[blarby]

Well hello everyone !

Please bear with my "newness" !

I've been a rifle reloader for some time, and at the ammo gobbling insistence of my friends and family :cuss: have decided to embark on the new adventure of pistols...

With that said, I will be starting with 45 ACP, and am considering the following configuration :

230 gr FMJ RN 5.5grs Unique CCI Primers 1.261 OAL

Thoughts ? Considerations? Concerns ? Admin move to the right section ???

Thanks !

[Z-Michigan]

I find .45 ACP very easy to reload. I have no comments on the load listed, but if it's a starting load from any reputable loading manual, it should be just fine.

[blarby]

Manuals ? Pfft... If they weren't so darn consistent in what they offer for this load, i'd be packin' 'em allready :)

[Hanshi]

The .45acp is a very easy and satisfying cartridge to reload. I reload them by the 1000s with 185grn to 230grn lead bullets.

[DoubleTapDrew]

That sounds like a good load. Our practice load is a 230gr lead SWC with cci primers and unique. I believe we started at 5.5 and worked up to 6gr.
Please post your results when you try them out. I need to start loading jacketed ammo for the XD since it does not like SWCs.

[blarby]

Excellent info, thank you !

Anyone else have a few cents to throw in the pot before I begin pressing ?

[GLShooter]

I prefer lead bullets for 97% of what I shoot in the 45. I also go with BE but used Unique for years. The load you picked will be GTG.

Greg

[Japle]

Your load sounds like it would be fine. I've found that Unique is pretty dirty and leaves a lot of unburned powder, though. I much prefer Clays.

Try 3.7 - 4.1 of Clays with your 230s and I think you'll notice that load shoots softer and cleaner.

Edit to add: Adjust your seating die with a factory hardball round and you should have no problems.

[blarby]

Thank you, thank you !

As soon as facilities and tooling permit, I intend to start casting lead for this endeavor.

That rate at which the ammo goblins go through this stuff does not lend itself to purchasing readymade bullets of any type !

I will give clays a go for the next two hundred I press, and post the results, thank you for the tidbit !

The main reason I wanted to start with a few staples was from a safety standpoint ( mainly my own ! ) once I've gotten a few rounds boxed up, then I can start to gleefully tinker :D


( Wish I had gotten the brilliant info on the seating info before I spent two curse filled hours setting that RCBS contraption to where I needed it ! )

[Trigun]

Unique burn really dirty and smokey, try WST or WSF.

Edmond

[bds]

blarby, welcome to THR.

For me, 200/230 gr LSWC/RN with 5.0 gr of W231/HP38 produces very accurate loads and produces minimal to no leading in various pistols I shot them out of.

[RSVP2RIP]

Unique is fine if you are using lead bullets which leave the gun pretty dirty anyways.

[243winxb]

230 gr FMJ RN 5.5grs Unique CCI Primers 1.261 OAL

Looks like an OK starting load. 6.5gr is maximum in one manual i just checked. If test rounds dont drop into your barrel, taper crimp more and/or seat bullet deeper, shorter COL.

[DC Plumber]

I load 230g lead RN with Universal and CCI large pistol primers. Without getting up and looking at my books, I believe 5.6g is what I use.

I also bought a headspace guage. I'll never have to guess if a cartridge will fit properly or not. Best $17 I ever spent on handloading. I also bought one for my 30-06. My rimmed handgun cartridges are much easier to get right.

[357 Terms]

+1 on Universal, burns real clean.

[CZ57]

According to the Lyman Pistol & Revolver III, 5.9 grains of Unique is a start charge and 6.6 is max with the 230 TMJ @1.275".;)

[NELSONs02]

I also vote for hard cast lead over FMJ's. They'll be just as accurate and maybe a little cheaper too.

5.5gr of Unique seems like a good place to start. Just make sure you have a functional load before you cook up a bunch of them.

[Bruce Lytle]

Ok, here's my 2 cents worth on all the various load data.
Look specifically for the bullet manufactures load data on it. I was loading some Hornady #45100 185 gr XTP's my Lymans manual called for a start load of 3.4 gr of Bullseye and a max of 6.0 gr. for a 185 gr JHP. I could go on about how many different data sheets there are for any given weight/type of bullet. I checked a Hornady's book out and it said (I think) 5.0 start load, and (I know!) 7.0 max load, of Bullseye.
Now that's a huge difference to me. I looked closer at the two books, and found the main difference was in the OAL. Lymans puts it at 1.175, Hornady's at 1.230.

That gives you (overall) more slack space in the case, and (from what I understand) lower peak pressures. I've loaded up some of the Hornady recipe using 6.7 grs. I liked it, no dirty cases, the bullets went right where I wanted, no failure to cycle problems, and not too bad of a recoil.

In short, check the bullet manufactures data, they've only that bullet to test, with what? 8-10 different powders, and they will give you data that will give the best performance with their product, you'd think anyway.

[blarby]

Thank you everyone who contributed !

We shot 100 of these today, and they performed well, if not admirably in 7 and 20 yard trials. Light recoil, lots of smoke- but I guess thats to be expected with the Unique !

With this under the belt, I think I like to try some economy....mebbe something from missouri- looks like they have a 230 gr softball.... hope to see you all on that thread too !

