250 grain RNFP for .45ACP ?

[plodder]

...So I picked up a box of 45LC 250 grain, RNFP (.452) (OK, it was a mistake when I grabbed it from the bin beside the 230g. SWC) But, I thought since they are .452 just like the 230g. SWC for .45 ACP, why wouldn't they work? Besides, the price was right and more importantly, they had them

I worked up a few loads and they look good, function well and don't seem to cause any problems in my Kimber Ultra Carry II.

So, all you experts out there: What am I missing and what risks & dangers should I be aware of if I use these 45LC 250 grain RNFP cast bullets for my .45ACP?

 

[Walkalong]

Don't try to push them too hard and you'll be fine.

 

[plodder]

Thanks Walkalong! The experts have now spoken.

I will keep it down to about 5.1 grains of Bullseye. They look & feed so much better than the cast SWCs that I will probably prefer them for all my range practice & plinking.

 

[Walkalong]

I used to shoot some 250s with 5.0 grs of W-231.

 

[bluekouki86]

I've been loading those for almost a year now. Nobody else in my area has figured out that just because it says .45LC doesn't mean they won't work for .45 auto. My supply has been great while others sit at home waiting for backorders!

 

[plodder]

I've been loading those for almost a year now. Nobody else in my area has figured out that just because it says .45LC doesn't mean they won't work for .45 auto. My supply has been great while others sit at home waiting for backorders!

What say we keep this little tidbit of information between you & me? No need to rile up the general populace (& deplete our supply).

 

[41 Mag]

I have shot some 260gr loads from my Colt 1911, and they shot really well. I don't make a habit of running hundreds of them through it, as I don't know or want to find out if the added weight and recoil is messing with anything internal.

I have also shot a bunch of the Lee 255gr RF through mine as well. They feed pretty good and hit pretty hard at 25yds. It does take a bit of fiddling with them for the reliable feed though with that big fat nose.

 

[Steven57]

The word must already be out, because I just picked up 160, 180, 200, and 250gr for my Colt/ACP. Should be good for a week or two!

 

[Catshooter]

Even at the moderate velocity the ACP restricts that bullet to they hit hard.

Years ago (like 30) I spoke with a Deputy Sherriff. He carried a Gold Cup with Lyman 452424. One day he needed to shoot a fleeing felon. Just as he fired a Stop sign post (4x4) came in between his front sight and the felon's calf.

The bullet went through the post and took a two inch piece of shin bone out.

I like mine over 4.7 grains of Universal Clays, right about 800 feet.


Cat

 

[KansasSasquatch]

Even at the moderate velocity the ACP restricts that bullet to they hit hard.

Years ago (like 30) I spoke with a Deputy Sherriff. He carried a Gold Cup with Lyman 452424. One day he needed to shoot a fleeing felon. Just as he fired a Stop sign post (4x4) came in between his front sight and the felon's calf.

The bullet went through the post and took a two inch piece of shin bone out.

I like mine over 4.7 grains of Universal Clays, right about 800 feet.


Cat

I believe it. One day I tested some moderate 200gr loads. One went through 3 pressure treated 2x8 boards and lodged in the 4th, cracking it to the point that it fell apart when I picked it up. It was a 200gr Berry's plated bullet, RNFP if I remember right. It lost some of the plating on the way through the first 3 boards but I'd bet it retained 90% of its original weight. I imagine a nice 255gr load would do better. I just don't see the need for it. It probably isn't too good for most auto loaders.

 

[StrawHat]

Some good info in this thread, about the RNFP and some about lighter SWCs.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?228197-452423-or-heavier-for-my-45acp-hog-load

 

[Curator]

I load the Lee .452/255 FP in .45ACP for both MilSpec 1911 and MechTech carbine. I did switch out the "factory" 16 pound spring for a 20 pound Wolfe to keep the 1911 from battering itself severely. 5.5 to 6.0 grains of Unique seems to be the ticket. Excellent back up when hunting hogs in close quarters. Accurate too!

 

[8emem]

Works fine for revolvers too. Just got back from the range yesterday, shooting my 625 and Smith 1917 with the same S&S 250's in ACP brass over 4.8 gr Promo. Used a Redding Profile Crimp die to add a firm roll crimp. This makes clips mandatory, but the bullets didn't move like they do when use a taper crimp on 230 gr round nose (also sized .452).

 

[TommyD45]

I always find it reassuring to see manufacturer's published loads.

Western Powders gives load data for 250 grain bullets in 45 ACP +P for Accurate No. 2 No. 5, No. 7, and Ramshot SILHOUETTE.

You can download their data here:
http://blog.westernpowders.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/LoadGuide-45AutoACP+P-update1-28-14.pdf

 

[PapaG]

Been shooting 260 grain RCBS 45-255KT for years in the ACP with a reasonable load of Unique. Knocks pins off the table like a sledgehammer and will penetrate deer side to side. Cast of wheelweights, sized to .452.

 

[horsemen61]

Defiantly gonna load a few

 

[LeonCarr]

PapaG beat me to it...those 250 RNFPs work great on bowling pins and give two hole penetration on deer and hogs.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr