Your Favorite 45 ACP Load

[No_1]

What is your favorite 45 ACP load? It can be BP or smokeless and of course the projectile must be lead.

Robert

[runfiverun]

6 grs unique.
either 230's or 200's.

[DragoonDrake]

4.1grs Clays under a Lee 200gr RNFP

[arcticbreeze]

For 230gr RN, 5.2gr W231
For 200gr LSWC. 5.6gr W231

[dualsport]

How about #9 shot? Loaded in reformed 30-06 cases with RCBS case forming dies. They even function through the magazine.

[lead-1]

+1 on the load using 6 grains of Unique, it works well with my cast or jacketed in my 1911 or Glock 21.

[ETG]

How about #9 shot? Loaded in reformed 30-06 cases with RCBS case forming dies. They even function through the magazine.

Would love a little more info on this.

[azrednek]

4.0 grs of Bullseye with any projectile weighing apx 200 grs.

[gifford]

Another plus on the six grains of Unique and a 200 grain lead bullet, my choice is 200 grain RNFP.

[Orygun]

200 gr. LSWC (WW) + 2% Sn, water dropped
Jake's Purple Lube
5.2 gr. Titegroup
Win. LP primer


runfiverun, I thought you liked Titegroup best also!?!

[Kraschenbirn]

For "hardball" loads, 8.5 gr AA #5 under a 225 gr TC or RN. Either one loaded in milsurp cases with Fed LP primers. For "softball"...for my Series 70 Gold Cup...4.2 gr. 700X under a 185 gr SWC, also with Fed primers.

Bill

[runfiverun]

the other half of the loaded box [ other 50 cal ammo can] is 5.2 titegroup.
just the unique is a bit softer shooting, and i think is the only time unique don't smoke.

[MtGun44]

4.7 of Bullseye or 4.8 Titegroup under a 200 gr H&G 68 for making major caliber.

3.5 TG under a Lyman 452460 for super accy.

Moderate taper crimp on both.

Bill

[Shiloh]

3.8 gr Bullseye with a LEE 200 gr. TLSWC. Great for pin shooting, accurate on paper targets.

Shiloh

[dualsport]

The finished case after forming is 1.188 " long, has a slight step in it where the rim of a normal case would be. You can form them from any case in the .308 Win family (big family). Run the case up in the form/trim die, cut off what sticks out with a hacksaw, clean it up and load. The dies are still available from RCBS, I think. Not an expensive set really, just an extended shell holder and a small die. It's been a while and I forgot the loading procedure! But it's basically loaded like a shotgun shell, then you put on an overshot wad and a roll crimp. They cycle just like ball ammo, are a hoot to shoot and have interesting possibilities. I wanted to grind up a 4th of July sparkler and throw that in with the shot. I got the shotshell idea from an old American Rifleman publication, but I don't remember which.

[dale2242]

Lyman 452460 with 4.5 gr Bullseye or 4.5 gr 700x. Both just over 800 fps....dale

[Lonestar22]

Lyman 452374 over 4.5grs WST. Not sure of velocity, but this load will drive tacks.

[zomby woof]

200 grain SWC with 3.9-4.2 WST My bullseye load.

I've recently experimented with 4.2 grains Red Dot, very nice!

[870TC]

4.3 grains of Clays with a 200 grain SWC (H&G 68 copy)

[dukenukum]

4.8 grs of Rex 2 and a lee TLSWC.

[dsmjon]

For paper, I like ~4gr Power Pistol w/ 185gr SWC cast.

For a threat load, I've got 230gr GD's on top of 7.8gr Unique.

Obviously, there is a spring change b/w these two loads :)

[ChuckS1]

3.8 grains of Bullseye and a H&G #68.

[35remington]

dsmjon, you really, really, really need to back that load of Unique down quite a bit.

You're well over any loading manual maximum I have ever seen, and you're risking quite a bit.

Given that 6.5 grains will substantially outrun factory loads, you're well past the danger point.

[StarMetal]

dsmjon, you really, really, really need to back that load of Unique down quite a bit.

You're well over any loading manual maximum I have ever seen, and you're risking quite a bit.

Given that 6.5 grains will substantially outrun factory loads, you're well past the danger point.

I agree with 35Rem, that's a very very hot load and although you've gotten away with it, why beat your gun?

Joe

[dougader]

230 grain lrn over 5.4 grains WW231

[jsam]

In a revolver (S&W 625 or Ruger bisley)

Hensley and Gibbs #78 with 5.3 PB

In a 1911

Lyman 452488 with 4.6 Bullseye

[acemedic13]

3.5 of bullseye and a 230 gr.

I am looking at a new load with some international clays. I was thinking about 5.6 gr. with a 230 ish cast boolit......Any thoughts or warnings?

