45acp question

[ezee]

45 ACP question. I’ve always used plated 451 size from the bullet works. They load and shoot fine. I’m thinking of changing to a coated bullet.
I can only find them so far in 452. Will that cause me any issues going from 451 to 452??

 

[weeniewawa]

I load them the same. maybe I am wrong but they plunk and seem to shoot

 

[drband]

.452 is the normal size for cast lead and coated bullets. Just make sure your sizing die/expander is adjusted to flare the case enough to prevent shaving the coating.

 

[Cooter Boolit]

Go back and re-read post #3, its spot on correct.

 

[CQB45ACP]

I use them both too. For example, extreme, acme, and Berry’s 230gr RN are both .452 while acme and extreme 200 SWC are .451.
Edit: not fully on topic but I checked a box of extreme 230gr I have and it says .451 while their website says .452.

 

[ezee]

Ok. Thanks guys!

 

[BCR#1]

If I shoot lead, coated or lubed, it better be .452 or I won't use it. I truly believe that extra .001 gives the bullet a better bite on the lands.

Bill

 

[lordpaxman]

Welcome to THR!

Will that cause me any issues going from 451 to 452??

As @drband points out, the nominal diameter for cast is .452, but as always when switching bullets, you still need to do appropriate load work ups. You still need to determine max and working COL for the new bullet and do the powder work up. Some run plated quite hot, similar to jacketed, but if you check published data there’s a difference between cast and jacketed data. Be safe and good luck.

 

[drband]

Welcome to THR!

As @drband points out, the nominal diameter for cast is .452, but as always when switching bullets, you still need to do appropriate load work ups. You still need to determine max and working COL for the new bullet and do the powder work up. Some run plated quite hot, similar to jacketed, but if you check published data there’s a difference between cast and jacketed data. Be safe and good luck.

I agree on the difference and doing a full work-up. However, I don't think you will ever drive a .45acp COATED bullet too fast if you are working up a SAFE load. I just don't think it's possible. The Hi-Tek coating most of the manufacturers use is robust and will handle velocity up into the 1500fps range with a good cast bullet. I shoot 9mm coated bullets in my PCC at around 1450fps with no ill effects, no leading, no coating residue in the barrel, and accuracy is good out to 100 yds.

.45acp will never approach that velocity if you are loading safely.

 

[lordpaxman]

However, I don't think you will ever drive a .45acp COATED bullet too fast if you are working up a SAFE load.

I agree. I wasn’t advocating driving coated to jacketed velocities, rather the OP’s plated load workup may not be appropriate for a coated bullet.

 

[mdi]

You lucked out! for cast, cast and PCed, and cast and Hi-Tec, .452" is an excellent diameter for 45 ACP...

Plunk test them because some guns may have a "tight" chamber and you may encounter thicker walled brass and together may not allow a good plunk test...

 

[ezee]

Thanks for the help guys ! Appreciated.

 

[murf]

Plunk test them because some guns may have a "tight" chamber and you may encounter thicker walled brass and together may not allow a good plunk test...

i second that.

murf