231 Loads for Round Nose Flat Point ?

[ulflyer]

I have 45 acp 205gr RNFP lead bullets to load with 231. Can't find good match in Lymans 49th, but have loaded some light with 3.6gr 231 that cycle the slides of my Sig GSR and Kahr P45. Does anyone have any info on what the maximum charge might be? Not looking to load ones, just would feel better with more accurate data.

 

[Walkalong]

I would load them to around 1.220 (Adjust as needed) and use 200 Gr data. Start low and work up. Do you have a chrono? This will help let you know when you need to back off. Pay attention the the distance it throws brass etc.

As long as the OAL is reasonable and the bullet isn't seated really deep, 200 Gr lead RN data will be fine. 200 Gr SWC data might be closer.

 

[ulflyer]

I do have a chrono but its too cold outside now. The 3.6gr I've loaded so far are set at 1.19 which puts the lube ring just below the case mouth. Seems to function well in my guns although some are tossed in my face. Probably should
up the load to perhaps 4.0 to get better ejection. Or do it incrementally.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hodgdon is using a starting charge weight of 4.4gr with W231 and a 200gr LSWC bullet so 3.6gr is probably extremely light, too light a charge. I would reconsider using that light a charge in the future.

When I load a 200gr LSWC bullet in the 45 Auto my charge of W231 is well over 5.0gr.

 

[hdbiker]

231

a .45 acp 200 grain bullet should run about 800 or just over fps with 5 grains of 231.It does in my 1911.

 

[stubbicatt]

At 4.4 grains 231 using LSWC 200 grain bullets I get unburned powder in the barrel of my 1911, and lots of it in the chambers/charging holes of my revolver. I upped the charge to 4.7 and all is well. I would think a load in that range would work for you, OP.

 

[Sunray]

Yep, use cast 200 grain data. Five grains won't matter. 4.4 to 5.6 according to Hodgdon's site. So 3.6 grains of 231 is below minimum for a 200.

 

[ulflyer]

While the 3.6gr of 231 & 200 RNFP has worked very well in my Sig 1911 and Kahr P45, other than the Sig tossing some in my face, I've upped it to 4.5 and popped several off the back porch just to see how they felt. Certainly a noticeable diff in recoil, but not bad. When WX breaks I'll give them a better try. I know they will function my buddy's H&K nicely as it didn't like the 3.6gr at all...didn't have enough oomph to work the slide reliably.

Meanwhile, I"ve used up my supply of RNFP's, bought back when they were
$20 for 500, and have 500 205gr SWC, and 500 225gr TPF left to use.
I worked up 4 of each at 4.5gr 231 to see if my Kahr would cycle them and it did, with the 225's having a bit more recoil. Might work those down a bit when I start on that box.

Any suggestions for a source of least expensive plinkers? Am thinking I'd like to go with plated bullets next.