bullet recommendation

Brad has both RNFP and SWC in 200 grain 45 ACP - maybe you can get both to try out which feeds better in your pistol.

Walkalong is correct on the hardness. A SWC would require a longer OAL, typically 1.250 or 1.260. If you are uncertain as to whether your gun will feed SWC's, the IDP #4 will do so with dead-bang certainty at the expense, perhaps, of slightly reduced accuracy and sloppy holes in the target versus the crisp holes a SWC leaves.

Brad

Walkalong said:

12 BHN

The 200 Gr SWC is a very popular target bullet in .45.

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Walkalong, I know better than to ask for load data for this bullet, but could you tell me the approx. speed that you drive these (fps) at, for target use?? I shoot a stock Colt Series 80/MK-4 Govt. Model. Thanks in advance..Bill.

I like running MB's 185 SWC with "about" 8gr of AA#5 for a warmer load, per the AA website, the low 900fps range. If I want something softer, I'll go with "about" 5.5gr Universal. That drops velocity down in the 750s, per the Hodgdon website.

Both websites give data for 200gr bullets.

The IDPA#4 is a good bullet. I've loaded it and used it in my Rock Island COmpact. It doesn't punch quite as clean of a hole as a SWC, but it's a better hole than a plain RN. I guess the flat point has something to do with it?

Q

200gr LSWC's are great for making neat holes on paper targets, some folks have a little trouble with them feeding reliably.
230gr LRN's in the profile of FMJ harball will feed in most 1911's for those who just like to shoot at empty soda cans.
plusone, you don't really need or want superhard lead bullets at 45acp velocities/pressures.

Walkalong said:

I have no idea what true target shooters run them at. I had no chrono at the time, but I used to shoot em with 5.0 Grs of W-231, and looking in the Speer #13 manual just now, that should be around 800 FPS.

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Thanks WalkAlong. That's what I have been loading some other 200gr. SWC at. 231/HP-38 has been good to me in my .38 HBWC's also, although it's hard to beat Bullseye in those loads. Thanks again..

do you guys have any suggestions with unique powder

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With a 200gr SWC bullet I would start with a charge of 5.0gr Unique and work up to 5.5gr if you feel it necessary. For target ammo I'm betting you will be very happy with the 5.0gr charge.