.45 ACP reloading

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SSGMANN

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So I have been reloading for a few months, mostly .223, 6.5x55 Swedish, .300 Blackout. Gotten pretty good at it, no issues. I have a good routine when working. Well over 2K rounds, notgoing to get complacent in it at all.

So looking to start reloading .45ACP, I shoot my glock 41 Gen 4 quite a bit. So I got the dies, read my manual, talked to a couple of guys I work with that like reloading, but looking to get as much info as possible. Anyways I bought a box of Hornaday .451 CJ, RN 100 count. But I only target shoot so its really not cost effective to spend the money on higher end bullets. Thinking about Accura Premium Powerbond Bullets .45 cal .451" 200 gr RN, plan on using 700x as the powder. My manual, Lymans 50th has some data, but for 200gn jacketed HP, any suggestions as a good starting load? Book says 3.3 gn.

thanks for any advice
 
There are better powders than 700X for 45 ACP. 700X is tough to start with because it tends to stick to everything, it doesn't burn clean except near max charge (e.g. Pressure) and it's VERY easy to get inconsistent amounts of powder in the case unless you account for the stickiness. But, it can work once the kinks are out.

Better powders for starting include Hodgdon Universal, Alliant Bullseye and Red Dot for your 200 grain bullets.
 
SSGMANN,

Nothing wrong with 700X for the .45 ACP or any other fast powder suitable for 12 Guage shotshells, particularly for light target loads. Find the suggested OAL for the bullet you are using, and set your seating die up high in the press and your seating stem quite low so that you are seating your bullets to the proper depth but not crimping them. Then, when you have all the bullets seated properly, raise the seating stem all the way up and lower your die in the press so you are applying a crimp. A good rule of thumb for your taper crimp is .470" +/- .001" depending upon your brass. Hope that helps.

Don
 
My two go to powders for 45 acp are W-231 and Accurate #5 and Accurate #2 for lighter loads. I like these powders because they meter so well.
 
Welcome to THR, lots of great people here.

Never used it but 700X is known for not metering well.
If you have it already I would use it, if you haven't purchased it yet you might want to consider something different.
Lyman lists 3.3gr of 700X with a 200 at 597fps. Not sure with 700X but that may be to light a load to function properly with a stock recoil spring.
Most of the MAX loads with a 200gr are around 900fps so 600 is pretty light.
For example the start load with HP38/W231 with a 200gr is around 770 fps.

I really like HP38/Win231 for .45 (two names exact same powder) Works well across the range. Not as much velocity on tops as some others.
Meters well in all the measures I have used it in.

Almost any powder suitable for handgun loads will work, some just better than others.
I like something that meters well, it just makes like easier.
.45 seems to work best with fast to medium pistol powders.
Anything say between N310 (fast burn speed) and WSF (medium burn speed-for pistol)
BE86 and CFE-P work well for MAX power loads

Rocky Mountain Reloading has nice plated bullets and offers THR members a 5% discount with a code. The code is posted at the top of BDS's PIF thread here.
They also have free shipping
 
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45 acp
Thinking about Accura Premium Powerbond Bullets .45 cal .451" 200 gr RN, plan on using 700x as the powder.
Start with 4 grs .
I have loaded/shot from 4 gr to 5 grs of 700X, using a 200 gr cast lswc. A load of 4.6 gr has worked well.

The 2 OR 3/10 GR variation is common in both my powder measures. It doesnt show on target.

Always look into the case before seating a bullet. Does the powder level look right?

Weigh every 10th powder drop, till you learn how it works in your measure. Then if ok, i go to 20 or more drops before checking.

Some powder measures may not handle 700X well??

Alliant's Bullseye is my first choice for targets.
 
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700X works well in .45 ACP and has always burned clean for my at target velocities. Meters so so, shoots well. Lot's of good powders for .45 ACP though. WST, AA #2, W-231, N310, N320, etc, etc. If you already have 700X, it will work fine for you. If you are looking for a powder to buy for .45 ACP for target loads, WST or AA #2 would get my nod. AA #5 is great for full power .45 ACP, but so are others.

Consider the Precision 200 gr SWC. Good price, great accuracy potential.

If you like 200 gr stuff and are worried about a SWC feeding, the Berrys 200 gr HP shoots very well and will feed in anything. The X-Treme 200 gr RN shoots real well too. I haven't tried the PB 200 gr RN, but have shot/do shoot other PB bullets and I am sure they will do well.
 
