45 Steel loads

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Jeff H

Jeff H

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For those of you shooting steel or any other speed game where you don't need a power factor, how light are you willing to go with a charge to aid in fast shooting?

All of my 230gr lead loads are loaded up with 5.2gr of HP-38 for USPSA or bowling pins, but I want something considerably lighter for steel I think. At least that is my excuse for my slow times :D

I'm going to load up several test batches from 4-5 grains of HP-38 (all under the starting load) pushing a 200gr LSWC and see what works best, but any insight you knowledgeable folks might have might save me some time.

I don't have any lighter 1911 recoil springs in my possession ATM, but if I can go a lot lighter with weaker springs, that might be something to consider.

Comments/opinions?
 
I have found 4.3 gr 231/HP38 cycles all my 1911's with a 230 gr TC cast bullet. Less than that became a cycling problem. I had to go to 4.5 gr for my Taurus OSS to cycle. For the 200 LSWC, you will just have to see how your gun does. You also might consider WST which is what I use for my 216 gr LSWC. All with standard 16# springs.
 
Your pistol set up to shoot SWC's?
Never used HP38 myself. 4.5 grains of Bullseye with a cast 230 RN or FP works just fine for plates or pins. Happens to be a scary accurate target load too.
 
I'm down to 3.8gr of Bullseye and a 200gr SWC. Accurate, light, and it cycles my Springfield with a stock spring.
 
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