[acemedic13]

I just got done looking at the hodgdon site....I think that might not be the best load in that weight.......Still open for suggestions.....

[Firebricker]

Mihec 200gr HP over 7.5 Power Pistol FB

[Super38]

I like Nosler 185gr JHP with 8.0 Alliant PP behind it.

It's a little snappy but groups nicely.

Super38

[Super38]

For paper, I like ~4gr Power Pistol w/ 185gr SWC cast.

For a threat load, I've got 230gr GD's on top of 7.8gr Unique.

Obviously, there is a spring change b/w these two loads :)

I would like to know more about the paper load. What spring are you using? Right now I am using twice that load to push a Nosler 185gr JHP.

I would rather spend half the money on powder if that was possible.

Thanks

Super38

[Shooter6br]

230 Lee TL with 6g Universal Clays

[Tim357]

7 gr Unique, 200 gr SWC

[putteral]

4.6grs of TITEGROUP OR 5.2grs OF HP38 in any 200gr Lead boolit
:drinks:

[Iowa Fox]

I shoot a lot of 4.5 grains 700X with a Lyman 452460

[RMc]

230 RN, WLP, 4.7 Red Dot - This was Jeff Cooper's Gunsight practice load.

[1874Sharps]

I have been shooting the Lee 230 grain TL boolit over 4.0 grains of Bullseye for nearly two decades (since the time TL molds came out) and it has worked well.

[Tater]

Lyman 452374 over 4.5grs WST. Not sure of velocity, but this load will drive tacks.

Thanks Lonestar, I tried 4.1 then 4.5 grs. of WST with a Montana Gold 230 F.M.J. and 4.5 grs. was the best load so far!:mrgreen:

[Old Coot]

I have been uaing 5.5 gr Unique behind 200 gr. cast SWC ainxw the late 60's.

[Longrange]

I like 5.3gr of Bullseye for the carry load in my Sig Carry 1911 toped off with a TC weighing in at 139.5. It is brisk but runs reliable and very straight.
:lovebooli

[358wcf]

Lyman 200gr SWC 452460, over 6.5gr Unique-
It does it all, and has for years!

358wcf

[olmarriedman]

Lee TL230 RN
5.4 grains of Rex3
Ruger KP345

[GT27]

5.0 grains of Titegroup,with a 200 grain RNFP...."oh, what a pill"....

[Rusty Shackleford]

I know it is too hot but, 6.5gr. Unique under a Lee 230gr. round nose TL made from 50/50 mix of lead and WW's. Got the recipe from Lyman manual and shooting times article years ago.

A couple more mild mannered, good loads outta my 1911's
4.5gr Bullseye under same bullet.

5.3gr W231 under same bullet.

[softpoint]

Between 5.5 and 6 gr. 231 with 200 gr. swc. More potent revolver load is 14 gr. 2400 with either 240 or 250 gr. cast.:castmine:

[SPRINGFIELDM141972]

4.7 grs of Unique with 230 Lee RNTL. It functions the slide on my 1911 with enough recoil to require target-sight re-acquisition, without beating me to dead. Shooting 300 rounds on a single range trip is no fun with teeth jarring loads.

Everett

[Catshooter]

This boolit:

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/Catshooter45/Lymanmould001.jpg

On top of 4.7 grains of Universal Clays out of this pistol:

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/Catshooter45/Short45s002.jpg

Gives me just about 800 fps. And does it ever shoot straight. The mould is a current Lyman 452424, cast out of WW it weighs about 255.

:)


Cat

[GS1458]

4.0-4.3 Bullesye with 185-200 H&G 68 Style Bullet.

Have had GREAT luck with 4.2 Bullseye with Lazer Cast 200 RN-SWC for guns that won't feed the 68 bullet.

[JKH]

Hey Guys,

I have recently aquired a lee 6 banger that casts 230 grain TL truncated cone boolits, I need load suggestions as follows;

Alliant Power Pistol using standard primers and using magnum primers (both CCI)

Unique using the same primers.

I'm almost out of standard pistol primers and have 1K of CCI magnum's my son brought back from Tenesee a few months back (been slim pickins for pistol primers here in rural south western New York, not as many gun shops as there used to be).
So, I want to use up the magnum primers especially with the Power Pistol, it seems like this particular powder might like the magnums, anyone have experience with PP and magnum primers?

Thanks!

Jeff

[Bass Ackward]

Hey Guys,

I have recently aquired a lee 6 banger that casts 230 grain TL truncated cone boolits, I need load suggestions as follows;

Alliant Power Pistol using standard primers and using magnum primers (both CCI)

Unique using the same primers.

I'm almost out of standard pistol primers and have 1K of CCI magnum's my son brought back from Tenesee a few months back (been slim pickins for pistol primers here in rural south western New York, not as many gun shops as there used to be).
So, I want to use up the magnum primers especially with the Power Pistol, it seems like this particular powder might like the magnums, anyone have experience with PP and magnum primers?

