs of Bullseye with no problems using the stock spring.

ps. That bullet should feed ok, it looks like a lighter "clone" of the H&G #68 which feeds well in most pistols

[Le Loup Solitaire]

I use the H&G #68 in both the 1911A1 GI issue and the Colt Gold Cup. Yhere are several clones of this design. The classic load is 3.5 grains of Bullseye, but some shooters prefer up to 4.0 as they say that it does better in the wind. No problem with running the action and the recoil is soft. The same load range does well with the RCBS 225 grain round nose and/or the H&G #34 also a 230 grain RN. Your 185grain SWC looks to be pretty close to the #68 and you should not have any prob with feeding or getting good groups. You might want to consider casting your own as the savings are enormous and you're the boss of the quality control. Whatever you put into equipment you get back manyfold for years to come. LLS

[skeet1]

I use the Lyman 452460 SWC 200 gr. with 4.4 gr. of Bullseye in my Charles Daily 1911 and they feed fine and shoot good too. I also shoot a RCBS 230 gr. round nose. between the two I enjoy shooting the SWC the best with the Bullseye. I have used Unique in the past and it also is a good powder for the .45 acp but I have recently switched over to Bullseye and like it better in my gun.

Skeet1

[NickSS]

I shoot a Lee TL 200 gr SWC in my 45s I load them with 4.3 gr of WST which works really well in my guns.

[mike in co]

to answer your question, call the manufacture and asked if swc is an issue in the feeding of the gun. do not mention reloads, just commercial target ammo.

the cz-97 specifically says no semi wad cutteres in the owners manual.

just ask then try

mike in co

[Baldy]

Over the last year and a half I have loaded over 15,000rds using the H&G #68/200gr bullet. I use 3.9grs of Bullseye or 4.8grs of Winchester 231 set at a OAL of 1.250". If made right it is a very accurate load. Now this is for shooting paper within 25yds. YMMV. Good luck.

[waco]

my kimber lover 200gr swc cast
6gr of unique is the load
shoots well, but dirty...

[frank505]

I use 7 grains of Unique with a 230 flat nose and 7.5 of Unique with the 205 grain Devastator . Both are heavy loads for a 1911, enough shooting and little flats develop on the slide stop pin. Oh well new pins are twenty bucks. Also shot several buckets full of 5.8 of 231 and a 200 grain #68. And 3.5 of Bullseye and 185 grain Saeco for Bulleye shooting. The 1911 is simply the best pistol ever for fighting or target.

[Dframe]

I'm using 4.3 grains of Trail Boss under a 200 grain RNFP. It is completely reliable in my colts. It shoots fairly clean and is great as a mild target load.

[mtgrs737]

My general purpose load is a 200gr. H&G clone Group Buy boolit lubed with Lars BAC sized to .452" ahead of 5.7grs. of WW 231 with a WW Large Pistol Primer in any 45 ACP brass case (including Military cases). Shoots and cycles well and knocks down my steel plates positively even with a low hit.