230gr JHP + 231 = not found in Lyman #48

[Snowdog]

I just received my Lyman's manual and Rainier 230gr HPs. Interestingly, there are no recipies involving both 230gr JHPs/FMJs and Winchester 231 (the only powder I have currently).

For those who use 231 for their .45acp autos, how much 231 do I need to push a jacketed 230gr HP to 875-900 FPS out of a 5" 1911? With these HPs, I do believe a stout velocity will be needed for even the possibility of expansion. For the record, I'm using Winchester brass and primers.

Also, do the Rainier HPs qualify as "jacketed" bullets, or copper washed. I ask as the bullets I received seem to have a fairly thick layer of copper, more so than any other copper-washed bullet I've seen.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mal H]

No, Rainier bullets are not jacketed and should not be loaded as such. Although, in general, you won't have a major problem if you do since most jacketed loads are actually lighter for a given weight bullet than the equivalent velocity Rainier load.

They are also not a copper washed bullet, more like a copper plated bullet. You can generally use loads geared toward the hard lead bullet with them.

 

[grendelbane]

I seriously doubt that you can reach the velocities that you want with 231. It is a good powder for the .45 ACP, but the maximum Winchester gives is probably going to produce lower 800 type speeds in most 5" guns.

Power Pistol will reach the velocity that you want at a reasonable pressure. The Alliant website gives load data, as does Winchester.

There is a lot of flash with Power Pistol. That is its major drawback. Very easy powder to load.

 

[HSMITH]

Expansion with the Ranier is hit or miss, you can't count on it at any velocity. Get a good bullet if you need expansion.

 

[Dave P]

My std load with 230 lead bullets is 5.7 gr W231. Sometimes 5.4 grains.

I think that gave me 850 fps from a fullsize kimber.

 

[Master Blaster]

Winchester data on its web site:

http://www.winchester.com/pdf/CatalogPDF/page27.pdf

You might also call ranier and ask for data.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I use 5.5gr of W231 for range loads under Rainer plated bullets. Shoots well out of my Kimber and Bersa.

 

[scuba-man]

Here is 231 data from Rainier Ballistics web site. They list some pretty stout loads.

I've recovered 230 TCJ bullets fired with their data and they didn't show any signs of stripping the rifling. My load of 8.2 gr of HS-6 was very accurate using Fed 150 primers, Remington cases, and 230 gr Rainier TCJ bullets. I've just loaded up some with the same components except for 5.7 gr 231.

I haven't had a chance to chrono these loads yet. My new chrono should be here next week.

 

[Steve C]

W231 is a good powder for moderate and target velcity loads but is a little fast for 875 fps with a 230gr bullet.

I'd suggest gettng a can of Unique. 6.3 to 6.5grs of Unique should give you what your looking for. Another option would be AA#5.

 

[Wilburs Horse]

W231 is a good powder for moderate and target velcity loads but is a little fast for 875 fps with a 230gr bullet.

I'd suggest gettng a can of Unique. 6.3 to 6.5grs of Unique should give you what your looking for. Another option would be AA#5.

If his book says Olin 231 is it the same powder?