Thanks!

Jeff


Learning to use a specific powder for cast is slightly different than just switching powders.

The PP is only about an 80% burn at full power levels from a 5" barrel, so I don't think you will see much difference in primer that can't be compensated for. In fact, it could actually be an improvement in long term functioning.

But since I don't know what you are shooting, I can only say to start at the minimum charge and come up until accuracy really improves. Best accuracy will be just about the time that your lead hardness and lube combo are going to begin to fail. (smoke) Back off .3 -.5 grain for rapid shooting or long string use between cleaning or switch to a harder bullet / better lube to go on up.

If you reach full power before you are satisfied with accuracy, you may need a less slippery quality lube to tighten up like you want to see. Then you risk smoke. Trying several combos will tighten you up unless you get lucky right off.

Accuracy with PP has been VERY good for me for long strings or fast shooting but I don't recommend a rifle type lube. This advise works for all powders.

[waco]

lyman 225 rn
universal
wlp primer

[mtgrs737]

The load I shoot the most in 45 acp is 5.7 grs. of WW 231 propelling a 200 gr. H&G 68 GB Copy lubed with Lars BAC and sparked by a WWLP primer. Knocks over my falling plate targets with authority, and is not too heavy in the recoil department.

[Bullshop Junior]

What ever goes BANG in my Ruger Blackhawk using Lyman 200gr SWC shooting good, so I load what ever depending on what power I have.

[HeavyMetal]

For target the Lee H&G 68 copy 4.2 grains WW452AA ( now SuperTarget) Federal std primer.
Never met a 1911 that would not put this load, 5 rounds, in a quarter sized group @ 20 to 25 yds!

When I need to shoot rabbits etc; Lyman 45 180 grain Devastator 9.6 Grains Bluedot std Federal primer an interesting load that delivers as promised on arrival!

[Windy City Kid]

This is my target load, it's a tack driver and it is very clean.

Lyman 452460 200gr. SWC
Lead alloy: WW with 2% tin.
4.3grs. WST
Lubed with Carnauba Red only in the bottom lube groove and lightly dusted with mica powder.
OAL 1.193"
Crimp to .473"


Another good load is.

Lee 200gr RNFP
Lead alloy: WW with 2% tin.
4.3grs. WST
Lubed with Carnauba Red and lightly dusted with mica powder.
OAL 1.168"
Crimp to .473"

[rbuck351]

Lee 230gr TC w/lube groove
5.2 gr W230,W231 or universal clays
all work very well
I tried 7grs unique one time and got bulges in the unsuported part of the case. I can't imagine 7.8grs.

[Texasflyboy]

Colt Series 80 Government Model:

5.1 grains W231
Hensley & Gibbs #34 Bevel Base 225gr. Lead Round Nose Sized .452" Wheelweights water dropped (ww)
Wichester Large Pistol Primer
Mixed Range Brass
Photo (http://hgmould.gunloads.com/molds/34_2.jpg)

Averages 850fps. Have shot over 15,000 to date with good accuracy.

Colt Series 80 Combat Commander:

5.6 grains W231
Hensley & Gibbs #68 Bevel Base 200gr. Lead Round Nose Sized .452" (ww)
Wichester Large Pistol Primer
Mixed Range Brass

Averages 850fps. Have shot over 6,000 to date with good accuracy.

[johnlaw484]

3.7 grns Clays over 230 cast Lee RN

[Dframe]

4.3 grains of Trail Boss under a 200 grain RNFP. Moderate load that swats down the steel plates and is easy on the gun and me.

[Joel Chavez]

Lee 230gr round nose cast from soft lead (BHN 8) pushed by 5.00gr of Bullseye seated at 1.20" It gives me about 875fps out of my Para P12 with a 3.5" tube. I carry them off duty and it shoots lights out![smilie=s:

[Super38]

This is my target load, it's a tack driver and it is very clean.

Lyman 452460 200gr. SWC
Lead alloy: WW with 2% tin.
4.3grs. WST
Lubed with Carnauba Red only in the bottom lube groove and lightly dusted with mica powder.
OAL 1.93"
Crimp to .473"


Another good load is.

Lee 200gr RNFP
Lead alloy: WW with 2% tin.
4.3grs. WST
Lubed with Carnauba Red and lightly dusted with mica powder.
OAL 1.68"
Crimp to .473"


I am new to reloading but if this is for a .45acp, isn't it a little long for OAL?

[Windy City Kid]

I am new to reloading but if this is for a .45acp, isn't it a little long for OAL?

Super38,

Thank you for catching that.

I edited my earlier post, this is what should have been posted.


