Titegroup: Performance at Max Load? HP Expansion?

[Gary H]

I was looking at loading some 45 ACP 230gr jacketed hollow points to a velocity of 850fps, which Hornady lists as a maximum. Any experience with recoil, flash and accuracy at these levels? Anyone else list higher maximum velocity loads with Titegroup? I know that Power Pistol loads to higher velocity, but I understand that flash is much more than Titegroup. Also, what do you use for a good expanding hollowpoint? Do inexpensive bullets like Star provide the accuracy and expansion of a Gold Dot, or Golden Sabre?

 

[griz]

I believe that's about as fast as you can make a 45 go with Tite Group. Besides Power Pistol, there are quite a few other powders that will get to about 900 FPS.

About the cheapest bullet I would count on for expansion is PMC's Starfire HP, which is pretty soft and opens up well. For the few loads I use where I actually need expansion, I use Gold Dot's. I want the reliability and the price is secondary. But the vast majority of my 45's have lead bullets.

 

[Derm95]

Faster target type powders are inappropriate for max loads. Fundamentals of reloading might dictate slower powders for max loads.

Golden Sabre bullets are relatively quite cheap compared to other premium bullet. Bulk prices at Midway usually runs about $90 for 1000.

 

[Gary H]

Power Pistol is the powder that most folks go to with max .45 ACP loads, but what powder provides Power Pistol performance without the flash?

 

[Jim Watson]

I got a real surprise when chronographing .45 ACP loads with Accurate No 2 Improved.

230 gr Remington bulk FMJ in a 5" Briley barrel 1911.

5.2 gr AA 2 = 806 fps
5.5 gr AA 2 = 861 fps
5.8 gr AA 2 = 902 fps
6.0 gr AA 2 = 917 fps

Book MAXIMUM is 6.1 grains. The load of 6.0 was obviously right there, standard deviation was 3 (three) fps, indicating a very complete burn at rather high pressure.

These velocities are considerably higher than Accurate Arms book values, the 6.1 gr MAX load is only rated for 869 fps. But I have seen the effect with two different lot numbers. My gun and chronograph give expected velocities for other powders, so they are ok.

An article in the IDPA Tactical Journal rated AA #2 as the lowest in muzzle flash of 14 powders compared in .45 ACP. Power Pistol had the brightest muzzle flash.

Slow burning powders are not necessary in .45 ACP. Not for anything I do with it anyhow. The Army used Bullseye at one time.

 

[Gary H]

I actually have some AA#2, but never used it. I couldn't remember why I bought it. Now I know. Thanks.

 

[Poodleshooter]

Listed velocities don't mean beans. The only way to tell how fast a load will shoot in your pistol is to load it and shoot it over a chronograph. Titegroup delivers as high as 830fps in my short Glock 30 barrel, using Star 230gr FMJ's. I see no reason why it wouldn't do so with JHPs.

 

[Gary H]

How About 45 Super Brass..

I like Tightgroup, but it gets a bit iffy as you approach 900fps. It seems to me that many powders could be taken to the 900 - 950 range with the use of 45 Super brass. A good example might be Tightgroup. I like the low flash, it meters well.. I assume that it cleans up nicely with heavier loads. I've been looking for Power Pistol loads without the flash. Maybe Tightgroup/W231/AA#2 and better brass?