45 acp recipe

[Nu2U]

Does anyone have a proven recipe for loading 45 acp using these components? Para Ordnance, P12-45 Limited. 3-1/2 inch barrel. I just want a reliable, but accurate load for general plinking at the range. Thank you all in advance.

Berry's Plated Bullets, 230 grain Round Nose
Winchester Large Pistol Primers WLP
Alliant Bullseye powder
Range brass, all Winchester headstamp

 

[LiveLife]

It would help to know the pistol if you are looking for more accurate loads as different barrels have different leade/freebore length which determines the max/working OAL.

Also, are you looking for lower velocity target/plinking load that is accurate or higher velocity load that will simply reliably cycle any 45 pistol whether it's got worn out recoil spring or new recoil spring.

 

[GaryL]

Not Berry's, but, I had a recipe with 4.7gr Bullseye behind a 230 gr FMJ that was pretty sweet shooting. That was a long time ago, and I moved away from using Bullseye in 45acp because of how empty the case seemed to be.

The Lyman's 49th shows 4.0gr Min and 5.0gr Max for a 225gr lead bullet, and 3.8gr Min to 5.3gr Max for a 230gr TMJ. So it's in the same ballpark.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

4.5 to 4.7 grains of Bullseye. Use either lead or plated 230 grain bullets. I've loaded literally tens of thousands of cartridges with that formula.

 

[Slamfire]

I am going to give a pitch for Bullseye. The original 45 ACP load used in the 1910 development cartridges was 5.0 grains Bullseye with a 230 FMJ. The velocity was specified to be 800 fps. This is a classic load, been used in at least two World Wars, multiple bush wars, and among Bullseye pistol shooters, it is a well known and well characterized Ball load.

I like faster burning powders in M1911's, the initial pressure peak is fast, but the pressure curve drops quick. So the action is given a swift kick at the beginning yet pressure drops at unlock, not accelerating the slide to levels that cause frame peening. Given that this powder is the original powder in this cartridge, it is a very safe bet that loads developed with it are going to function the pistol.

Your pistol is a short barreled thing and I do not have any experience with them. I have lots of experience with the 5" versions. I have shot shorties and the ones I shot were temperamental at the range, don't know if that is a characteristic or not.

I know some claim that you should use cast lead bullet data with plated bullets, but I had function issues with my plated bullets at the low end. I was testing target loads and my pistol would not function with my 25 yard rapid fire cast bullet load. The plated bullets functioned with my 50 yard load, which was a half grain more of Bullseye. So, be aware, plated bullets require some tinkering.

I would try your 230 plated with 4.5 grains Bullseye and then 5.0 grains Bullseye before trying any 4.0 grains or less.


Kimber Custom Classic M1911

230 LFN Bull-X 3.5 grs Bullseye Mixed Brass WLP
OAL 1.20" taper crimp .469"
8-Jan-06 T = 61 °F
Ave Vel =643.6
Std Dev =14.07
ES = 63.63
High = 679.9
Low = 616.3
N = 32

shot a little high Pistol cycled each shot



230 LFN Bull-X 4.0 grs Bullseye Mixed Brass WLP

OAL 1.20" taper crimp .469"
8-Jan-06 T = 61 °F

Ave Vel =715.9
Std Dev =11.45
ES = 48.32
High = 742.9
Low = 694.8
N = 32
shot a little low


230 gr LRN 4.0 grs Bullseye Mixed Brass WLP

OAL 1.250" taper crimp .469"

29-Jan-06 T = 68 °F
Ave Vel =698.8
Std Dev =10.19
ES = 36.33
High = 713.5
Low = 677.1
N = 28

Little High = put close point of aim V. Accurate

230 gr LRN 4.5 grs Bullseye Mixed Brass WLP
21-Jun-06 T = 97 °F
OAL 1.250" taper crimp .469"
Ave Vel = 805.2
Std Dev =11.4
ES=54.08
High=836.9
Low=782.8
N =32

230 gr FMJ (R-P) 5.0 grs Bullseye 99' & 2005 mixed lot Mixed Brass WLP (brass) OAL 1.265" taper crimp .469"

12-Dec-11 T= 53 °F

Ave Vel =793.5
Std Dev =18.92
ES = 61.99
High = 817.4
Low = 755.4
N = 16

 

[4evernbljns]

I've had a p-12 for yrs. and it wasn't until I retired and became more involved in shooting and starting reloading,doing a lot of reading and researching I found the problem w/the unreliable feed and ejection of my para p-12. IT WAS ME. The little beast requires a gorilla grip to function. I also limit the bullet I use in it to plated/fmj ball or plated flat nose,no lead SWC's. I seat my bullets between 1.23"-1.245". I also have polished feed ramp and use tripp followers in the mags.I've made a few other modifications(ismi spring kit from EGW,square bottom firing pin stop,egw barrel bushing,etc.) Very interesting handgun to shoot,but too heavy for concealed carry unless I wear the galco shoulder holster w/two counterwgt mags. Don't give up on it,I'm very pleased w/mine. I have found that HP-38 w/200gr works well,also a faster burning powder like HS-6 seems to work well w/185gr. I don't shoot 230gr in the p-12 because the recoil is too much for me from the compact pistol.

 

[JohnnyFlake]

In my Springfield 1911 .45acp Commander 4" barrel, I like using Barry's 230gn copper plated bullets over 4.8gn of Bullseye. Very accurate load for my gun! I also use WLPPs.

 

[RecoilRob]

Does your powder measure throw accurate charges with Bullseye...every time? Mine just doesn't play nice with the large flake powders so much and will short one now and then...so watch out for that. If you find any issues with charges throwing off weight...which is VERY important with Bullseye...maybe 231 would be a better choice as it throws well in every measure I've ever seen.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Just a note on Bullseye being the original 45 ACP powder. Just because it was first doesn't make it the best. At the time is was one of only a few smokeless powders in existence. While there are probably proven loads available for the components you list why name the gun? No one can tell you what will be accurate in your gun. Bullseye will work and work well but it's not your only choice and may not be most accurate in your handgun.

If you decide to change powders I charge 5.5gr W231/HP-38 under any 230gr bullet and those loads are accurate in every 45 ACP handgun I shoot.

 

[the Black Spot]

5 gr bullseye pretty standard with 230 grain pill.

 

[Walkalong]

Bullseye is a small flake powder so it meters well, and is one of the all time favorites in .45 ACP, so you're good to go.

As posted, W-231 is another great choice. A small flattened ball powder that meters well. 5.0 for plinkers, 5.5 for closer to factory.

 

[studenygreg]

I normally use 4.5gr of titegroup with 230gr berrys plated RN bullets. It runs in every .45acp pistol I have.

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