Lyman 452460 200gr. SWC
Lead alloy: WW with 2% tin.
4.3grs. WST
Lubed with Carnauba Red only in the bottom lube groove and lightly dusted with mica powder.
OAL 1.193"
Crimp to .473"


Another good load is.

Lee 200gr RNFP
Lead alloy: WW with 2% tin.
4.3grs. WST
Lubed with Carnauba Red and lightly dusted with mica powder.
OAL 1.168"
Crimp to .473"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[looseprojectile]

Four pages in this thread and Catshooter is the only one that got it right for maximum power for stopping large animals. Defence?
If the SWC boolit will feed in your gun, [does in mine] it makes your .45 an awesome 16 shot weapon. Does in mine.
I also use the 255 grain RNFP Colt boolit and it works well too.
I don't use any of the ***** cat loads in my forty five. No spring change needed.:-P This thread proves to me that most people that shoot forty fives are not serious. Serious competetion maybe, but not really serious.
And yes, I shoot paper with them ------- Sometimes.

I rather think that Colonel Cooper would like what I do with the fortyfive.



Life is good

[Bula]

I see lots of 230 ball spec recipes, not exactly what I would consider cat sneeze loads. If someone shoots 10X more than you but only shoots a 200gr # 68 to 875 fps, I don't think that makes them any less serious. Probably means they're better shots due to the practice. The beauty of the .45 is that it's versatile and easy on the shooter. I shoot tons of the #68's for practice, but carry is a whole different scenario. I guess I shoot a lot more at paper than I do at bad guys or viscious rabid animals. That said, I have been curious about trying my 45colt Lee 255 rnfp in my 1911's...

[NHlever]

This boolit:

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/Catshooter45/Lymanmould001.jpg

On top of 4.7 grains of Universal Clays out of this pistol:

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/Catshooter45/Short45s002.jpg

Gives me just about 800 fps. And does it ever shoot straight. The mould is a current Lyman 452424, cast out of WW it weighs about 255.

:)


Cat

What OAL do you use with that boolit since I have a bunch cast?

[AnthonyB]

RCBS 45-230CM over 6.0 Unique is my absolute go-to favorite; the group buy BD45CM is just as good. Same load with the BD45ACP works in tuned 1911s and Glocks. I have ordered the upcoming NOE 210 grain version of the BD45 and may change my mind based on it.
IMO, the 45ACP needs higher velocity more than increased boolit weight given equivalent nose profiles.
Tony

[dualsport]

LP- It's funny you mentioned the Colonel, I speak to him through a psychic medium. He told me it was ok to have fun with my .45 as long as I'm never second place when things get serious. So far so good.

[looseprojectile]

I load my 260 grain SWC boolits with just a little of the front band sticking out of the case. Maybe ten or twenty thousandths. If they fit in the magazine and chamber and feed you're good to go. I use unique. Try for 800 - 850 fps.
Let's see what Cat says.

Life is good

[Catshooter]

NHlever,

looseprojectile nailed it. Most ACPs have little to no throat, so if you seat the front driving band out much more than .020 or so the band will start to be engraved by the rifling. Bad juju, as they won't come out of the chamber, and sometimes will fight you hard when you try to open the action and won't quite let it close.

The boolit in my pic is the current production from Lyman of their 452425. It's not a true Keith, but I do like it nonetheless.

Most of my .45 autos are Smiths. The 1911 has a little protrusion that when the magazine is empty the follower touchs and then raises, thus locking the slide back. On the Smiths, this little protrusion isn't so little, it's probably twice as long and if the meplat of the boolit is very big, they collide with the round still in the mag. This locks the slide back when you don't want it back.

The above boolit's meplat is nicely small enough that they don't collide. Happiness abounds.

Like looseprojectile, I aslo try for 800 to 850. I get just a bit over 800 out of my Smith Shorty 45 with it's three and three quarter inch barrel with 4.7 grains of Universal Clays. It has never given me any trouble in my Shorty. 'Course, the Shorty will feed an empty case, too.

I like the .45, does it show? :)


Cat

[dogbert41]

Lee 200 swc with 5.8 gr W231. I know it's not the H&G #68, but boy it shoots good!


Lee 200 swc with 7.5 gr (max load) Unique for self defense.

[Blackhawk Convertable]

Lee 200 gr. RNFP (runs about 209 gr. with WW).
4.1 grains of Promo (Red Dot)
750fps out of my 1911.

[94Doug]

My favorite is the one that I make with 308 brass and the RCBS Shot shell die set. Those are filled with 6 or 8 shot in a .410 wad, and capped off with a 00 buck. They cycle pretty well from a 1911. Just fun to shoot.

