.45 ACP 230g HST Loading

[Bad Dog 1973]

I just got my hands on some pulled 230g HST bullets. Can anyone help with load data? I have Power Pistol, CFE, and Unique. I’d like to use one of these, but not opposed to a different powder either. My purpose is a defense load, and data for this is scarce.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You are in luck, the 45 ACP is not all that hard to load for. All three powders you have with work with Unique and CFE-Pistol being best IMO. I use a lot of W231 in the 45 ACP.

I don't like to give load data often because numbers can be written in error plus you should not trust strangers on the NET, always try to verify the data.

You can get data for CFE-Pistol on the Hodgdon Load Data Site.
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

You can get data for Unique and Power Pistol on the Alliant site.
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/recipedetail.aspx?gtypeid=1&weight=230&shellid=35&bulletid=69
The charge weights on the Alliant site are the max charge weights. To find the starting charge weights reduce those numbers by 10%.

I hope this helps. Others will be along soon to add to what I posted.
Welcome to the forum.

 

[Charlie98]

I've loaded the same 6.5grn Unique under any 230grn bullet... cast or jacketed... for about 25 years... it seems to work pretty good, and duplicates factory ammo in my 4" 1911's. That is a max load, and you should work up to it, however.

I am not a big fan of handloads for defensive ammo, however, but that's your decision.

 

[Bad Dog 1973]

I've loaded the same 6.5grn Unique under any 230grn bullet... cast or jacketed... for about 25 years... it seems to work pretty good, and duplicates factory ammo in my 4" 1911's. That is a max load, and you should work up to it, however.

I am not a big fan of handloads for defensive ammo, however, but that's your decision.

Thanks for the tip. I’ve been loading on the lighter side with 5.8 and seating at 1.20 for RMR’s RN PLATED. I also loaded some hydroshock with CFE POWDER. I live quite a distance from a range and was just trying to save some time and material for a suggested starting point.