45acp lswc load help

[rikman]

http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=123&category=5&secondary=19&keywords=

I'm thinking about buying some of these MBC 45acp LSWC 185gr flat base in their match line up....but I don't see any data in my Lyman's for lead bullets, just jacketed 45acp's.....any ideas on where to get data for this lead 45acp?

thanks

 

[Quoheleth]

1. Search feature here. Their two 185gr bullets have been discussed before.

2. Contact your powder manufacturer. Every time I've called with a question, I've always gotten great customer service.

3. Handloads.com - but much of that data is unverifiable, just one shooter posting up data. Caveat emptor applies (as with #1, I suppose).

Q

 

[gahunter12]

What powder do you plan on using? Hodgens has load data for 185gr LSWC. My Lyman 49th only had data for 200gr. LSWC.

 

[rikman]

Gahunter

I just looked at hogdon and only saw hornady jswc 185gr, unless I missed it? I have Win232,Bullseye,unique,titegroup

I have both Lyman books and they only have 200gr lswc's...


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[biogenic]

Check this link http://www.pelhamfishandgame.com/reloading/45/bullets.htm

 

[rikman]

Biogenic,

Thanks, interesting read. Looks like the general consensus is that the 200 Gr lswc's are more accurate.


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[ArchAngelCD]

Gahunter

I just looked at hogdon and only saw hornady jswc 185gr, unless I missed it? I have Win232,Bullseye,unique,titegroup

I have both Lyman books and they only have 200gr lswc's...

A general rule is, you can safely use data from a heavier bullet with a slightly lighter bullet but not the other way around. Of course the Min charge might be a hair too light but if you start just above the Min recommended charge weight you will be safe. Of course it's always better to use the "correct" data but as you see, it's not always readily available. No, you didn't miss anything, the 185gr bullet in the Hodgdon load data is jacketed but they do list a 180gr and 200gr lead bullet. A little figuring will get you a safe starting load.

Like said above, you can also call the powder manufacturer and I'm sure they will supply you with load data. Of the powders you listed IMO you will get the best results with either W231 or Bullseye with W231 being my favorite. Again IMO, W231 and the 45 Auto (as well as the .38 Special) are a match made in heaven.

I'm not telling you to do anything you feel is unsafe! I'm only making suggestions on how you might decide on a reasonable starting charge weight using the bullet and powder you have available. In the end you have to feel confident with the ammo you load and shoot and only you can decide what's right for you.

 

[LiveLife]

rikman, I use the other Missouri Bullet 185 gr SWC bullet (12 BHN IDP #2) along with 200 gr SWC bullets (12 BHN Bullseye #1 and 18 BHN IDP #1) and referenced Hodgdon's load data for 180 gr lead FP/200 gr lead SWC bullet for my 185 gr SWC powder workup.

5.5 gr of W231/HP-38 and 185 gr SWC has worked well for me although my favorite 45 lead load is still 5.0 gr of W231/HP-38 with 200 gr SWC bullet.

180 gr Lead FP W231/HP-38 .452" OAL 1.140" Start 5.0 gr (778 fps) 11,300 CUP - Max 6.0 gr (950 fps) 16,800 CUP

180 gr Lead FP Titegroup .452" OAL 1.140" Start 4.2 gr (771 fps) 10,200 CUP - Max 5.2 gr (946 fps) 16,600 CUP

As to Bullseye and Unique load data for 185 gr SWC, Alliant currently lists load data only for 200 gr SWC and even 2004 Alliant load data do not show listing for Bullseye/Unique, just for American Select.

200 gr Lead SWC Bullseye OAL 1.19" Max 4.6 gr (807 fps)

200 gr Lead SWC Unique OAL 1.19" Max 5.4 gr (790 fps)

As ArchAngel posted, you can use the load data for the heavier 200 gr bullet while referencing the load data for 180 gr bullet to conduct your powder workup (just exercise caution as you approach max load data for 180 gr bullet).