Doug

[ki4dmh]

4.5 grains of Titegroup under a 230 grain Speer Gold Dot

[littlejack]

Might as well share the bear stoppers i've been working on.
I traded for some of the Lee 255 grain rnfp's. Nice bullets.
Now, in my Speer #12, they list their 260 grain jacketed load at 6.9 grains of Herco, for about 825fps. This load, is at the SAAMI limit of 21,000 psi, accourding to this Speer book.
So, I gets to thinkin. I loaded up these Lee 255 grain rnfp with 6.5 and 7.0 charge of Herco. I was figuring around 850 fps for the 7.0 loads. I ran the loads over my Chrony and the 7.0 loads were running an average of 956 for a ten shot string. High was 996, (WOW) and low was 923, respectively. Recoil was brisk but not abusive to me. I shoot the Taurus PT 1911. There were no failures to fire or failures to feed.
I then shot both loads at 12.5 yards. With a standing two handed hold, all shots went into 2", and shot 2" high of any of my other loads with any bullets. This is close enough for me.
One needs to use the slower powder/powders to get the higher velocities with the heavier bullets, to keep the pressure spike low and gradual. To my suprise, these heavy loads were the cleanest loads I have ever fired in my pistol. There was no unburnt powder and very little leading. I usually shoot
W231 with a 200 grain swc for practice with a very dirty burn.
The biggets problem with the Herco, is the LACK of ability to throw consistant powder charges.
I loaded a batch of 6.8 grains of the Herco with the Lee rnfp in my Dillon SD loader.
High was 980, low was 867, and average was 909 fps. This load matches the old Colt 45 black powder load with its 255 grain bullet.
I have loaded up a batch of 10 round weighing each charge. The charge is 6.8 grains of Herco. I am anticipating 900+ fps. This will be my woods carry load. I would be comfortable with this load in my pistol on my belt for anything up to black bear. I do believe I could get one of the black bruins leaking really bad with this load. Now, Grizz would be a whole nuther story.
After Chronying the weighed loads, I will post another update.
Good loading to you all, and be safe.
Jack

[littlejack]

I went to the range to Chrony the 45 acp loads today. Again, the load consisted of 6.8 (weighed) grains of Herco powder. The bullet is the Lee 255 rnfp. The pressure would be at 21,000 psi or under according to the Speer # 12 book. They are just what I wanted. The average of 10 shots was 897 fps. This will be a good packin load in the woods.
Jack

[35remington]

I might point out that you cannot make any assumptions about the pressure of your load if you're using a different bullet. I would also remind you that the Speer load is running 825 fps while your bullet is going considerably faster, so assuming you have the same pressure may be unwarranted. Speer did not pressure test their loads with the Lee bullet; they used their own jacketed bullet.

I also have that 255 Lee bullet, and depending upon overall loaded length it seats somewhat deeper to a lot deeper in the case than a 230 ball bullet......and deeper bullet seating and greater bullet weight mean more pressure, and likely more pressure than you're figuring. The depth of Speer's 260 in the case may also differ from your load.

Since a lighter 230 grain jacketed bullet at 950 fps runs to Plus P pressures in many instances, you're also likely at Plus P pressures with your heavier bullet seated deeper that approximates the same speed. I would suggest that any 255 grain bullet nearing 1000 fps may be exceeding Plus P pressures.

Just a few comments to prevent you from making some possibly unwarranted assumptions. It would be more correct to say if you were using the identical bullet as Speer, and the identical load got the identical velocity, then you'd be running the same pressure. Any deviation in velocity on the high side would imply your pressures are running somewhat higher. As would bullet weight and depth of bullet seating.

If you can keep that 255 at around 900, given the deeper bullet seating and heavier weight, that's likely nearer plus P than standard pressures......and as far as you should go. I doubt the bear would ask about the difference between a 230 grain bullet at 900 and a 255 bullet at 900 anyway! Assuming the 230 also has a big flat nose, and many 230 designs do.

Look at BD's design sometime.

Anyway, I am sure your load would give a black bear a certain headache, and would do most other things no good at all. Good luck with it!

[Catshooter]

Nice load, littlejack.

35 Remington has some valid points, however, remember that Speer is using a jacketed bullet while you're using lead. Jackets are much harder that even the hardest lead, so the lead loads, all thing being equal (which, of course, they never are!) the lead loads will be less pressure than jacketed.

Good luck and enjoy your .45!


Cat

[35remington]

I'd not assume the Speer load is necessarily lower pressure because it's jacketed. Seating depth plays a major role here in the issue of generated pressures with these fast powders.....and make no mistake, with a 255 Herco is still relatively fast as powders go.

Point is, the assumption that pressures are equal with two widely varying bullets is a risky one, especially when we don't know everything about the seating depth used.

