45 ACP 185 gr LSWC Load Data

[Pw]

Hi all, I actually have 2 questions. In my Lyman 49th, can I use 200 gr LSWC Load Data for the 185 Gr LSWC Long nose and what would be a good starting OAL? Perhaps around the 1.250 mark? Bullseye and 231 is what I plan on using too.

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, you can use 200 data with 185 bullets..

No idea what the OAL should be, and don't care anyway.

You seat SWC so you have about a thumbnail thickness of the front driving band shoulder sticking out of the case.

Whatever that OAL is?, is the correct OAL for that SWC.

rc

 

[LiveLife]

+1. Regardless of what the published OAL was used in the test barrel fixtures to measure average max chamber pressures, you should always use your own pistol/barrel/magazine to determine the Max OAL/Ideal OAL that will feed/chamber reliably in your pistol.

There is no current load data from Hodgdon for 185 gr lead SWC, just for jacketed SWC.

185 gr Hornady Jacketed SWC W231/HP-38 .451" OAL 1.135" Start 5.0 gr (762 fps) 12,000 CUP - Max 5.9 gr (906 fps) 15,800 CUP

Here's 1999 Winchester load data for 180/200 gr lead SWC bullet and W231.

This is current 45ACP load data from Alliant for Bullseye

Perhaps 2004 Alliant load data may help

 

[Pw]

Thanks all! Have some good starting points for this adventure.

 

[Jim..]

I would weigh 3-4 bullets begfore you start reloading. Also, if you are using a Lee factory crimp die you had better get some accurate info on using it. I bought one for my 45acp and it made all the bullets loose in the case. So now I don't use any crimp die except a light crimp from the seater die.

Remember to check how tight the bullets are before firing. I would load a few and then check them all, plus put them in your mag. and take them outside and run them through the action to make sure them chamber right and eject without a problem.

Its a really big pain to load up a couple hundred bullets only to find out they won't function in your firearm.

 

[LightningMan]

I'm using American select with 4.8 grains, using Suter's Choice 185 gr. SWC while holding a 1.165 OAL. I've found depending on the SWC bullet, you may have to use your barrel of your pistol for a gage as to how long of an OAL you can have. Example; The Alliant reloaders guide shows for a 185 gr. SWC, a 1.190 OAL, but this is to long for my gun as it will not fully chamber. I had to keep seating it deeper till it would, and thats where I came up with 1.165 for my OAL. The Suter's Choice bullet must have a shorter nose than what was used for the Alliant guide. LM

 

[mstreddy]

I recently contacted Alliant powders for data on loading 185gr Lead SWC and Unique. This data was emailed in response:
Alliant Powder - Ask the Expert Form
45 Auto

180/185 gr Lead

Bullseye start 4.5 grs max 5.7 grs
Unique start 5.5 grs max 7 grs
Power Pistol start 6.5 grs max 7 grs

185 gr Jacketed Hornady XTP

Bullseye start 4.5 grs
max 6 grs
Unique start 5.5 grs max 7.5 grs
Power Pistol start 7.4 grs max 8.2 grs

200 gr Lead

Bullseye start 4.5 grs max 5.3 grs
Unique start 5 grs max 6.5 grs
Power Pistol start 6.3 grs max 6.8 grs

200 gr Jacketed Speer Gold Dot

Bullseye start 5 grs max 5.6 grs
Unique start 6.5 grs max 7 grs
Power Pistol start 7 grs max 8 grs

230 gr lead or Jacketed

Bullseye start 4 grs max 5 grs
Unique start 5.5 grs max 6.5 grs
Power Pistol start 6 grs max 6.5 grs

Note: Always start with the minimum recommended powder charge and be sure they will properly cycle the action of your pistol before reloading a quantity.