.45acp, A#5, 1911

[Captain33036]

I am reloading .45acp using Accurate #5 powder for a full sized 1911 and wanted to get some feedback.

The bullets I will be using are 200gr plated, round nose. They are about 0.572" long.

I am using a RCBS 3 die set, tapered crimp on a Lee press.

The COAL I am getting is 1. 244-1.252. Hard to determine with greater precision because of the bullet shape and calipers I am using (or perhaps I just need to get better at it).

Crimp seems to be 0.470-0.472".

Rounds load fine and cycle fine, in the gun, a SIG 1911 Scorpion.

Powder charge for A#5 seems to be 8.2gr, from the Accurate literature. I am thinking about starting at 7.8gr and 8.0.

So, does the above seem OK?

Thanks

J

 

[mljdeckard]

Does it pass the plunk test in the barrel of your most finicky .45?

 

[Captain33036]

Yes. That is always my first test. I have the barrel out of the gun and make sure the rounds fit in the chamber properly. Then, with the gun back together, load the rounds in the magazine and cycle through.

Thanks

 

[mljdeckard]

That's pretty much what I do. I set the bullet in far enough to easily chamber in the barrel of my toughest .45.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I am reloading .45acp using Accurate #5 powder for a full sized 1911 and wanted to get some feedback.

The bullets I will be using are 200gr plated, round nose. They are about 0.572" long.

I am using a RCBS 3 die set, tapered crimp on a Lee press.

The COAL I am getting is 1. 244-1.252. Hard to determine with greater precision because of the bullet shape and calipers I am using (or perhaps I just need to get better at it).

Crimp seems to be 0.470-0.472".

Rounds load fine and cycle fine, in the gun, a SIG 1911 Scorpion.

Powder charge for A#5 seems to be 8.2gr, from the Accurate literature. I am thinking about starting at 7.8gr and 8.0.

So, does the above seem OK?

Thanks

J

Even though I use mostly W231 for my 45 Auto loads there's nothing wrong with AA#5 especially since that powders was specifically designed around the .45 Auto. Just be careful not to start too low on the powder charge. The Accurate load data using a 200gr FP Berry's bullet ranges between 7.9gr and 9.3gr AA#5. You might want to start ~8.2gr and work up until you find an accurate load in your pistol. I wouldn't go much lower with a Max listed charge of 9.3gr.

 

[Captain33036]

Hi Folks

Thank you for the advice, I appreciate it.

Question: my goal is to produce softer shooting, highly accurate loads.

I have tried to research this as best I can. But, sometimes find conflicting information. So,

1. Can 200gr bullets be used to produce softer shooting loads than 230gr?

2. I read somewhere that often the low end of the scale for these powders is pretty near the normal load for commercial bulk ammo. Is this true? Or is the lower end of A#5, 8.2gr, as low and as soft shooting as one should go?

Thanks

John

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hi Folks

Thank you for the advice, I appreciate it.

Question: my goal is to produce softer shooting, highly accurate loads.

I have tried to research this as best I can. But, sometimes find conflicting information. So,

1. Can 200gr bullets be used to produce softer shooting loads than 230gr?

2. I read somewhere that often the low end of the scale for these powders is pretty near the normal load for commercial bulk ammo. Is this true? Or is the lower end of A#5, 8.2gr, as low and as soft shooting as one should go?

Thanks

John

I have never hear and it's not my experience low end load data will mimic commercial ammo. I have found most times getting close to the Max charge doesn't come close to matching commercial ammo.

Starting @8.2gr is only my opinion and what I would do considering the load data. If you feel more comfortable starting right at the "Starting Load" by all means do that. BUT, I highly recommend you not use a charge weight below published data because that can be as dangerous as going over the Max charge.

 

[LiveLife]

Question: my goal is to produce softer shooting, highly accurate loads.

Can 200gr bullets be used to produce softer shooting loads than 230gr?

Yes. 200 gr lead SWC with 4.0 gr of Red Dot/Promo produces mild recoil target load that is quite accurate. This load is not as accurate as 5.0 gr of W231/HP-38 using the same bullet but plenty accurate for range practice.

 

[edfardos]

I used aa#5 in 45acp, but there was so much unburned powder it fouled the chamber, causing jams. Aa#5 works better in the higher pressure 40s&w IMHO. W231 burns clean but kinda maxes out at 825fps with 230 grain balls.

Edfardos

 

[Delmar]

The manufacturers use what is known as "canister" powder and its behavior is different from what you and I buy. AA#5 is a pretty good powder for the 45 ACP and its what I load my Gold Dots with, mostly for higher velocity with this particular powder.
Start with the minimum recommended load and see how it does.
For my "softball" loads, I normally use a faster burning powder, such as Bulls Eye, W231, or Accurate #2. If you have access to either one, its a bit more economical for what level youre loading at.
I have not had trouble with AA#5 in either one of my 45s, a Gold Cup and an Officers Model with unburned powder, but once again, I was loading for best velocity so that might make a difference. The only way to truly know is to try it.
Let us know how they do for you!