Precision Bullets 200gr. SWC

mikld,
I am glad to hear of good firsthand experience with them.
While I do expect to like them, if I don't, I will order some plated 200gr SWC.
I liked plated bullets, but after reading of so many people on this forum that tout the LSWCs I figure I owe it to myself to try them.

SlowUncle.45
 
uncle.45 said:
mikld,
I am glad to hear of good firsthand experience with them.
While I do expect to like them, if I don't, I will order some plated 200gr SWC.
I liked plated bullets, but after reading of so many people on this forum that tout the LSWCs I figure I owe it to myself to try them.

SlowUncle.45
Click to expand...
I tried some plated bullets in my semi-autos, mebbe 1,100, but when I used them all up, I haven't purchased any. My cast lead bullets (200 LSWC, 225 RN for 45 ACP, and 125 LRNFP for 9mm) don't lead and if I want higher velocities, I go with jacketed. My lubed bullets aren't messy to handle and I enjoy casting and I have gotten my PC coating figgered out. Although plated bullets are gaining in popularity, they have no niche in my reloading life...
 
I have used the Precision in 9mm. I was also using TiteGroup and BlueDot. I had some leading issues with the titegroup and my conclusion was it burned a bit too hot for that coating. The BlueDot was smoky but I did not have any leading.

I have tried various plated bullets. Many work OK but I get better results with coated lead and FMJ. I have been using Bayou's Hi-tech coated 9mm and 45's with very good results.
 
So far-- REALLY GOOD!

Dave's service is great. I ordered Tuesday night after hours.
The next morning I got a shipment notice that said my bullets would arrive the following Monday. I was unimpressed, but the next day I was notified by USPS that my box would be delivered on Saturday. Better, right? They were on my step Friday! HAPPY!
The bullets seem well made. They are consistently 200-201gr,
and .4515-.452". Again, HAPPY!
The coating is kinda waxy, but doesn't come off on your hands as you load them. If there is any left in the barrels I think it will clean easily.
I made some dummies to find a good COL, (1.255)and once they were just short enough to feed well in my magazines they hand-cycled through my 1911s very smoothly. Again, HAPPY!
I left my flaring die set the way it was for plated bullets, with very minimal flare. These don't start straight as easily as plated, but I don't get in a hurry loading. I like to take my time, and nit pick. This is an enjoyable hobby, right? Once you take the time to start them straight, these bullets seat with excellent case mouth tension. They feel really good as you seat them. I am sure they will work fine in revolvers, too. I also left the crimp die alone. I didn't see any reason to change from .471".
I made 28 rounds each at 3.8, 4.0, and 4.2gr. That's two moonclips and two magazines of each load.
I should get to try them tomorrow. Hopefully one of those loads will be an obvious winner.
I will let you know the results soon.
So far, HAPPY, HAPPY!
 
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Input, please!

Do any of you have some input on the COL, please?
I just realized that Hodgson's load data was based on a COL of 1.225. Fully .030 shorter than my test loads.
There is only .042 of shoulder above the case now.
I would be worried about so little shoulder if I load them to 1.225.
Any feedback would really be appreciated!
 
I thought I posted a response, but I don't see it.
Yes, David. They all plunk very nicely, and cycle by hand very smoothly thru my 1911s.
Thanks for a response!
 
The results are in--HAPPY, HAPPY!

It didn't start well at the range today, but it got better.
I was going to 'warm up' the pistols with a few of the wife's bunny fart rounds, and on the second round out of the revolver I had a SQUIB!
After removing that, it got a lot better.

All rounds tested were with Precision Bullets 200gr SWCs using Magtech brass and WLPs. COL is 1.255 and crimp is .471.

3.8gr--Recoil is soft.
Function is 81.25% (3 FTEs in 16 shots. 1911 not happy)
Accuracy is OK, but hits high.
Guns are both clean.

4.0gr--Recoil is still fairly soft.
Function is 100% (Me and 1911 HAPPY!)
Accuracy is better, hits to POA, and the group shrank a little.
Guns are both still quite clean.

4.2gr--Recoil is a little snappy, but still moderate.
Function is still 100%.
Accuracy is basically the same, but hits a little low.
Guns are both still surprisingly clean.

The verdict--4.0gr is the winner!
There is zero leading at these loads , and very little carbon or other crud to clean.
4.0gr shoots great, and runs 100% in my 1911.
What more can you ask for?
I am basically a HAPPY CAMPER!! (In case you couldn't tell)
Do any of you think it will be worthwhile to play with the COL a little each way to see if the accuracy can be improved?
Thanks for the input!

Edit-- I just realized that if I removed the Shok Buf from the 1911 it may function at the 3.8gr load, and the POI may change. When I can, I will try it, and let you know what difference it makes.
 
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If your loads feed in the magazine and pass the plunk test, its all you can do.

I read you made the rounds just short enough to fit the magazine. They will work fine.

I used Clays. I tried 3.9 with a powder coated 200 SWC. It would almost make my 3.5" officers model operate. I cannot change springs on this one, so I wanted minimum that would still function.

I went up to 4.0 Clays and function was perfect. I loaded about 700 of those for bowling pins. I loaded another 300 with 4.4 (max in the book) using my oldest mismatched brass. Kind of disposable rounds. I loaded some 45 colt rounds to use up the full 14 oz can of Clays.

I have crony figures, but now here at work.

David
 
David,
According to Hodgdon, these rounds should be 0.030" shorter than they are, and I have about 0.025" between the bullets and the magazine shell.
However, I doubt going shorter would improve accuracy at all, and going longer than the magazines will feed still won't get the bullets to the lands.
SW1911 E Series pistols have a LONG chamber. Unless I put a 'Match' barrel in it, you are right.There are no advantages to changing the COL.
I just removed the recoil buffer from both 1911s. I don't shoot heavy loads or +P ammo any more, so I won't need them.
Without the buffers, I think these pistols will cycle properly with the 3.8gr load.
I will load a few, and see. If they cycle OK, then the POI is the only thing left to consider.
If it hits closer to POA than before, then I will make that my pet Clays load.
If not, I will bump back up to 4.0gr and go with it. They shot very well.
 
4.0 Clay's, federal match primer.

5" 784 av
3.5" 674 fps av for a 10 shot string. Don't have SD. Was not much.

My OAL has just enough shoulder to touch the leade. I have a Wilson's match barrel.

Enjoy
David

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
 
I see a match barrel in my future.
Even at 1.275 they wouldn't contact the leads, and they scraped the inside of the magazines.
Fine for casual plinking, but I like to make single holes with 8 round magazines.
 
When I'm too lazy to cast my own, I use MIssouri Bullet Company's .45 cal., 200 gr TWC (a dead ringer for the old H&G #68 target bullet). That MBC TWC is as accurate as any factory loaded .45 target round that I've tested, and is a good deal cheaper...you can do no better! Rod
 
Rod,
I looked at MBCs .452" 200gr offerings, and I didn't see a TWC.
The Bullseye #1 looks perfect, though. The price is competitive too.
Thanks!
I have been at the bullet casting subforum and the castboolits forum a lot lately. I think casting may be added to my reloading addiction pretty soon!
 
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