.45ACP 185gr. LSWC-HP???

[HiWayMan]

I recently aquired a S&W 625-10 .45ACP revolver. I have found that it shoots POA/POI with 185 grainers. National Bullet Company in East Lake, OH has a new 185gr LSWC-HP bullet available. I am curious what everyone's opinion of this bullet would be for defensive purposes?

I know the .357 158gr. LSWC-HP has a definite following amoungst the .38spcl snub crowd, and I have a feeling it may be because of the bullet design. I can come up with very few, if any negatives concerning this bullet. On the plus side there is a clean .451 diameter hole, a hollow point design to aid expansion, and 185gr of soft lead.

 

[W Turner]

I think it would work great as a defensive round, but some beleive that there are liability issues associated with a self-defense shooting involving reloaded ammunition.

I personally would not mind carrying my reloads for protection, but there is no need since all of the calibers I shoot/carry have more than adequate commercial loadings available. There are also great self-defense loadings available for the .45acp without resorting to using reloads. I personally woudl look at Doubletap ammo for the .45acp. Great velocity and penetration with less than +P pressures.


W

 

[halvey]

but some beleive that there are liability issues associated with a self-defense shooting involving reloaded ammunition.

And they can never site the case where this was a problem.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

No matter what you do, some shyster will try to make something of it. If you handload, it's because you wanted to whip up something "even deadlier" than factory ammo. If you use factory ammo, it's because it's "even more deadly" than your handloads.

 

[Bulldozer]

I have an old bullet mold from Lyman that my father used before he passed. It was for 185-grain LSWC-HP. He loaded them for his 1917 revolver.

If the .38 load is any indication, I'd say the .45 load would be a winner.

 

[moxie]

National Bullet's webpage doesn't show a 185 LSWC-HP, or a 158 gr. LSWC-HP in .38. Most 185 LSWCs I'm aware of are not hollowpoints. Are you referring to 148 gr. .38 special HBWCs? They are definitely not recommended for self defense, even if you turn them around as some would recommend. For self defense, I'd recommend jacketed hollow point bullets. With the 625, a big and heavy revolver, there's no reason to use 185 gr. bullets. Use 230s. I'd recommend any of the modern 230 JHPs, such as Golden Saber BJHPs, Speer Gold Dots, or Federal Hydra-Shoks. If you can get ahold of the bullets, and are confident of your reloading skills, go for it. You want about 900 fps for a self defense round in this weight. Or, just buy some ready-made. Those three are about the best out there right now. Except for in-home use, then the ideal round is Glaser Blue. If your 625 is shooting point of aim with 185s, 230s will hit a little high, but rear sight adjustment is a piece of cake.

 

[HiWayMan]

moxie-

I have included the link that shows this bullet does exist.
http://nationalbullet.com/22.html

I appreciate the help and load suggestions, however, my 625 is not a heavy gun. I have the 625-10, which is the Performance Center's bastardized idea of a Fitz Special. It only tips the scales at roughly 24oz. Nor does it have an adjustable rear sight. If it did I would gladly use the 230gr, but it is punishing enough with the 185s. Not trying to be pissy, just stating the facts.

 

[moxie]

Ah, I didn't notice the swaged bullets section. Now that I'm back on course and I know you have the light 625, I'd agree with 185 gr. bullets but still recommend against the lead and for the JHPs. In this case my favorite bullet is the Rem. BJHP Golden Saber and if you buy the factory loading I'd recommend the +P variety as the bullet needs all the steam it can get out of a short barrel like that. Ammobank is running a pretty good price on them right now:
http://www.ammobank.com/cgi-bin/csh...genumber.ptx=1&cartridge_gauge.ctx=.45 ACP +P

I use the Rem. 185+Ps in my Star PD at 25 Oz. and it is a little snappier than non- +P loads, but very manageable. Practice with the 185 SWCs.
For in-house use the Glaser Blue is still tops.

 

[Tacoma]

Just a note that I've found SWC's , and particularly the lighter ones , to need coaxing into the chamber when in full moons. Something with tapered/round sides seems the best choice if fast reloading is required.

 

[Cosmoline]

The whole "extra deadly bullet" thing is a gun rag myth, with no relation to any legal doctrine or rule of evidence. Use what works best.

 

[BluesBear]

A swaged 185gr SWC-hp in .45 Auto-Rim sounds GREAT to me.
I'm going to have to get some and try them.

Swaged bullets usually hold together during expansion much better than regular cast. And in .45 you usually don't drive them fast enough to worry about leading.

I only wish they'd make them in .429 for my .44 Special too. That would become my new carry load.