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Medium loads for 45 ACP Auto
- Thread starter cw308
- Start date
I know you asked for 230 grain round nose copper so pardon me for posting this but have you considered lead 200 grain semi-wadcutters?
It could save you some money and for a mild recoil/short range load it's hard to beat the old bullseye shooters recipe of 200 grain SWC and just enough Bullseye powder to cycle the action.
I've shot a *lot* of this mix and it fun to shoot and very easy on the gun and the cases. Can't count the number of times I've reloaded some of my cases using this mix.
It could save you some money and for a mild recoil/short range load it's hard to beat the old bullseye shooters recipe of 200 grain SWC and just enough Bullseye powder to cycle the action.
I've shot a *lot* of this mix and it fun to shoot and very easy on the gun and the cases. Can't count the number of times I've reloaded some of my cases using this mix.
As DaleA said, 200 swc is the way to go for target.
I shot tens of thousands of rounds using a Lyman cast 452460 (200 SWC) over 3.5 grains of bullseye. I think its written in stone on tablets some were high on a mountain. I needed a lighter recoil spring. This is not a mid load, its a wimpy load but for target, its the balls. I used it for the 50 yard line also. It required 6 clicks up on the bomar from the 25 yard setting.
Some shoot 185. some shoot 230. Most use 200 SWC. Another reason is you can headspace the cartridge on the bullet instead of the case. Drop the cartridge in the chamber and the back of the round should be flush with the hood.
It all depends on what you are doing.
David
I shot tens of thousands of rounds using a Lyman cast 452460 (200 SWC) over 3.5 grains of bullseye. I think its written in stone on tablets some were high on a mountain. I needed a lighter recoil spring. This is not a mid load, its a wimpy load but for target, its the balls. I used it for the 50 yard line also. It required 6 clicks up on the bomar from the 25 yard setting.
Some shoot 185. some shoot 230. Most use 200 SWC. Another reason is you can headspace the cartridge on the bullet instead of the case. Drop the cartridge in the chamber and the back of the round should be flush with the hood.
It all depends on what you are doing.
David
The experience of Nick C S may differ from mine, but I had to push HS-6 very VERY hard to get it to burn clean in .45 ACP.
You do. Yes. Gotta crank it up with HS-6 to get it to run clean in 45 ACP. Our experiences my not differ much.
Other intermediate burn rate propellants may be cleaner choices - like Unique, AA#5, Power Pistol, BE-86, or Silhouette. I used HS-6 as my example to stick with the Hodgdon/Winchester product line.
Looking at my notes l was shooting 230 gr. Copper RN bullet using W 231 & univ. clay 5.6 gr. Medium load 1.260 OAL.
Just thought I would point out that the max listed on the Hodgdon online data for 45 acp with W231, 230gn FMJ is 5.3gn. How is 5.6gn a medium load?
How is 5.6gn (of W231) a medium load?
Since W231 is a fast propellant, in terms of pressure, it's probably near the top of SAAMI spec. In terms of velocity however, it's probably a little closer to "medium."
In my post (and I know my post wasn't quoted), I mention that 5.6 grains W231 under a 230gn slug is still "fairly stout." I then mention that it can be turned down to better meet the OP's request.
The terms "medium" and "fairly stout" are relative, of course. But to me, if a 45 ACP round is pushing a 230gn slug to 800 f/s, that's getting into the "fairly stout" neighborhood (since most load manuals rarely quote over 900 f/s with any loading). 750-ish would be closer to "medium." Just my point of view.
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My 50 yard Bullseye load is a 200 LSWC with 4.0 grains Bulleye. It is accurate, mild recoiling. My 25 yard timed and rapid fire load is a 200 LSWC with 3.5 grs Bullseye. I oil my time fire and rapid fire cases so I don't have extraction issues. I am running the standard 18 lb mainspring on both.
M1911 Les Baer Wadcutter
200 LSWC (H&G 68 type) 3.5 grs Bullseye Lot 919 11/2005 WLP Nickle, mixed cases
8-Jun-15 T = 91 °F OAL 1.250" Taper Crimp 0.469"
Ave Vel = 660.6
Std Dev = 16.37
ES = 60.28
High = 695.6
Low = 635.3
N = 22
functioned every round, light recoil, accurate
200 LSWC (H&G 68 type) 3.8 grs Bullseye Lot 919 11/2005 WLP Nickle, mixed cases
8-Jun-15 T = 91 °F OAL 1.250" Taper Crimp 0.469"
oiled cases
Ave Vel = 714.4
Std Dev = 17.17
ES = 77.2
High = 755.1
Low = 677.9
N = 30
accurate
200 LSWC (H&G 68 type) 4.0 grs Bullseye Lot 919 11/2005 WLP Nickle, mixed cases
8-Jun-15 T = 91 °F OAL 1.250" Taper Crimp 0.469"
oiled cases
Ave Vel = 742.9
Std Dev = 9.89
ES = 33.19
High = 760.6
Low = 727.5
N = 20
accurate
M1911 Les Baer Wadcutter
200 LSWC (H&G 68 type) 3.5 grs Bullseye Lot 919 11/2005 WLP Nickle, mixed cases
8-Jun-15 T = 91 °F OAL 1.250" Taper Crimp 0.469"
Ave Vel = 660.6
Std Dev = 16.37
ES = 60.28
High = 695.6
Low = 635.3
N = 22
functioned every round, light recoil, accurate
200 LSWC (H&G 68 type) 3.8 grs Bullseye Lot 919 11/2005 WLP Nickle, mixed cases
8-Jun-15 T = 91 °F OAL 1.250" Taper Crimp 0.469"
oiled cases
Ave Vel = 714.4
Std Dev = 17.17
ES = 77.2
High = 755.1
Low = 677.9
N = 30
accurate
200 LSWC (H&G 68 type) 4.0 grs Bullseye Lot 919 11/2005 WLP Nickle, mixed cases
8-Jun-15 T = 91 °F OAL 1.250" Taper Crimp 0.469"
oiled cases
Ave Vel = 742.9
Std Dev = 9.89
ES = 33.19
High = 760.6
Low = 727.5
N = 20
accurate
I prefer fast burning powders in the 45ACP whether using 200 gr or 230 gr. Bullseye, WST, Red Dot, Green Dot, 700X etc. It doesn't matter Lead, Jacketed or Plated. Get a couple of loading manuals and look at the loads. I like the Lyman Pistol and Revolver manual and the Speer. It doesn't hurt to compare one against the other.
I do use some 231 but it is dirty unless the pressure is up to a certain point.
I do use some 231 but it is dirty unless the pressure is up to a certain point.
Everyone, thanks once again for all the helpfull information. Shooting handgun is harder for me both shoulders are beat up quite a bit. Looking to have some fun shooting & reloading until it warms up for benchrest shooting outdoors. Going through my load books with all your suggestions, picking 2 one pounders in two new different powders to play with . Not to hot between 750 - 800 with 230 grain hardball. Brass is sized , trimmed & slightly belled. This weekend I'll be ready to go.