.45 ACP with 185 gr Berry flat-point loads...

[redactor]

Hello,

I've been trying to work up a reasonably accurate load with Berry's 185 gr flat-point bullets and W231 powder. Out of a 4" barrel, the best I can get was about a 6" 5-shot group at 25 yds. This was with 5.8 gr of W231. I've gone as low as 5.2 gr.

I basically treated these using the data in the Hornady manual listed for 185 gr FMJ-FP bullets... starting low and working up. I don't get any high-pressure signs at 5.8 gr, but I do notice a lot of flecks of hot powder being blown back in my face at that charge weight. That's a good sign to me that I don't need to push it any hotter.

I get significantly better results with 230 gr FMJ and 5.5 gr W231.

Does anybody have a pet load with these bullets? I've also got a pound of Unique that I could go with instead of the 231.

Thanks

 

[Walkalong]

Try the Berry's 185 Gr SWC or 185 Gr HBRN if you want an accurate 185 Gr bullet from Berry's.

My Colt will put the Berry's 185 Gr SWC or the 200 Gr HP in little tiny groups. I run the 185 SWC at around 850 FPS and the 200 HP a little over 800 FPS.

W-231 should work fine. If you are not getting good accuracy with it you may be pushing it too hard.

I like WST, Competition, N310 & N320 best in the .45 for lite to midrange loads, but W-231 is a good powder and should be giving better results.

 

[redactor]

I stand corrected on the charge weights now that I am at home with access to my notes.

5.9gr 231 as a starting point, and all the way up to 6.8 gr. The 6.8 was the most accurate at 7 yards, but out to 25 yards it is all over the place.

 

[jfh]

...The 6.8 was the most accurate at 7 yards, but out to 25 yards it is all over the place.

You realize that simply does not follow, I presume. IOW, it suggests other factors, like shooter input, is the variable.

Walkalong has it spot on. For accuracy, run the 185 or 200 SWCs, and in my 1911s 5.2 gr. is about the sweet spot.

Jim H.

 

[BAT1]

185 HBRN's

I've had good results with these loads. 4.8 gr tite group, 5 gr Bullseye, 6 gr of Unique, and 4-4.5 gr of Clays.

 

[Bailey Boat]

Also try 5.0 of HP-38, mixed cases and CCI regular primers.... That's MY favorite.....