Bullseye for 45acp

[MoreIsLess]

I ran out of powder so I bought some Bullseye at the recommendation of a friend for 230gr 45 ACP LRN's. He suggested 3.8 gr of BE which I thought sounded a little light but he swears by it. I tried it and my Springfield 1911 cycled just fine with them but my accuracy was all over the place. I have since noticed on this and other boards that many people use 4.8 to 5.0 BE for 230gr LRN's. Could the lightness of the load be a factor in my poor accuracy? Is there an advantage to using a heavier load, seems like lighter would be easier to be accurate with.

 

[Fishslayer]

5.0 gr of Bullseye is the standard load for 230gr FMJ. Maybe a bit warm for LRN. I've had good luck with 4.2gr of BE under the 230gr LRN. I've also run them with 3.8gr & they worked OK but I'm no champion pistol shot.

 

[LiveLife]

Current Alliant load data

230 gr Speer TJM RN Bullseye OAL 1.26" Max 5.7 gr (840 fps)
230 gr Speer GDHP Bullseye OAL 1.20" Max 5.0 gr (812 fps)

2004 Alliant load data - Note 230 gr L (probably RN) target load of 4.0 gr Bullseye at 810 fps.

Lyman #49 lists the following for 225 gr LRN but at longer OAL.

225 gr LRN 1.272" OAL Bullseye Start 4.0 gr (680 fps) 10,100 CUP - Max 5.0 gr (815 fps) 14,400 CUP

 

[MoreIsLess]

So, back to my original question, is there an advantage of shooting heavier loads over lighter ones (or vice versa) given the same powder, bullet wt/type, etc.. I was all over the place with the ultra light, 3.8 gr Bullseye. I was expecting to be more accurate with the lighter load due to less recoil. Maybe I was just holding my mouth wrong that day.

 

[Mike 27]

Different guns like different components and charges. My 9mm's are not fond of 115gr but shoot great with 124gr with same bullet profile. My 45 loves 200gr LRN using BE. It is my favorite load for it. Work it up and maybe you will find a good load using the 230 and BE. I use BE on several different calibers with great results.

 

[Fishslayer]

So, back to my original question, is there an advantage of shooting heavier loads over lighter ones (or vice versa) given the same powder, bullet wt/type, etc..

Well, OK then.

The answer is possibly sometimes.

 

[243winxb]

45 ACP & Bullseye Powder with Lead Bullets

Light loads are used in Bullseye competition* for timed & rapid fire. This is an advantage because of less recoil. But the load must be accurate at the same time. I suggest you work up .2 gr at a time, while checking accuracy. I found the 225gr LRN to not produce great accuracy. The Lyman 200 gr Bevel Base loaded with 3.8 gr Bullseye works well for me. Other bullets like the Saeco 185 gr LSWC needs to be pushed at higher velocity than the Lyman.

 

[LiveLife]

I was expecting to be more accurate with the lighter load due to less recoil.

IMO, accuracy is dependent on consistent chamber pressure development. More consistent chamber pressures will produce more consistent muzzle velocities (which will lower SD) and produce tighter shot groups. To get consistent chamber pressures, you need consistent powder burn which is the result of sufficient enough/consistent powder charges, consistent bullet seating depths, consistent primer flash intensity/duration, etc.

I thought published start charges were identified when chamber pressures start to become consistent to produce accurate shot groups. I could be wrong.

When I conduct load development, I perform full powder work up from start charge towards max charge while monitoring accuracy trends. Once I identify the charge that will reliably cycle the slide/extract/eject the spent cases/feed and chamber the next rounds, I will focus closely to whether accuracy is improving or not. With some bullets and powders, accuracy will continue to improve as charges reach max load but with some bullets/powders, accuracy is achieved sooner and maintained/plateau as powder charges approach max charge.

 

[HighExpert]

I have found my Ransom Rest to be a great load development tool along with a good chrono. I agree with the previous post entirely. I am also a Bullseye shooter and develop loads for all my guns using the Ransom Rest. I don't care how good you are or what bench rest you are using, you can't beat the Ransom Rest for consistancy.

 

[chris in va]

I just chrono'ed my 4.5 BE 228 LRN loads today out of my CZ 97b. Right around 775fps. Recoil felt decent, probably wouldn't want an increase in charge.

I agree with the previous post entirely. I am also a Bullseye shooter

I believe he is talking about Alliant Bullseye powder, not 'bullseye' shooting.

 

[rsrocket1]

I agree with the summary of the suggestions:
Chrony the load to ensure you are getting consistent velocities, my feeling is that you are not, but if you are, that's great.

Shoot from a ransom rest. If the bullets are hitting consistently, you have an excellent light load and you are the weak link, but at least you have a good load to improve your shooting with.

 

[HighExpert]

No, I really meant I am a Bullseye shooter. I shoot low level Master class and have for about 20 years. I also shoot a lot of Bullseye powder and have experimented with just about every light to moderate load concievable for the .45acp as well and the .38spWC.