185 or 200 grain?

Well, when we were shooting informal steel matches, some guys shot 185 or even 155gr bullets because they were faster. Two guys pull the trigger at the same time in the last plate...faster bullet wins. I know it’s close, but the timer doesn’t lie.

Lighter, faster bullets also shoot flatter. I don’t know why that would matter with a .45. I can pretty consistently hit a gong at 100 yards with the 200s.

I’ve been shooting 200s for over 20 years. In my pistol, they are the most accurate. Plus, my rule has always been heavy bullet fast powder for .45. I use AA #2. I like the way it meters.

In terms of power factor, 200 gr vs a 185 gr load of the same power factor, the 200 shoots softer. Of course, if low power loads are your goal, light bullets and fast powder can do the trick. The 185s are ok. I’d stay away for anything under 170gr. Too little bearing surface.

A big advantage in timed competition is reduced recoil, meaning getting back on the next target faster. This is more of an advantage than the tiny difference in bullet travel time. For bullseye shooting reduced recoil means less shooter fatigue, particularly for older shooters.


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Not plain lead, but I've made Berry's 185 grain plated SWC my do-it-all 45 auto bullet. Not a match grade bullet, but no complaints at 25 yards.
A little less recoil than a 200. They both feed, but you can feel the 200 grain SWC chunk chunk through the feed cycle, the short nose 185 is smoother.
5.2 grains W231.

I have loaded both 185 and 200 gr bullets over 5.0 gr of Unique. The 185 gr loads have less recoil. I prefer them.