I only target shoot ... Thinking about Accura Premium Powerbond Bullets .45 cal .451" 200 gr RN
Shot quite a bit of PowerBond plated bullets which have thicker plating than regular plated bullets. Before Accura Outdoors, they used to advertise .010"-.011" copper plating thickness but currently advertise 1300 fps rating on all their pistol bullets so they may be using thinner copper plating - https://accuraoutdoors.com/product/45-200-rn/

TJ Conevera probably has lowest price on PowerBond 200 gr RN bullets at $114/1000 with free shipping on $75+ orders - http://www.tjconevera.com/po45au20rnpl.html

As Dudedog posted, RMR's 200 gr plated RN comes to $110.20/1000 shipped with 5% THR discount (thehighroad5 promo code + THR ID in order comment box) - https://rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets...round-nose-plated-bullets-new/?v=7516fd43adaa

RMR regular plated bullets have .008"-.010" thickness copper plating with 1400 fps rating which should be plenty for 45ACP loads - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ng-at-25-50-yards.808446/page-3#post-10470195

RMR also sells 185 gr plated RNFP for $108.30/1000 shipped with 5% THR discount - https://rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets...-plated-flat-point-plated-new/?v=7516fd43adaa
 
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700x was the first powder I used in 45acp, and 45acp was the first pistol caliber I loaded for. It's a little crunchy, but shoots well. It gave me no trouble as a new reloader.
My favorite 700x load:

230 xtreme plated rn oal 1.25
4.8-5.0 grains 700x

Full power load that burns clean. I've shot over 3000 of these in my 1911 and kahr Cw45.

I've since switched to bullseye, but that's just to standardize with other calibers.
 
Consider using Bullseye. It was the original powder used in the 1910 experimental cartridges. The load of the period was a 230 FMJ with 5.0 grains Bullseye. The specified velocity was 800 fps. This was the service load, used in WW1, countless bush wars in South America, used everywhere in WW2, Korea, and Vietnam. Lots of satisfied users and lots of unsatisfied customers. The Gun club's oldest WW2 veteran died this year. He told me of Japanese prisoners being shot in the head with a M1911 after refusing to provide detailed information to the Intelligence Officer. Seems the Marines were a tad impatient about getting accurate information from their Japanese prisoners. He did not mention, but it is likely even those who gave accurate and timely information were shot afterwards. The standard military ball load worked well in this application. I have a number of National Match ammunition box from the 1960's. Match ammunition came in a box with a 820 fps velocity notice.

sNJcZuX.jpg

K6TAVrP.jpg

That load is still a popular hard ball load in 2700 Bullseye pistol competition. A 230 grain RN bullet going 800 fps, lead or FMJ, in a 5 inch barreled 45 ACP , is an extremely reliable proposition. The energy level will function the pistol in all weather and the round nose bullet is the most reliable contour for feeding. Titegroup has made inroads in the Bullseye Pistol group. When I ask what Titegroup charges shooters are using, it is always within a couple of tenths of a grain of my Bullseye charges. Titegroup started making inroads when Bullseye powder became hard to find. Alliant sort of shot itself in the foot by dedicating its powder production to the invasion of Iraqi. Once customers find a satisfactory alternative, they are hard to get back.

Bullseye also shoots very well with all bullet weights. I have been using 4.0 grains Bullseye with the 200 Xtreme SWC plated bullet, decided to bump it up to 4.2 grains as 4.0 grains would marginally function the action in cool weather. The classic 50 yard slow fire load is a 200 H&G 68 (LSWC) and 4.0 grs Bullseye. For whatever reason, the plated bullets were a bit slower with this charge and marginally functioned the slide in cold weather.


Code:
Kimber Custom Classic M1911

200 LSWC 4.0 grs Bullseye Mixed cases WLP  OAL 1.250" taper crimp 0.469"
21-Jun-06 T = 97 °F

Ave Vel =748.2
Std Dev =10.86
ES =41.52
High =   763.2
Low =721.7
N =22

Mild recoil, very accurate, excellent target load.
               

230 gr LRN  4.5 grs Bullseye Mixed Brass W
OAL 1.250" taper crimp .469"
21-Jun-06 T = 97  °F

Ave Vel = 805.
Std Dev =11.4
ES=54.08
High=836.9
Low=782.8
N =32

230 gr FMJ (R-P) 5.0 grs Bullseye 99' & 2005 mixed lot Mixed Brass WLP (brass) OAL 1.265" taper crimp .469"

12-Dec-11 T= 53  °F                      

Ave Vel =793.5
Std Dev =18.92
ES =61.99
High = 817.4
Low =755.4
N =16




wfm4oQ1.jpg



dzgdQl8.jpg
 
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My two go to powders for 45 acp are W-231 and Accurate #5 and Accurate #2 for lighter loads. I like these powders because they meter so well.
Oh crap thanks slamfire Bullseye is one of my favorite 45 acp powders
 
There are lots of good powders that can be used in 45 ACP.

I've used 700-X with 230 RN bullets for decades. Old habits are hard to break. But as a hedge against future shortages, I have developed a load using Accurate #5.

I recently got a Gold Cup and have been dabbling with Accurate #2 with 185 SWC target loads.

I find with 700-X, you have to operate the powder measure the same way every throw to minimize variability of the powder throws. Even so, the charges have a bit greater weight variability than other, better metering powders but the differences do not show up when the rounds are fired.
 
For inexpensive shooting I use Cast bullets. 200gr SWC or 230gr RN bullets work very well.

W231/HP-38 is a good and clean powder for the 45 Auto and several others.

If you want to stick with jacketed bullets Nosler has a Sporting line of bullets in both FMJ and JHP. They sell them in bulk 250 round boxes and they are very good bullets.

