The short list for.45 hardball-duplicating & bulky powder thus far looks like:
Unique
VV N320
BE-86
American Select
I will look at the local shops to see if any of these are stocked locally. I will order anything online, but ability to get it locally counts for something.
Even with the added requirement of bulk, there seem to be plenty of powders to choose from. Maybe enough to use other characteristics to be the deciding factor: accuracy, versatility, cleanliness, ease of use with powder measure, etc.
Thanks again to all for sharing your experience.
Charlie98 said:
I like WST, just not with 230grn bullets trying to reach factory velocity, same with W231. Just my experience
Roger that.
entropy said:
Trail Boss at 4 gr. will get to @750, with LRN. Might be a good start for the kids. I load 5.0 gr. Bullseye or 8 gr. AA#5 @ 850, but I wouldn't call either of them fluffy. I started loading pistol with 2.5-3.0 bullseye in .38, 148 WC's, then went whole hog up to compressed loads of Blue Dot in .357 when I was 15.
I love Trail Boss for mild loads. I use it in .44mag, .38spl, and .357mag. I have plans to use it for my Webley MKVI with those Remington swaged lead bullets in .45Autorim brass. I also have plans to develop reduced loads for my .375H&H using TB. But TB can not duplicate .45ACP hardball from what I have learned.
OTOH, I want the reloads I mention in the OP to duplicate .45ACP hardball in a 1911 because:
1. All my practice, gun games (IDPA mostly), and self defense ammo utilizes GI .45ACP hardball mass & velocity (230gr at 850fps +/-). I know that mass+velocity works in all my .45ACP 1911s and we all know how it shoots.
2. I want my kiddos to experience and appreciate the whole process "from soup to nuts," going from dirty brass on the ground to shooting the ammo made from their own hands in IDPA for score.
Rule3 said:
Well then newbies should learn how to properly weigh and dispense the proper amount of powder and not overcharge any powder.
Oops it overflowed, guess that is to much?
Proper weighing and dispensing of the powder charge is part of the training plan.
I am not afraid to introduce my or other kids to sports, pastimes, occupations, tools, or whatnot that many folk might consider hazardous or risky--if I think they can handle it maturity and physical development-wise. I do, however, employ several redundant safety measures (mechanical, training, situational, etc.) in order to reduce the risk and maximize the probability of success. I intend to closely supervise, but one more safety measure (bulky powder) reduces the probability of mishap. Think of it as the hand loading equivalent of a chamber flag.