.45 ACP for Carbines

[jonnyc]

I'm building a .45 ACP carbine on an Enfield action. I already load the caliber for my 1911 and 1917, but I'd like to take advantage of the bolt-action and longer barrel, if possible. Has anyone experimented with different powders and bullets to get a carbine load more effective than factory standard or +P pistol loads?

 

[Dienekes]

No, but I have a #4 Mk.1* with a bad barrel that would be a candidate for that. Where did you get the kit?

As to the .45 ACP, I've been loading it for a long time. I think that the best you could do would be a +P 185 grain JHP. I would personally be leery of brewing up some super-special loads that were indistinguishable from run of the mill loads. Murphy and all that.

 

[GRIZ22]

anyone experimented with different powders and bullets to get a carbine load more effective than factory standard or +P pistol loads?
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The Enfield action is stronger than a 1911 or similar pistol. Keep in mind the brass is designed for a certain maximum pressures. Exceeding these limits can get you in trobule.

I think if you want a +P 45 cal in a carbine build it in 45-70. Plenty of room to work there.

 

[gunnie]

..."I think that the best you could do would be a +P 185 grain JHP."...

@ 86 degrees/56% humidity about 1000-1100fps with 230 gr ball from a 16" bbl, standard pressure winch white box ammo. lighter loadings will realize more velocity increases. but most of them are mfgd for 4-5" bbl fps muz-vel expansion in HP flavor. beware that this could become a real HP disentegration problem driven at the dramaticly increased fps.

gunnie

 

[jonnyc]

All good points and info, thanks.
I also got a suggestion to use .45 Super brass.

Dienekes, I ordered the kit from "Special Interest Arms", on the net. I think the biggest issue will be removing the old barrel. I'll be trying that this week.