45 acp 200 gr PB SWC load with W 231

[SSN Vet]

I've loaded Missouri Bullets 200 gr SWC over 5.1 gr of W231 in the past, with decent results, but would like to hear what others might recommend for 25 yd paper punching with a 1911 set up for bulls eye type target use only. I have a reduced power recoil spring I can switch too if need be.

Planning to stick with W231.

 

[Jim Watson]

I got as low as 4.4 gr HP38 (Allee Samee 231) with a 200 gr .45 SWC for 707 fps.
Anything less and the extreme spread ran away.

 

[SSN Vet]

Any other pet loads out there? Or do all the bulls eye competitors use the super fast powders (Bulls Eye, Tightgroup, etc....)

 

[Hondo 60]

The problem is, every gun is different!
Even ones that are sequentially serial numbered. (one right after the other)

So what works perfectly in my gun, may or may not be as good in yours.
Working up the data is the only way to zero in on perfection in your gun.

Sorry, but there is no easier way.

Besides, what a GREAT excuse to get in some range time.

 

[Jim Watson]

When I wanted to load very light .45ACP for IDPA ESP, I tried this and that and settled on good old Bullseye. If you don't mind paying more, Vihtavuori N310 is a good fast burning light load powder. But as I already said, HP38 (W231) was fine down to 707 fps. And you have it on hand.

 

[MichaelK]

My favorate is Lyman's 200grain SWC 452460 cast in #2 alloy. I load that with 10.0 grains of Blue Dot. This load gets 2.0" groups at 25 yards.

 

[Blue68f100]

My favorite is 4.1 gr WST behind the MBC BE#1. This is actually good for the long range too. My gun will function with a std RS but I run a 14# due to slide mounded optics.

 

[dakotaduke]

My go to load is 5 grains Win 231 with the 200 SWC bullet; very accurate. The attached photo was my first five shot string the other night.

 

[splattergun]

I'm still fussing with my .45 loads, trying 231, Red Dot and my new found stash of Unique. I got pretty good results with 4.5 gr 231 under a hard cast 200 gn LSWC from Bumblebee Bullets here in Utah. Easy shooting, fair accuracy, and brass just a yard from my right foot. I think I can improve the load for accuracy, though. Going to try a couple loads increased by .2 gn 231 each. Then on to Unique.