[littlejack]

35:
You make good arguments sir. But, on the other hand even if one was to use all of the componants used by Speer in their 260 grain bullets load, you know as well as I, that does not mean that the pressure and velocity would be the same. There would be many variables in the firearm and maybe in the individual cases used, the difference in lots of primers and difference in lots of the powder used. That could and would change pressures and velocities.
Reguarding my load, I have dropped the powder charge 1/10 of a grain and substituted a cast lead bullet of lighter weight, replacing a jacketed bullet of heavier weight. In my expierience, cast bullets shoot faster than jacketd bullets with the same powder charge, and with less pressure. This is also seen in many of the reloading manuals that I load from.
In your second paragraph, you compared the seating depth of the 230 ball to the 255 Lee. These two bullets cannot be compared. It seems you are assuming that the 255 grain Lee seats deeper than the Speer 260 grain jacketd without having practical expierience in reloading the Speer 260 grain. I will say, that I do not know what the depth of the Speer bullet seats. But, I will not say that the Lee cast seats deeper, because for the same reason, I do not know the seating depth of the Speer jacketed. I will say that it is just as possible that the Speer jacketed would seat even deeper, being longer for its weight than the Lee cast.
I will also say that the cast bullets "generally" are shorter than jacketed bullets of the same weight, because the lead weighs more than jacket material. But, be that as it may, one has to load for the 45 acp remembering that the maximum COL is critical for the loading in the clips and the feeding of the beast.
You stated in your third paragraph, that approching the 950 fps with the 255 grain in your estimation would LIKELY be in the +P range. 950 fps is not my goal. Where did you come up with that?
I am holding my loads at the 900 fps range and using less powder to do it. Besides that, my #12 Speer book does not even show a load for the 230 grain cast using the Herco powder. How did you conclude???????????
Later STATING that You would suggest that the 255 grain slug nearing 1000 fps, may be exceeding +P pressures. Who's loading up to 1000 fps? Where did that come from. Was someone trying for 1000 fps I didn't know about?
In your last paragraph, you stated "given the deeper seating and heavier weight". What are you comparing my load to? Again, We do not know if the bullet is in fact being seated deeper, Secondly, again, you are apparently comparing the Lee 255 grain fp to any of the 230 ball bullets. Again, You cannot compare the two different bullets. They are two different animals and there is no load data in this book for the 230 bullet and Herco powder to compare.
I love a good discussion on ballistics and reloading techniques. You may have some valid points, but you need to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges, not apples to oranges. Good loading to you. No offence taken and none meant to you. I will be careful.
The only thing absolute in reloading is, Nothing is absolute.
Jack

[littlejack]

35:
You are correct about the seating depth. We don't know if the 260 grain jacketed is seated deeper than the Lee cast or not.
I will give you this. There is no way for me to know what the pressure is in my load.
Jack

[35remington]

"You stated in your third paragraph, that approching the 950 fps with the 255 grain in your estimation would LIKELY be in the +P range. 950 fps is not my goal. Where did you come up with that?(1)
I am holding my loads at the 900 fps range and using less powder to do it. Besides that, my #12 Speer book does not even show a load for the 230 grain cast using the Herco powder. How did you conclude???????????
Later STATING that You would suggest that the 255 grain slug nearing 1000 fps, may be exceeding +P pressures. Who's loading up to 1000 fps? Where did that come from. Was someone trying for 1000 fps I didn't know about?"(1)

You loaded up to 1000 fps. I hope you knew about it, having just done it! 950 and 1000 fps may not have been your goal, but you certainly went there more than once.....so my comments were relevant. No offense, just being correct here.

As to the areas I've referred to as (1) where you ask where I came up with these things, the answer is that you yourself stated that:

"I loaded a batch of 6.8 grains of the Herco with the Lee rnfp in my Dillon SD loader.
High was 980, low was 867, and average was 909 fps."

And additionally, you stated:

"So, I gets to thinkin. I loaded up these Lee 255 grain rnfp with 6.5 and 7.0 charge of Herco. I was figuring around 850 fps for the 7.0 loads. I ran the loads over my Chrony and the 7.0 loads were running an average of 956 for a ten shot string. High was 996, (WOW) ......"

So it was you that came up with "these things." Certainly this did invite comment, and I didn't come up with it out of the blue. 996 is pretty close to 1000 fps. A "956 average" is faster than 950 fps.

You're right about comparing apples to apples.....and certainly the 255 Lee isn't the 260 Speer, in any way, shape, or form. But, if a jacketed 230, which seats in most instances more shallowly and is lighter than the 255, is Plus P at 950 fps, it's reasonable to expect a heavier, possibly deeper seated 255 may be at least in the Plus P range as well if it's achieving near equal speeds.

"There is no way for me to know what the pressure is in my load."

I certainly agree with you there, which was the whole point. All we can do is speculate, given the loading variables that are unknown. We do know that a deeper seated heavier bullet is likely to give higher pressures than a lighter or less deeply seated bullet of the same weight going at nearly the same speed.