Be sure to use a taper crimp on the 45 Auto ammo and do not reduce the case space by a lot when you load. It will raise pressures, sometimes by a lot. If you seat the bullet deeper reduce the charge weight if you are near the top if the pressure range.
 
As almost everyone has said... W231 or HP38 is great. Bullseye. Unique. Back in the "panic times" I discovered Ba9 by Nobel. Good powder. The .45 is about the most forgiving cartridge there is, to hand load.

Interesting you figure you've gotten good at loading after 2,000 rounds or so. I've been loading for decades and don't consider myself good at it. Just relatively safe, as I haven't blown myself up, blown any firearms up, gone blind, or severed some important part of my body. :) Keep up the good work!
 
As almost everyone has said... W231 or HP38 is great. Bullseye. Unique. Back in the "panic times" I discovered Ba9 by Nobel. Good powder. The .45 is about the most forgiving cartridge there is, to hand load.

Interesting you figure you've gotten good at loading after 2,000 rounds or so. I've been loading for decades and don't consider myself good at it. Just relatively safe, as I haven't blown myself up, blown any firearms up, gone blind, or severed some important part of my body. :) Keep up the good work!

I probably am with the OP in having loaded a few 1000 rounds. But, I don't consider myself "safe". I consider myself someone who does all they can to be safe, someone that has learned the basics and has a lot to learn. I guess I consider reloading like using power tools, you can become very proficient with them and be extra careful and "safe", but the one time you get distracted and/or make a mistake you could get hurt or killed.

So it's nice to see folks being concerned for one another and for encouraging safety first!
 
As almost everyone has said... W231 or HP38 is great. Bullseye. Unique. Back in the "panic times" I discovered Ba9 by Nobel. Good powder. The .45 is about the most forgiving cartridge there is, to hand load.

I haven't tried hp38 or w231, but I have tried unique in 45. Meters poorly and dirty. Combine unique and lead bullets and it's almost like shooting black powder

Honestly, I'd choose 700x over unique.

SSGTMANN, if you really want to raise Hell with your 45, load up some 200 grainers and a full load of Longshot! Theres a reason they call it "loudshot"
 
SSGMANN wrote:
...any suggestions as a good starting load?

Yes, don't pay attention to loads you get off internet forums. You have no idea whether I'm someone with 40+ years experience and zero mishaps, some clown who believes published loads are intentionally too light "because of the lawyers" or a sadist who wants your new user name to be SSGOneEye.

Use published data. If you don't have relevant published data and you're not in a position to go buy a different manual, then check out the Hodgdon reloading site. They're the people who make 700X.
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

Both Hi-Skor 700X and 800X are excellent powders, but do not meter well so make sure to check weigh your throws to ensure they are correct. When I use either of the Hi-Skor powders, I set my powder measure to throw light into the pan of the balance and then I use a powder trickler to get to the proper weight. Yes, it's slow, but if I wanted fast I'd use a progressive press and a different powder.
 
I like HP-38 (W231), Bullseye, and I am now working on some TiteGroup loads that seem to be pretty awesome.
 
W231/ as mentioned a lot of good info here. been reloading mbc. (lead) 18 bin. 200 gr. 45 odd ball/ idp#1 and idp 4 xd w/my colt series 70. Before that was plated rmr.
w/good results. I have 3 more 45's to go back and tweak rounds for but BE/ and w231 and is what I been experimenting w/. @ 5grs. powder weight and tweaking the seating dept. for a slick and clean barrel.
 
...So I got the dies, read my manual, talked to a couple of guys I work with that like reloading, but looking to get as much info as possible.

I will mention these items, also, things you may know. 45 ACP head spaces on the case mouth so initial case length is good to know. 45 cases won't grow like like the bottle neck cases you've been loading. 45 ACP cases come with large or small primers. Most are large, but check range pickups, etc. Figure out what you will use and stick with it.

You have to flare the case to accept the bullets. I used beveled base bullets and figured I could skip the flaring. Resulted in buckling the case. I've shot small rinkels out of a case, but larger ones I throw away.

Your seating die also probably taper crimps. My RCBS carbide dies do. My experience is that overdoing the taper crimp buckles and rinkels the case before a chambering problem occurs, so that has been the safe check for me. Other people's experience? Not an issue once your dies are set up properly. I don't lubricate 45 ACP cases before sizing with the carbide dies.

There is a lot of extra space in 45 ACP case, allowing a double charge, unlike your rifle loading. I fill 50 cases in my loading block, pause and visually look down in each of 50 charged cases to make sure they all look the same, and then seat 50 bullets. Habit, I do this with rifle cases too, maybe you do as well.
 
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Good advice here....
All I'd like to add, is to watch out for R-P brass. I had lousy luck getting decent neck tension with them. R-P has walls that are ever so slightly thinner than any other brand I've loaded.
My preference in powder/bullet is Unique, loaded fairly stout behind 230 JHPs.

I don't plink with 45 very often, maybe a couple hundred rounds a year, so I don't mind the expense of the JHP
 
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