.45 Rainier 200 gr SWC

[hms365]

I need some input from THR on some of my .45 ACP loads. I have seem to have run into some conflicting data that makes me wonder if I have some loads that are a little warm.

Data point #1 The current Rainier website says load to lead data or jacketed - 10%

Data point #2 My Speer #10 lists a lead 200 gr. SWC with WW231 4.6 - 5.0 gr. Velocity from a 5" barrel says 830 fps.

Data point #3 Rainier reloading data for 200 gr SWC, that is no longer posted, listed WW231 from 4.6 - 6.6 grains with velocities of 646 - 941 fps.

Data point #4 I actually loaded Rainiers 200 gr SWC with 6.0 gr of WW231. I chrony'ed 900 fps from a Sig P220.

It seems like #1 and 2 are in conflict with #3 and 4. Or can the above can be ignored and the real question is: Does 900 fps for a Rainier 200 gr SWC using a pistol powder sound like a reasonable load?

Thanks!!!

 

[PO2Hammer]

I don't know the answer, I load the 200 Rainier to 750-800 fps with Titegroup and VV N310.
I have a question for you if you don't mind.
What COAL are you using with your P220 and the 200 grain Rainier SWC's?
I've been loading mine to 1.240" and been getting a few failures to feed, high angle jams.
Had to give up on the 185 SWC's in the P220.

 

[Walkalong]

They shoot great. Load them at 1.260 to 1.265 with 5.0 Grs of W-231 and you can't go wrong.

Here is some plated bullet data. Be patient. Some of it loads slow. I suggest printing it out.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=6195350&postcount=11

Does 900 fps for a Rainier 200 gr SWC using a pistol powder sound like a reasonable load?

That's on the high end, but yea. I never shot them that fast, but was only looking for a nice plinking load. 850 is as fast as I wanted. 5.5 Grs of W-231 will get you closer to that. 5.0 Grs is a very pleasant plinking load.

Data from different sources often seems to conflict. One may be from a gun. One may be from a pressure barrel. Might be different barrel lengths. Different temps. Etc, etc.

 

[FullEffect1911]

Here is some plated bullet data. Be patient. Some of it loads slow. I suggest printing it out.

Thank you Walkalong for the plated links! Ive been looking for that old Rainier data.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Thanks (again) Walkalong. I've never seen that data.

I'll try to seat them out longer, but the P220 magazine is the limiting factor.
In a USP, I seat the out to 1.270" and they feed flawlessly.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have not loaded any Rainier bullets, but I have loaded a pile of Berry's 200gr plated SWC's with Power Pistol. 6.5 grains got me in the 840-875 fps range. 7.0 grains got me in the 915-940 fps range. Both shot very accurate. I ended up going with 6.5 grains.

 

[hms365]

Mine are seated to 1.255" OAL, and they have been good in the P220. My biggest problem has been my Springfield 1911. I can't get 8 rounds down the barrel without a nose up fail to feed.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Odd....I shoot mine out of a Springfield Loaded. It will shoot them 100%. My OAL is 1.230....Of course the Rainiers and Berry's may have a different profile.

 

[jja327]

I need some input from THR on some of my .45 ACP loads. I have seem to have run into some conflicting data that makes me wonder if I have some loads that are a little warm.

Data point #1 The current Rainier website says load to lead data or jacketed - 10%

Data point #2 My Speer #10 lists a lead 200 gr. SWC with WW231 4.6 - 5.0 gr. Velocity from a 5" barrel says 830 fps.

Data point #3 Rainier reloading data for 200 gr SWC, that is no longer posted, listed WW231 from 4.6 - 6.6 grains with velocities of 646 - 941 fps.

Data point #4 I actually loaded Rainiers 200 gr SWC with 6.0 gr of WW231. I chrony'ed 900 fps from a Sig P220.

It seems like #1 and 2 are in conflict with #3 and 4. Or can the above can be ignored and the real question is: Does 900 fps for a Rainier 200 gr SWC using a pistol powder sound like a reasonable load?

Thanks!!!

I am amazed at the differences in reloading data from various sources. I also tabulate and compare the load data but take a more conservative approach when selecting the starting load and working up.

I would not select a starting load which is a full grain over the max load of one of the sources even if other sources went higher.

 

[Steve C]

The disparity in the max load data can be explained by evaluating the bullets and the purpose they are intended to serve.

Speer's 200gr LSWC is a softer swagged bullet intended for shooting paper targets and are often used for Bullseye competition. Typically a velocity of around 800 fps is the maximum desired for the 50yd targets shot in this style competition. Faster velocities don't enhance accuracy and increase recoil which makes follow up shots in the timed and rapid fire portion of the match more difficult. Softer bullet can lead if driven too hard so for these reasons the Speer manual shows lower load levels.

If you where to look at Lyman's data for bullets produced using their 200gr LSWC molds you would find maximum loads in the 6.0 to 6.2gr range with W231.

With the harder cast bullets and copper clad bullets a shooter may wish to use these in a sport with a power factor to meet and heavier loads allow the added velocity needed.

I typically load 200gr bullets on top of 5.5grs of W231 for target shooting. This load with a 200gr LSWC cast bullet chrono'd at 797 fps.

 

[hms365]

Thanks Steve C

That comment makes perfect sense with all the data points.