So you see, commenting on the 230 grain load in relation to your 255 was relevant after all....if a 230 at 950 is Plus P, a deeper seated, heavier 255 going about the same speed can reasonably be considered at least Plus P as well.

That's all I'm saying. I'm stating standard pressures at these speeds with a 255 may be very questionable.

[littlejack]

35:
You are correct in that the high velocity in the 7.0 grain load of Herco 10 shot string was 997. This was not what I was looking for. This was an overload due to the Dillon powder measues inability to drop consistant powder charges of Herco powder. That is why I stated that I was going to, and I did weigh out the 10 shots of 6.8 graind of Herco for the last test. You seem to be wanting to stress your point on the outcome of a subject befor the testing is finished. You are comparing 230 grain jacketed to the Lee that I am loading and the variables that were NOT wanted.
Again, with the 956 fps loads that I posted, were not what I was trying to acieve. It came in to being with the inability of the powder measure not being able to drop consistant charges.
In you next paragraph, you are again comparing the 230 jacketed to the 255 grain cast. You are not even taking into consideration the different types of powder. You wrote" it's reasonable to expect", and "may be at least", and you are not assuming? You compare two totally different bullets with a weight variation of 25 grains and consider this a valid argument or statement? I do not know why you insist on bringing the 230 grain bullet to the party?
I have resended my statement about the 21,000psi. You again beat the dead horse with your last sentence.
You again make remarks about a deeper seated bullet. Deeper seated than what? The 230 grain? That bullet weight(230) does not belong in the equation.
The reason I chose to compare to the 260 grain Speer, is that the Lee cast bullet will for all practical purposes shoot faster with less pressure than a jacketed bullet of heavier weight with the same powder.
I guess if you want to continue comparing 230 grain jacketed with one kind of powder to a 255 grain cast with another kind of powder, who am I to stop you?
Jack

[35remington]

Honestly, the point I was making was not a difficult one to state, and I did not intend for you to struggle so much with it. I am sorry that the comparison to a known +P load did not make sense to you.

Enough said.

[littlejack]

Nuff said.

[AriM]

Lee 452-230-2R (Air Cooled, custom alloy), sized while heated (to swage down TL bands)
lubed with my own lube/process

Wolf LP primers

Blazer Cases

5.5 grains of Bullseye

OAL 1.268

[AviatorTroy]

Same as above but with 4.0 gr Bullseye. 4.5 if I'm using J bullets. 5.5gr Bullseye with a 230 grain bullet is a TON. What velocity are you getting out of this?

I like 5.5 grains of Unique with the above tho...

[healey55]

with 230 cast or FMJ I like 7.9 grains of AA#5

Interesting conversations on pressure and bullet seating. It is often frustrating to find a start point for loads for cast bullets. Sometimes the manuals don't even put the COL for the bullet they list.

We have no way of knowing seating depth for most of the cast bullet we use or.. the pressures.

I have been wondering.. we have chronos most of us. Using the same type of powder.. Would not the velocity for each bullet weight correspond well to pressure? In other words.. If we know that a certain weight bullet is safe pressure at a certain velocity.. could we not assume that a like weight bullet at the same velocity would be about the same pressure? I would even go so far as to say that if you had the same weight bullet at the same velocity with your cast load as the listed jacketed load.. that the pressure would be slightly less in your cast load?

[littlejack]

Bump to the top.

[MikeG70]

Hi,

What are y'all running in your Glock 21 under a 230 JHP bullet?

Mike

[Shooter6br]

To update my post. Unique 6.2 or Universal 6.0 with 200 grain Milhec HP or 210g RNFP.In my Kimber Target II s/s

[Tracy]

Four pages in this thread and Catshooter is the only one that got it right for maximum power for stopping large animals. Defence?
If the SWC boolit will feed in your gun, [does in mine] it makes your .45 an awesome 16 shot weapon. Does in mine.
I also use the 255 grain RNFP Colt boolit and it works well too.
I don't use any of the ***** cat loads in my forty five. No spring change needed.:-P This thread proves to me that most people that shoot forty fives are not serious. Serious competetion maybe, but not really serious.
And yes, I shoot paper with them ------- Sometimes.

I rather think that Colonel Cooper would like what I do with the fortyfive.



Life is good

Exactly.
I shoot 3 boolits in my .45 ACPs: Lee 230 TC, Lee 255 RF, 424454 Keith. The first one I always load over 5.0 Bullseye; the second two vary depending on the job at hand. I like 2400 and AL8 with the Keith boolit.

[btroj]

I suppose that maybe it is because some of us could care less about who approves of what I do with MY 45. Col Cooper had his idea of what loads should be, I have mine. My 45 is a range gun, not a fighting gun. Col Cooper may have had his poi ions on hints but they are certainly not anything I feel obligated to follow. I don't like scout scopes either so it is probably best that he and I never met.
My 45 sees more 200 swc with 4 gr of clays than anything. Easy to shoot, accurate enough to be fun, and cheap on powder and lead. It fits MY needs and somehow, I am OK with that.

