45 auto softball load with N340 or HP-38?

[PO2Hammer]

Looking to load 45 auto with the Speer 230 TMJ RN. Speer data gives a max of 6.3 grains N340 and 6.2 for W231 (HP-38).
I've seen a few reports of inconsistencies with N340 downloaded in .45 auto.
Anyone have poor results with N340 in 45 auto?
Have a pet load with N340?
Have a pet load with HP-38?
I would prefer to use N340 because I use it for 357 loads otherwise I'll be using HP-38.
If anyone has experience with either powder in 45 softball load I would love to hear it.

 

[ATLDave]

I mean, "357 load" and "45 softball load" are almost as far apart as two pistol loads can be from a powder perspective? You want N320 or even N310 from the vit' powders for the 45 target loads.

 

[reddog81]

Are you looking for light loads or max loads? you mention 6.2 grains as a Speer max load, however the Hodgdon (the powder manufacturer) lists the max as 5.3 with a start of 4.2.

VV uses a range of 5.8 and 6.6. The 5.8 grain load lists the velocity as 820 FPS. My Lyman manual lists the start load at 5.9 grains with a velocity of 742 FPS. I'd have no concern using N340 at those levels. I have used N320 in light loads with success, but not N340.

 

[Locochief]

Hodgdon reloading shows a max load of 5.3 gr of 231/HP38 for 230gr fmj.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Not looking for max loads or powder puffs, just taking the edge off the recoil.

 

[Walkalong]

6.2 Grs of N-340 and a Remington Golden Saber @ 1.245 +/- OAL with a WLP primer gave me 851 Avg FPS from a 5" SA 1911. 85 Degrees. Shot great, very clean. A max load IMHO. The 2011 PDF goes to 6.4 with a 230 FMJ at 1.260 OAL.

If you want light to medium loads in .45 ACP then N-310 and N-320 are very hard to beat. So is 5.0 Grs W-231/HP-38.

6.2 Grs of W-231/HP-38 with a 230 Gr bullet is very stout, and over today's data listed by Hodgdon online. I wouldn't go over 5.5 with a 230 Gr FMJ at 1.260 to 1.265 OAL

 

[Dudedog]

So is 5.0 Grs W-231/HP-38.

I go back and forth between 4.7 and 5gr of HP38
4.7 is a little softer of course.
Both shoot well.
N320 worked well for me in .45 but harder to find and more $.
4.7 or 5gr of HP38 with a 230 is my goto load in .45.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

6.2 Grs of N-340 and a Remington Golden Saber @ 1.245 +/- OAL with a WLP primer gave me 851 Avg FPS from a 5" SA 1911. 85 Degrees. Shot great, very clean. A max load IMHO. The 2011 PDF goes to 6.4 with a 230 FMJ at 1.260 OAL.

If you want light to medium loads in .45 ACP then N-310 and N-320 are very hard to beat. So is 5.0 Grs W-231/HP-38.

6.2 Grs of W-231/HP-38 with a 230 Gr bullet is very stout, and over today's data listed by Hodgdon online. I wouldn't go over 5.5 with a 230 Gr FMJ at 1.260 to 1.265 OAL

I have no local access to VV powders so I can't comment on that. I can however backup what Walkalong posted. My normal 230gr 45 ACP load is also 5.5gr W231/HP-38. My light range load 5.0gr W231 under a 230gr bullet. Both are extremely accurate in my guns. OAL is between 1.255" and 1.265". I have a +P load to but I won't post it here but it's similar to above.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I mean, "357 load" and "45 softball load" are almost as far apart as two pistol loads can be from a powder perspective? You want N320 or even N310 from the vit' powders for the 45 target loads.

You must be assuming I meant full power 357, I did not. Medium speed powders like N340 or Unique work great in 357, especially with 125's. Unique is also one of the most popular powders for 45 acp. Unique is N340's American counterpart.

I have N310 and like it with 185's, just wanted to go with something slower for this particular load.

Looks like I'll go with HP-38 for reduced loads in 45 auto (HP-38 also works great in 357)

Thanks all.