CMV
Member
My .45ACP load is:
mixed HS brass
Win LPP
4.8 - 5.0 gr W231 (using dipper they weigh between the two so 4.9 gr ±.1)
1.215 OAL
230 gr Hornady HAP
I'm about out of the HAP but have some Winchester 230 gr FMJ. The FMJ is the same .451 diameter and are roughly .009 longer overall.
My load is pretty light as it is. Should I do anything differently switching to FMJ? I'm thinking a longer OAL - the 1.215 is short but that's what my SA 1911 needed to go into battery. 1.225 should be about the same distance from the base of the bullet to the base of the case and the different shape should chamber just fine since that's shorter than commercial ammo. Since I'm already below starting for 2 of my 3 manuals should I increase the charge any or just stick with what's working for the HAP?
Also, what should I expect at ~10 yds? The HAP is incredible and will put a magazine into a ragged hole if I do my part. From just some random measurements and observations I don't think the Win FMJ is going to perform as well. Diameters have a lot of variation and so does OAL & weight. Looking at the base, the jacket doesn't look the same thickness all the way around. Maybe at 10 yds it doesn't matter but if I should have lower expectations going in that will keep me from worrying that I'm doing something wrong if they don't group as well.
mixed HS brass
Win LPP
4.8 - 5.0 gr W231 (using dipper they weigh between the two so 4.9 gr ±.1)
1.215 OAL
230 gr Hornady HAP
I'm about out of the HAP but have some Winchester 230 gr FMJ. The FMJ is the same .451 diameter and are roughly .009 longer overall.
My load is pretty light as it is. Should I do anything differently switching to FMJ? I'm thinking a longer OAL - the 1.215 is short but that's what my SA 1911 needed to go into battery. 1.225 should be about the same distance from the base of the bullet to the base of the case and the different shape should chamber just fine since that's shorter than commercial ammo. Since I'm already below starting for 2 of my 3 manuals should I increase the charge any or just stick with what's working for the HAP?
Also, what should I expect at ~10 yds? The HAP is incredible and will put a magazine into a ragged hole if I do my part. From just some random measurements and observations I don't think the Win FMJ is going to perform as well. Diameters have a lot of variation and so does OAL & weight. Looking at the base, the jacket doesn't look the same thickness all the way around. Maybe at 10 yds it doesn't matter but if I should have lower expectations going in that will keep me from worrying that I'm doing something wrong if they don't group as well.