[Twinkiethekid]

5.5 grains of Vihtavuori N320 with a 200 grain SWC.

[MikeG70]

Hi,

Have y'all tried any Trail Boss for lpinking/fun loads and I understand a lighter recoil spring will be required?

Mike

[MikeG70]

That is "plinking not "lpinking", sorry about that.

Mike

[waco]

225gr lyman rn over 4.8gr titegroup

[avogunner]

I've loaded thousands of Lee 452-228-1R over 4.5 gr Bullseye. Great for paper, pins, or steel.

[Blanket]

7 grains of Unique and a H&G 68....Russ

[ColColt]

8.2 gr of HS-6 with 230 gr FMJ
8.5 gr of AA#5 with 200 gr SWC
6 gr of 231 with the 200 gr SWC

[baker1425]

200 H&G 68 WQWW

5.7 IMR PB - pretty warm

4.2 Titegroup - lighter recoil accurate in everything I've shot it in

225 Lyman - WQWW

5.0 Bullseye - runs in everything

[KohlerK91]

4.2 gr BE H&G 130 I have got 8 pounds of bullseye so I dont think Ill try anything else for a while.

[baker1425]

4.2 gr BE H&G 130 I have got 8 pounds of bullseye so I dont think Ill try anything else for a while.

7000 grains / 4.2 x 8lbs = 13,333 rounds.

I'd say you're good. :mrgreen:

[TXGunNut]

Lee TL 200 SWC WW alloy over 5.5 231 gently seated and taper crimped into range brass and a WLP primer to get the party started. Cheap, easy and does exactly what I want it to do. Wish a knew a woman like that.:wink:

[crabo]

Lee TL 200 SWC WW alloy over 5.5 231 gently seated and taper crimped into range brass and a WLP primer to get the party started. Cheap, easy and does exactly what I want it to do. Wish a knew a woman like that.:wink:

yeah buddy! That's my favorite

[dougader]

Hey Jack, I wonder if we are in the same neck of the woods?

Anyway, I noticed that 260 grain Speer load in my Speer 11 manual and have often thought about it. I've read a couple other threads over the years where guys, including Taffin, had some heavy bullet loads in the old 45 auto.

I actually have a 45 Super set up and do run a 265 grain Beartooth WFNGC bullet to 1000 fps with ease. More than that as well, but like the 1000 fps load the best for basic woods walkin' or fishing up on Eagle Creek or the Sandy river.

[HDS]

Don't have a favorite load yet, but I've had good luck with 5.1 grains of vihtavuori N32C over a 230gr bullet. A bit mild, I think I can go up to 5.5 still. Will have to chrono and see.

Once I get my H&G #68 mihec mold I suspect thats the bullet I will be using for .45ACP and nothing else. Not a big fan of having a buncha different types, I want one for each caliber and stick to that.

[Ausglock]

G'day All.
Mine is a Lee 225gr RN Lubed with BAC seated to 1.205 in Federal small primer cases over 5.0gr W231.
This fired in a Para GI Expert.
Nice load. And accurate at 20 metres.

[kennyb]

I just loaded some Lee 230 gr RN over 4.6gr Bulls Eye. We'll see how that runs, any thoughts?

[Bryan Marino]

H & G #68 and 4gr Bullseye.

[No_1]

For years that was my "go-to" load. I think you will be pleased.


I just loaded some Lee 230 gr RN over 4.6gr Bulls Eye. We'll see how that runs, any thoughts?

[Ronbo256]

5.7 grains of Herco pushing a Lee TL452-230-2R lubed with JPW if I TL and WWVA if i size it in the Lyman 45, seated to 1.260 OAL. I have also used Clays International, 3.8 to 4.1 grains pushing the same boolit at the same OAL. A word of caution, Hodgdon no longer lists loads for Clays international in anything other than shotguns, I got my load info from an Aussie who used to shoot it in IPSC before the blokes down under banned the .45 ACP from private ownership, he said he had shot 50 pounds of it as ADI was his sponsor. There used to be .45 ACP info printed on the label of Clays International. I take no responsibility for your extremities or your weapons if you use my load data.

[alphtec]

I have an NEI mold throwing a 230 RNFP.. I sent it to a genius, erik@hollowpointmold.com & he turned it into a great hollow point mold. I mix 2lbs. of linotype w/20lbs. WW & come up with a 240 gr. hollow point. I use 5.1gr. of 231 & it feeds through my 2 kimbers & my friend's AMT Hardballer. It is extremely accurate, but I haven't chronograph-ed it...

[zomby woof]

3.9-4.2 WST
4.2 Red Dot
with 200 SWC