I'm a new member; new to pistol reloading, and new to cast boolits. I don't cast, as I've already got way more projects than time, and my much-abused brain doesn't need the lead fumes. I buy ready-made cast bullets for 9mm, 45 acp, and 45 LC.
When loading "powder-puff" loads, is there a negative effect on accuracy as you reduce charges? My hands are pretty arthritic, and full-power 45 loads are pretty punishing. I can get my Tanfoglio Witness Match in 45 acp to cycle reliably with 4.0 grains of W231 under 185 LSWC; I need a little more to cycle 160 LSWC, and less for 220 RN/FP. Either way, I can't get anything I'd consider acceptable accuracy. For a few loads (very few!) I'll get a nice cloverleaf of a few shots (50' sandbagged, iron sights), but then a flyer to open it up to 3 or 4". Most loads give dispersed groups running about 3"-4" at 50'.
Are my troubles caused by the low case fill? If the velocity is too low is it simply a matter of not stabilizing the bullet? Is it a powder-positioning issue? I've raised powder charges .1 grain at a time, and am now up to 5.3 gr W231 with no apparent trend towards better groups.
Thanks in advance for any insights....