Originally Posted by
HeavyMetal
the lightweight 150/155 grain 45 ACP mold was a fad in the 90's everyone thought they could replace the 38 super race guns with a 45 ACP race gun's
running 1200 FPS with a 150 grin SWC.
My experience with said mold, Lee made a few, was good velocity but mediocre accuracy!
Apparently I wasn't the only one who had this experience because the 150 grain 45 ACP load has gone the way of the dinosaur!
Once in awhile the thought comes back and it runs a cycle of trial and error but if the big boys aren't using it in national matches than it doesn't work!!
I will remind you of Colonel Cooper's mantra: Speed, Accuracy, Power! a balance of all three makes a self defense round.
so here's a few thoughts passed on through to years:
Speeds fine, Accuracy is final!
You can't make a 25 ACP into a 44 Magnum!
Magazine capacity is not a substitute for Marksmanship!
If you need more gun than a 44 Magnum stop beating around the bush and call in an air strike!
Play around with the 150 grain 45 ACP load, it's nice to have a hobby, but don't expect much from the effort.
Now if you still want to have an auto pistol with 357 ballistics get yourself a CZ in 40 S&W and load 145 to 150 grain boolits at 1200 to 1300 FPS!
This bore size give you more bearing area and better accuracy that the same weight boolits in the 45 ACP or stick to a load using one of the many 200 grain HP or SWC molds made for the 45 ACP and stick to the 800 to 900 FPS range and you'll be a lot happier I think!
Just my 2 cents!
HM