Target .45acp load help

[flhtcuibyhd]

I've had my reloading equipment and supplies for a couple years now and finally have everything set up and ready to go. I'm reloading new Starline brass, wolf LP primers, Bullseye powder and Nosler 185gr JHP bullets with the goal of an easy target load. I loaded up 10 rounds each with 4.0gr and 4.2gr based upon the latest Lyman guide, which shows 3.5gr as a starting load. All other sources show starting loads much higher. Are mine too low? Any other suggested load recommendations?

 

[rcmodel]

Well, if the starting load is 3.5, and you started with 4.0 & 4.2?
I'd have to say they are not too low.

If they won't cycle the slide & lock it open on an empty mag, they are too low.

rc

 

[mongoose33]

Starting loads are dependent on several things, including COL and bullet design.

What you get for results depends also in part what you're shooting them through. Different starting loads in different books can be the result of these variables.

This is why you start low and work up. After a while, after you have a record of how various loads, various bullets, various powders work in *your* firearm, then you might consider starting higher.

If you've never reloaded before--which it sounds like--you should be working up your loads. Shortcuts are the express lane to loss of digits, loss of eyesight, loss of life.

 

[flhtcuibyhd]

My concern started when I looked at the Alliant load information online after I had already loaded these. They show a load of 6.4gr with a 185gr bullet (not the one I'm using but still a JHP). This is well above the Lyman data even if I started at 10% less, so I guess I'm confused on which data to use at this point.

 

[243winxb]

Will 3.5 gr Alliant Bullseye get a JHP out the end of the barrel? I know it will a lead swc. Not sure about a JHP

 

[rcmodel]

If you want minimum power target loads, why are you using expensive Nosler JHP bullets?

You can get Berry plated SWC target bullets for less then half that price that will do whatever it is you are doing.
http://www.berrysmfg.com/product.aspx?i=14515&c=17&pp=8&sb=0&p=0

Even cheaper would be cast lead bullets, which are ideal for light target loads.
http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=64&category=5&secondary=13&keywords=

The JHP data in most manuals is assuming folks buying JHP bullets intend to load them to max or near max velocity to get the HP to expand..
Starting loads are higher for them then target bullets because the HP won't open up at lower target bullet "Starting Load" velocity.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, mighty light for jacketed.

My Speer #13 shows a start load of 4.5 and a Max of 4.9 Grs Bullseye with their 185 Gr TMJ (SWC) for a target load.

They show a start load of 5.7 and a Max of 6.4 Grs Bullseye with their 185 Gr Gold Dot for full power loads.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

as said that's light for jhp surprised it even cycles.
I've loaded 4.4gr BE with a 17lb spring and got good results, 200gr TC cast. BTW this load is great in my 625 also.

 

[JDGray]

My 45 ACP tack driver load is 230gr Rainers, or Zeros, over 3.9gr Clays. Shoots great in every 45 I've tried them in, except they didn't group well in my Kimber UCII. That little bugger likes hot carry loads

 

[flhtcuibyhd]

I went out and picked up the Nosler reloading guide and they list 4.4gr of Bullseye as their starting and most accurate load with a max of 5.4gr. As a novice, I don't understand how the numbers can be so different. Just compairing Alliants recommended load for a 185gr JHP with Bullseye of 6.4gr is above the max load in the Nosler guide.

 

[243winxb]

I went out and picked up the Nosler reloading guide and they list 4.4gr of Bullseye as their starting and most accurate load with a max of 5.4gr. As a novice, I don't understand how the numbers can be so different. Just compairing Alliants recommended load for a 185gr JHP with Bullseye of 6.4gr is above the max load in the Nosler guide.

There is standard 45 acp load data and hotter +P data, this can make a difference. The +P would work at higher pressure & "may" use slower burning rates of powder. 1.0 gr difference with Bullseye is a lot. What can make a difference is the construction of the bullets. One may have a larger bearing surface in contact with the barrel, the jacket might be thicker, the core could be pure lead or harder 2% antimony content, all would build more pressure. Then we have difference in primers, brass, seating depth, firearm chamber( tight or loose) used for the test. This is why we work up loads. With Bullseye, its wise to stay away from maximum loads as pressure can go up fast. Some slower burning powders are best for maximum loads. Bullseye is a great powder for light to mid-range target loads. Your loads 4 & 4.2 are a good place to start for target loads. As far a FPS a Chronograph comes in handy for that, but not needed if loading just for accuracy. Your target will tell you what a good load is. Testing is the fun part.