45 ACP 155 LSWC Load

[russ45]

I am looking for some experience with other powders for 1911 5-inch using 155 LSWC. I am currently using 4.8 grains BE and 4.8 Trail Boss. Have tried lower charges, but 4.8-5.2 gives good accuracy with lowest recoil. Lower charges do not stabilize. Trail Boss and BE seem to be about the same grain-for-grain. I wonder if a slower powder would give me enough velocity with a lower charge. Trail Boss seems a little softer on the recoil with the same good accuracy, maybe because it is slightly slower than BE, and it does not lead as much as BE. Someone told me 4.5 grains Unique works, but that seems awfully light. Any experience with 155 grain LSWC will be of interest. I don't want any info. on any other bullets, just other powders with this bullet.

 

[rcmodel]

Not sure how you get a 1911 to feed or cycle that light / short a bullet with light loads.

Been my experiance 185 is as low as I want to mess with for proper functioning target ammo.

rc

 

[dwave]

Maybe he has a lighter spring?

I did that with my Delta Elite for lighter loads. Just a thought though.

 

[rcmodel]

I know it would have to be a lighter spring.

The Gold Cup & centerfire bullseye guns used a lighter spring with 185 grain mid-range match ammo.

But even then, any lighter spring then that and the slide wouldn't always shut reliably unless the gun was kept very clean & oiled.

It also seems to me a 155 grain .45 ACP bullet would be so short it would be about like feeding empty cases.

rc

 

[russ45]

Thanks for the replies. The 155 LSWC nose length is very nearly the same as the 185 LSWC, which I also shoot. I use 3.5 grains of BE with the 185 and a 12-lb spring. I have used bullets that were too short and I know what you are saying there. I use the 16-lb spring with the 155. The shoulder is just enough over the case to get a good crimp - same for the 185. Feeds well in my Model 70. I hardly shoot over 100 rounds between cleanings. Thanks again.

 

[243winxb]

the hodgdon website list 14 powders for the 155gr lswc in 45acp

 

[russ45]

OK then can someone relate to me a comparison of the Alliant powders as well as Trail Boss to those Hodgdon powders based on their experience with the 155 grain bullet weight? I do not have a chrony, but maybe that is the way to do it. The published velocities are just a guide and actual experience tells more about it.

 

[robriboflavin]

Super Target and 231 are also good choices for lighter loads - I think WST is a little cleaner, but YMMV. I never had any real feed problems with the 155's as the OAL is pretty close to "normal" 200gr LSWC.

 

[Floppy_D]

I did some digging, and this link discusses recipes for that bullet weight, along with results and velocities. The obvious disclaimer of "internet reloading recipes are for reference only, consult a loading manual or manufacturer for safe data" applies. They cite a couple manuals specifically, maybe look for those manuals? Good luck, be safe.

 

[russ45]

That link had some good info. in it. Thanks. Bushwhacker sounded interesting, but I've not seen that powder.

 

[russ45]

I read that thread again when I had more time. That powder was Promo, and I know what that is. I have some bullets loaded up with 4.0 grains of Clays, so I'll try the faster powder. Anyway, this gives me some things to try and there is obviously not much use of this bullet. Also might try some 231 or HP-38 with a comp.

 

[bluetopper]

Seems to me you would need a good bit more than 4.0gr of Clays. That's the load I use for 200 gr.bullets and it is still not max.

 

[Devon]

Ive been using them for years, first in the combat elite that I regrettably sold, then in my commander, and most recently in a laser aim .45. I seat them to an oal of 1.230 over anywhere from 5.0 to 7.8 gr. of unique. The 5.0 loading requires the use of an eleven pound recoil spring to cycle the action and the empties just fall next to my right foot.

 

[russ45]

Devon, how is the leading using 5.0 grains of unique? Last time I used unique, it left unburnt powder in my gun. Probably had the charge too low and the primer blew over the powder. Thanks, this is the kind of information I'm looking for.

 

[Devon]

I had some leading in the LaserAim but none in 1911's, might have had something to do with the ported barrel?

 

[russ45]

Good info. I'll play around with unique. I have a good source for the 155 LSWC and want to find the best load that is accurate and low recoil without a comp. and not much leading. I don't know why the comp. would make it lead more unless maybe it builds up more pressure behind the bullet.