185 gr. or 200 gr. .45 SWC

[ilmonster]

I am picking up a new 1911 in .45 (buying one again, this would be my third 1911). When I owned my last .45, I shot factory ammo. Now that I reload (.38/.357, .44 and 9mm) on a SDB, I am going to pick up some new dies for .45 and begin reloading for it too. This will only be used for punching paper, so I'm wondering if there is any reason to go with a 185 gr. SWC vs. a 200 gr. SWC? Powder is HP-38 and I'd probably get the bullets from Missouri Bullet Co.
Thanks!

 

[Walkalong]

I have used both, still have and shoot some of both, and tend to prefer the 200 Gr SWC over the 185 Gr SWC, but would be happy with either.

I would suggest starting with the 200 Gr SWC. With those and HP-38/W-231 it will be a breeze throwing together a good load.

 

[vonrichthofen]

185 is OK

The 185 gr LSWC are nice. Noticeably less recoil - you might need a slightly weaker spring to get the slide to cycle, but that's no problem. Mikey likes it - give it a try - you'll be glad you did.

 

[LiveLife]

+1 to Walkalong's comment.

I have shot 185 gr SWC Bullseye #2 (12 BHN)/IDP #3 (18 BHN) along with 200 gr SWC Bullseye #1 (12 BHN)/IDP #1 (18 BHN) with W231/HP-38.

For Sig 1911/RIA Tactical/M&P45, the 185 gr SWC loaded and shot well but my favorite is the 200 gr SWC and 5.0 gr W231/HP-38. If you are shooting lighter target load, I would suggest trying the softer 12 BHN Bullseye #1.

 

[noylj]

The 200gn is consistently more accurate to me.
The only 185gn bullets that are particularly accurate in my guns or 185gn JHP and Zero 185gn swaged L-SWCHP.
Get any H&G #68 L-SWC clone (long nose, not a button-nose) and you'll be happy.
Any charge from 4.2-5.2gn 231/HP38 will be very good.

 

[ljnowell]

I prefer a 200gr LSWC. Preferably loaded over 4.6gr 700x or 5.4gr AA#2.

 

[ilmonster]

Thanks for the replies! I was leaning towards the 200 gr. LSWC with around 5.0 grains of HP-38 for a moderate target load to punch nice crisp holes in paper. Probably will go with the 12 BHN bullets from MBC. Now I need to order a SDB die set from Dillon to get things moving.

 

[sellersm]

I'd do the same thing you're doing: 200 gr SWC, right around 5gr of HP38/W231. No spring changes needed.