.45 ACP load for SA XD 5" Barrel

[BHFG]

I'm getting ready to load my first rounds tonight. The dies are all set and now I need the right charge. The manuals say starting load is 7.8 with a max of 8.7. But I have read that the starting loads won't cycle the slide though. Since the range is about 30 miles away, I am hoping someone has some suggested loads I can start with.

Is there a recommendation for:
- 230 gr FMJ
- Winchester large pistol primer
- Accurate #5 powder
- Springfield XD .45 ACP w/5" barrel
- Once fired brass

If I start at the beginning and go up in 2% steps, there are seven different loads to try. If I do it that way, how many of each charge is it suggested I load at first till I find one that feels right and givres good accuracy?

Rick

 

[Walkalong]

Accurate is pretty generous with some of their max charges. I would load up a mag full of 8.0, 8.2, & 8.4 to start with. Test them and go from there carefully in .1 increments if you think all is well and need any more velocity/power. Many of us don't think that is work, we actually enjoy it and get bored when we don't have something to work up a load in.

I have shot 9.0 Grs with jacketed 200 Gr SWC's and it gave me right at 900 FPS from a 4" 1911. Pretty perky load, but AA goes to 9.7 Grs in their data!

I have shot 8.5 Grs AA #5 with Zero 230 Gr JHP's for a hair over 850 FPS on an 85 Degree day from a 4" 1911. That is as hard as I want to push a 230 Gr bullet.

I have loaded 9.4 Grs AA #5 with 200 Grain Gold Dots to test that bullet in my 3" CDP. On a 90+ degree day I got 919 FPS from a 4" CDP and 876 FPS from a 3" CDP. (This load is over Speer #13's data by .4 Grs! It is under Accurates data for a Sierra 200 Gr FPJ)

These loads appeared safe in my guns using my load procedure. Check the manuals and or reduce at least 10% to start. As stated, one of those loads is a good bit over Speer #13 Data.