[Constrictor]

My favorite load of all time is 5.7g uniquie 230 rn lead in .45 acp

[Tac. Gunner]

I load an 185gr LSWC over 3.8 grains of Clays. Its a soft, clean, cheap and accurate load, both in my S&W M&P and in my neighbor's Kimbers. I know you are looking for a 230gr round but for just plinkin 185gr makes more since my opinion. I know Hodgdon has data for a 230gr LRN round and a 230gr Honady FMJ round, both over Clays powder. Thats my two cents and you can take for what its worth, lol.

[cfullgraf]

Unique burn really dirty and smokey, try WST or WSF.

Edmond

Fire off 8 quick shots and escape in the smoke screen while swapping magazines:).

Unique works well in the 45 ACP.

I usually load 700-X but Unique is one of main alternates in the 45 ACP.

There is a good reason they call it Unique.

I use alot of Unique in 20 and 28 ga shot shells, 45 Colt, and others.

Lots of other good powders as well.

[Steve in PA]

230gr Rainier FMJ over 6.5gr of Unique, CCI LP primers and seated 1.260" COL is what I reload. Light loads of Unique might be smokey and leave some powder flakes, but the higher loads like this one are fine.

[Ranger Green]

Regarding overall length:

(From Wilson Combat Magazine info)

"If you are reloading your ammunition, cartridges with an overall length of 1.240" -1.260" will provide the best feeding angle and timing for most 1911 Autos. We have found handloads consisting of the following MAXIMUM feeding reliability (H&G #68 200 gr L-SWC, OAL 1.250", .468" taper crimp)."

Wilson also states the recommended OAL for 45 ACP is 1.250, with caveats for different bullet shapes and styles. I have kept to 1.250 OAL and .468 taper crimp and have had no feeding problems since but I have only used round nose bullets. I also use your load of Unique and 5.3 grains of W231. Both loads shoot well out a variety of 45s.

[ArchAngelCD]

My favorite 45 Auto load is 5.5gr W231/HP-38 over a 230gr bullet, both lead and jacketed bullets.

[blarby]

So helpful you guys, hot diggity !

[ColtPythonElite]

While I like the 230 gr Berry's RN over Unique, I really like the 200 gr Berry's SWC over Unique. The recoil is slightly less with a lighter bullet and the holes in the target are paper punch clean for easier viewing from even the 25 yard line.

My 230 gr RN load is over 5.3 grains of Unique. I averaged 814 fps. OAL is 1.230

My 200 gr SWC load is over 4.9 grains of Unique. I averaged 770 fps. OAL is 1.240

[ambidextrous1]

When I started reloading several years ago, I asked around for reloading advice. Most of the old timers said they used Bullseye. It meters consistently in all powder measures.

Bullseye is a fast-burning powder, especially good for short barrels. I have tried other powders, based on the raves I read on forums such as this, but haven't found any reason to abandon Bullseye for any of the newer powders.

I'm now using Bullseye for all of my auto pistol reloading, from .32 ACP to .45 ACP. Yoy'll find plenty of reloading tables for Bullseye in the "usual places"; Data for recently developed calibers is also plentiful, suggesting that this old powder is quite versatile.

The new reloader would do well to work up satisfying Bullseye loads for his/her pistol, and use that experience as a baseline when tying out other powders - which should be done occasionally, if only to demonstrate that Bullseye is a good choice for the caliber and pistol being used.

As others have said, reloading for .45 ACP is easy and safe; but resist the temptation to go above recommended maximum loads. You'll shorten the life of your pistol, and not really gain that much. If you want more velocity and energy, try another caliber instead.

Shoot often, and safely!

[hancjamk]

Unique has been improved, not nearly as dirty as it used to be... Great powder for 45 acp, but I wish they could have improved it to meter better. The thing I like most about it, is the recoil is'nt as sharp as with faster burning powders.

[floydster]

Everyone seems to overlook Trial Boss, it is an excellent powder for reduced loads for the 45 ACP, just a fun,fun, powder:)

[john16443]

Please tell me more about Trail Boss. I've read information that it's a great powder for revolvers, and light target loads, but doesn't work well in semi-autos because of its bulk. The Hodgdon site provides load data for the 45ACp for the powder, with a range of 3.5 - 4.5 grains for a 230gr LRN bullet.

My questions to floydster and anyone else using Trail Boss are:

What charge/bullet (type/wt) combination do you use in 45 ACP?

If I use 230 FMJRN and Trail Boss, is it reasonable to increase my min charge from 3.5 gr to say 3.7gr to account for the fact that lead typically uses lower charges for a given velocity?

Thanks;

[1911r1]

new to reloading also is 200 jhp hornady a bad start and what kind of powder should i start off with. also new to forums iam a refined hillbilly just got the internet for the first time bear with me

[ColtPythonElite]

1911r1,


If I had a 200 gr JHP to load up, I'd be looking at Power Pistol. It meters very well and burns very clean...At least it has for the 200 grain plated SWC's that I have used it with.

[floydster]

john, one of my targets using Trail Boss, I have also gone with .4 grs TB with the Lee TL-452-230-2R with excellent results also.
I have not tried FMJ with TB, just cast bullets.
Floydster

[john16443]

Thank you floydster, that's some serous shooting at 40'!

[Lead Head]

I would recommend loading with Bullseye which is designed around the 45 ACP.