Acceptable group size for 45 Auto strike fired gun??
- Thread starter Nathan
- Start date
That's a tough question--the answer just depends on so many factors. I don't think 'striker fired' should be any inherent limitation, so I'd expect that whatever a good bullseye shooter can do with a custom 1911, can probably be done with a plastic 45 as well. For me, shooting 1 1/2" groups offhand at 15 yds is the best I can do, and it doesn't happen very consistently for me. My MP45c is capable of it with relatively modest loads under a cast round nose flat point. The shooter seldom is.
I guess what I'd say is that now you have your own 'acceptable standard' or, to put a more positive spin on it, you have set the bar for yourself and your loads. I just did the very same thing with 44 Magnum: same group size at the same distance. Now that load and the shooter should be able to do that 9 times out of ten or more--that's my own goal. But that was with a red dot...big difference from iron sights when you're an old geezer like me.
The challenge is that, getting from 4" groups to 1 1/2" groups was brain dead simple. Getting 1 1/2" down to 1" ... well, that will likely be far more difficult. At the moment, it doesn't even seem possible (for me).
I guess what I'd say is that now you have your own 'acceptable standard' or, to put a more positive spin on it, you have set the bar for yourself and your loads. I just did the very same thing with 44 Magnum: same group size at the same distance. Now that load and the shooter should be able to do that 9 times out of ten or more--that's my own goal. But that was with a red dot...big difference from iron sights when you're an old geezer like me.
The challenge is that, getting from 4" groups to 1 1/2" groups was brain dead simple. Getting 1 1/2" down to 1" ... well, that will likely be far more difficult. At the moment, it doesn't even seem possible (for me).
Hammerhead
New member
Solid accuracy there.
Don't know why striker fired guns would have a different accuracy standard though.
I'm always striving for ≤3" groups at 25 yards with my HK45C. If I had a high end 1911 or full size HK I would expect better.
First, I'm judging the load and not the gun. I'm trying to decide when the load is "developed" and ready to make 1000 plus.
To me, striker fired, stock, etc are important.....with a custom 1911, I should be better, but due to trigger and barrel fit there is some limit of how this gun will shoot.
Thanks for the answers. I guess I'm just looking for a gut check before I make a ton of these.
To me, striker fired, stock, etc are important.....with a custom 1911, I should be better, but due to trigger and barrel fit there is some limit of how this gun will shoot.
Thanks for the answers. I guess I'm just looking for a gut check before I make a ton of these.
The largest factor would be the person pulling the trigger. What is "acceptable" mean to you? Worded another way, how well can you shoot other types of handguns?
If you can shoot a revolver or different semiauto into one hole at 15yds, I would say you could do better. If you shoot them about the same as the XD, I'd say the load is fine and the only thing to work on to shrink group size is you.
If you can shoot a revolver or different semiauto into one hole at 15yds, I would say you could do better. If you shoot them about the same as the XD, I'd say the load is fine and the only thing to work on to shrink group size is you.
Jmorris: while I can shoot my S&W 19-3 all into the same hole at 15 yards, it is a different animal.
I guess I'm wondering if 1.5" at 15 yards(rested) is a keeper for IDPA or if others are generally developing 45 auto loads that are closer to an inch with a g21, xd44, etc.
I think this load is good enough, especially after I put 16 into 1.5". I'll be loading all I have into this.
I guess I'm wondering if 1.5" at 15 yards(rested) is a keeper for IDPA or if others are generally developing 45 auto loads that are closer to an inch with a g21, xd44, etc.
I think this load is good enough, especially after I put 16 into 1.5". I'll be loading all I have into this.
I'd say yes, for IDPA in my experience where the worst case for accuracy is pie plates at 25 yds or so. My experience with Longshot, though, has not been a happy one. It's commonly called 'Loudshot' for a reason, and I find it's the loudest, harshest recoil propellant I've ever used--and almost the flashiest. I don't think these features are ideal for action shooting, but I wouldn't hesitate to load 'em and shoot 'em just the same. I might do a bit shorter production run than 1,000 rds, if I had other choices on hand. If I didn't, I wouldn't worry about it. Other choices I think folks have found very good for that application include Clays and Solo 1000.
At short ranges, I actually have never done noticeably better from a rest than I do offhand, and several times I've done quite a bit worse--sounds ridiculous, but it's a fact. I assume it's my posture, anticipation, poor or different-than-normal grip on the gun. Have not gotten it sorted yet.
In any case, I'd load up a few boxes and do some Bill Drills or similar, and see how you feel about reacquiring the target rapidly.
For me, IDPA and IPSC was usually more about:
1) Remember to use your sights
2) Use them
3) Press the trigger
2) Use them
3) Press the trigger
than it was about accuracy. I tend to panic a bit and get in a hurry, which slows me down.
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I evaluate my handloads shooting from a rest to try and evaluate the loads, not my shooting. My target groupings are 1" at 10yds, 1.5" at 15 yards, and 2.5" at 25 yards. When I start seeing .8" at 10yds, 1.2" at 15yds and 2" at 25yds, then I start taking notice.
I only reload for 9mm, 40s&w and 357sig and has the same grouping expectation for all 3 calibers. Can't see why 45acp will be any different.
I only reload for 9mm, 40s&w and 357sig and has the same grouping expectation for all 3 calibers. Can't see why 45acp will be any different.
It is not that different. At 15 yards the difference between same hole and 1.5" is a lot.
That said IDPA does not require as much accuracy as some games, you would do better with more accuracy but you can still win against pistols better suited for the game than an XD, you just have to shoot, move and reload faster. Of course if they do them as fast or even a bit slower but more accurately, you loose.
WVMountaineer
New member
You got a winner. The number of people who can consistently shoot 2 or 3 inch, 10 shot groups, with a stock pistol, at 25 yards isn't many. Doing it once don't make it consistent. Besides, putting 16 in that 1.5 inch grouping at 15 yards is saying you are right on par to compete with that very rare accuracy at 25. Good shooting and God Bless