Hp 38 load recipes 45 acp

5.2 gr. of WW 231(aka hp38) is as high as i like to go. My Gold Cup is 40+ years old and I don't beat it up.

Don't worry about mixing the primers on a low pressure round like the .45 ACP.

Welcome to the forum...

With any 230gr bullet of any type I charge 5.5gr W231/HP-38 with a CCI or Winchester LPP.
My OAL is between 1.255" and 1.265" depending upon what the gun likes.
That load has been reliable and accurate for me for many many years.

Big-bore-bob said:

Hi wondering if anyone has good load recipes for hp38 for 45 acp. The components I have on hand are RMR 230gr fmj, new starline brass and cci 300 primers as well as remington 2 1/2 primers. I was also curious about the interchangeability between these two primers. I'm looking for ball spec 830fps, but can deviate either way. Accuracy and reliability are my top priorities. Thanks!

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Where did you manage to find a reloading manual which doesn’t include a load for W231 and a 230gr RN in .45ACP?
Go here: https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

Some fine information here by Vaalpens....
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/rmr-45-230gr-fmj-rn-test-results.841776/page-2

5.4gr is not a starting load. According to the Hodgdon’s data you’re already at max. FWIW the LRN bullet also maxes out at 5.3gr.

Big-bore-bob said:

I have a sig sauer 1911 that will eject these cases about 6 to 8 feet but my hk usp just farts them out at my feet.

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I’m not sure what’s wrong with that. Are you getting jams? Lockups? FTF/FTE? How far the ejector throws a case has more to do with the ejector angle, spring tension, extractor angle and slide velocity. If the gun runs on 5.4 and it’s accurate, I’m not sure I’d change anything. What problem are you trying to solve?

Big-bore-bob said:

Their coal is 1.275, its closer to what I'm using which is 1.260-1.265, their velocity is 850fps at max.

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2 things... First, 1.275" is the max OAL for the 45 ACP.
Second, the velocity given by most, if not all manuals is usually never the velocity we get in the real world. They use long test barrels and under perfect lab conditions. You will need to check your load for yourself to really know what velocity you are generating. Sometimes the older manuals will use real handgun but somehow the velocities are still higher that we get. (although not by a lot)

Also, pay attention to the OAL stated. That is not the OAL you must use, they are only reporting what they used. In the Hodgdon online data, the max charge of HP-38 is listed @5.3gr with an OAL of only 1.200". Using the OAL you are using if you charge 5.4gr or 5.5gr like I do, the pressure will not be over SAAMI specs. That's also one of the reasons explaining difference max charge weights in different manuals, the OAL they used.

Just some other things to think about. If you already knew this I apologize for posting what you already know.

Big-bore-bob said:

Thanks for the replies, I was mostly wondering if I should increase my load .1 or so to get better ejection from the usp to match winchester white box performance. Running winchester factory ammo the ejection throws the case farther and has higher velocity over the chrono. My lyman manual has 5.8gr listed at max. Their coal is 1.275, its closer to what I'm using which is 1.260-1.265, their velocity is 850fps at max. No jams or FTE, FTF, the usp just threw hot brass down my shirt and that doesn't usually happen with factory ammo. I've already worked up the load it was with my 1911 though, mabye its sprung lighter. Just trying to gain some knowledge, thanks.

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Now we’re getting some useful information. The problem with reloading by consensus is, no two guns are alike. My 1911A1 Remington-Rand might work perfectly with 5.0gr W231 @ 1.230” and just about any 230gr bullet. In fact, it does. It also works beautifully with 5.0gr of Bullseye, Red Dot, 700X, and No.2. That doesn’t mean your Sig or HnK will. My Thompson Series 80 runs them fine but prefers a slower powder - Unique and No.5, specifically - and my Star M45 prefers a shorter COAL.
I just want to make sure you’re remembering what makes the load (components, length, powder charge, crimp) and where you can get into trouble really quickly if you’re not careful. Exchanging loading information - great idea! - Exchanging just the powder charges - bad idea!

With 230s I like 4.7-5.0gr. HP38/W231
4.7 shoots softer and makes a nice practice load, 5.0 is maybe a hair more accurate in my 2 .45s.

HP38 is my favorite .45 powder for practice, range ammo.

Dudedog said:

With 230s I like 4.7-5.0gr. HP38/W231
4.7 shoots softer and makes a nice practice load, 5.0 is maybe a hair more accurate in my 2 .45s.

HP38 is my favorite .45 powder for practice, range ammo.

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Me too. Shot some just this AM. 4.5 is smokey, 5.0’s not bad, but 4.7’s Goldilocks: 230grRN, 1.260”.

First thought is how does the slide spring weight compare? If you run the same load but one has a heavy spring, the slide velosity will be low and ejection will not be as dramatic. On the reverse a heavy spring keeps the slide from being beat up so that's not a bad thing either.

Dudedog said:

With 230s I like 4.7-5.0gr. HP38/W231
4.7 shoots softer and makes a nice practice load, 5.0 is maybe a hair more accurate in my 2 .45s.

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Agreed 100%!

CQB45ACP said:

4.5 is smokey, 5.0’s not bad, but 4.7’s Goldilocks: 230grRN, 1.260”.

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Agree again 100%. 4.7gr seems like it's just right with 230's.

chris

Big-bore-bob said:

Thanks geodudeflorida, and archangelcd, I need to learn to better formulate my questions with pertinent information that helps others understand what I'm asking. Those posts helped a lot! Thanks! I'm new to reloading but I've been shooting a long time ( my dad is a retired gunny from the marines, so gun safety and good marksmanship was drilled into me at an early age) safety, care and function of firearms, and accuracy are my top priorties while reloading. I don't mind hearing the same info over and over it makes for better training I think. Thanks again for the info!

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Never be afraid to ask all the questions you have. There are many knowledgeable reloaders on this forum and they are willing to share...

Big-bore-bob said:

I loaded up 50 rounds at 5.5gr hp38, COAL 1.2610-1.2635, cci 300 primers, new starline brass, RMR 230gr fmj, also loaded 50 at 5.4gr same components and specs. Going to chrono and accuracy test these loads along side winchester white box 230gr fmj this weekend if it stops raining. I'm looking for consistent velocity and ejection using a hk usp and sig 1911 emperor scorpion. I'm interested to see how they compare.

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I'm fairly sure you will be happy with both. The OAL you're using will also work.well IMO. Don't forget the range report...

I have a couple pounds of Titegroup to use first, but how about a light-mild hp38 load with 200 gr lead / coated bullets?

5.0gn of HP-38 and Berry’s plated RN is like peanut butter and jelly

Nature Boy said:

5.0gn of HP-38 and Berry’s plated RN is like peanut butter and jelly

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What weight bullet?