Is it Possible 45 ACP

[zhd]

Is it possible for a 45 ACP to move as slow as 200 fps when handloaded?

 

[Rail Driver]

Probably, but what on earth for?

 

[bubbacrabb]

I bet the guys in the majors could throw a handload that fast. I would be worried about loading that low, I've always been told going to low can cause danger just like going above max loads. Maybe someone else has a better answer, but I wouldn't try it.

 

[56hawk]

There is a really good chance you would stick the bullet in the barrel with a load like that. The slowest I have gone with a 45 is around 450 fps.

 

[Clark]

A 45 cal round lead ball pushed down into the case to touch the web, just powered by the primer, with no powder, will be less than 200 fps, and be loud.

It is loud because a handgun barrel + chamber volume is not large enough to expand the gas from the primer down to one atmosphere above ambient. This muzzle pressure above 2 atmospheres will causes super sonic gas escapement, and thus a sound wave with amplitude only limited by cavitation at the source, dropping off at 1/r in the near field, and 1/r squared in the far field.

 

[Walkalong]

It can be done. Watch closely for stuck bullets.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=523172

 

[1KPerDay]

1.5 Grs had barely any sound & stuck the bullet in the barrel with the base about 3/4" from the chamber.

I had brought an extra sized, primed, & belled case with me, plus 5.0 Grs of W-231. I used that to shoot out the stuck bullet.

Did that cycle? Just curious.

 

[Walkalong]

It was the only round (none in the mag), but it locked back the slide. I could tell it was weaker than a 5.0 Gr charge under a seated bullet. With the bullet in the barrel, the "case" capacity was increased greatly.

 

[Lost Sheep]

I bet the guys in the majors could throw a handload that fast. I would be worried about loading that low, I've always been told going to low can cause danger just like going above max loads. Maybe someone else has a better answer, but I wouldn't try it.

200 fps is a little over 136 mph.

Most pitchers have a hard time throwing a baseball that fast. Also, throwing something with as little mass as a bullet might stress the thrower's elbow unnaturally.

I'll bet a good hand with a sling could do it easily.

Lost SHeep

 

[rcmodel]

Is it possible for a 45 ACP to move as slow as 200 fps when handloaded?

No, not safely.

You will have stuck bullets at that power level.
Especially with jacketed bullets.

Don't even try it.

rc

 

[rsrocket1]

Cast bullets using gluesticks and lube them. Fire them with primers and have a lot of fun. No danger with stuck bullets.

Don't shoot them at anyone, they will go right through a shopping bag or cardboard box.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Actually, you don't have to cast bullets. Some brands of glue sticks are already the right size for 45 caliber guns. Just cut pieces of the stick to a consistent length. So you wind up with 45 ACP Wadcutters.

A primer-only wax bullet has plenty power to put a good-sized dent in a steel door.

Lost Sheep

 

[blarby]

Walkies....what is your OAL for those SWC's in that link ?

I might need that info...my SWC's are jamming in the wifes new kimber...and RC is out of town or something

 

[4895]

You could load it in a slingshot.

 

[kingmt]

I shoot a factory 9mm load over the Chrony that(if I remember right) was 187 fps. Instead of bang it was more of a tuuut sound. It did eject but didn't chamber the next. Everything else in the box went in the 400's.

 

[Walkalong]

what is your OAL for those SWC's in that link

1.265 OAL.


By the way. For anyone wanting to shoot super low velocities, lead is far better suited than plated or jacketed, but the risk of sticking a bullet is still quite good.

 

[mdi]

Yes a .45 ACP bullet can be shot at 200 fps. A lot of experimentation will be needed to find a load that will consistantly push a bullet out of the barrel that slow. Of course the low pressure needed to do so prolly won't cycle the gun, and any variation will result in a lot of stuck bullets...

 

[Swampman]

Recommendations

1 - Use a soft, cast or swaged lead bullet.

2 - Lube it heavily.

3 - Use a very fast burning powder.

4 - Single load only.

5 - Lube your bore after each shot.

6 - Have a .40" brass rod and hammer readily available.

7 - Don't nick your barrel crown when driving out the inevitable stuck bullets.

8 - Sit down, have a beer and reconsider the whole idea...

(You might want to start with step #8) ;-)

 

[Walkalong]

Actually, you should stop after step 8, not start with it.