I am looking for opinions on what a good bullet size and design is as a compromise to load both of these. I will be loading the ACP for my 3 1911s and the LC for a Rossi 92 and hopefully a future Blackhawk. I like heavier slugs in the .45 colt but know I cant throw 300 grain bullets through a 1911. I am open to all suggestions, fire away!
casting .45 ACP\LC
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redbullitt
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I havent gotten a mold specifically for 45 colt... but I do have a .453 220ish round nose that works very well in both.
Maybe something between 220 and 250 grains? I would not go too wild on the bullet shape, otherwise your 1911 probably won't like it. What kind of 1911? How "reliable" is it with various bullet shapes?
Maybe something between 220 and 250 grains? I would not go too wild on the bullet shape, otherwise your 1911 probably won't like it. What kind of 1911? How "reliable" is it with various bullet shapes?
When I was casting bullets, I cast 228 RN for the 45 ACP and 255 RF for the 45 Colt.
Both were Lee aluminum molds. They worked well and are reasonably priced when compared to the conventional molds. That way, I did not need to compromise.
Both were Lee aluminum molds. They worked well and are reasonably priced when compared to the conventional molds. That way, I did not need to compromise.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
The problem is, auto pistol bullets have no roll crimp groove because they are taper crimped.
And revolver bullets should have a roll-crimp groove, because the case needs to be roll crimped into the bullet to hold them in place against recoil pulling them when loaded to full power.
Not to say you can't load either in either.
But there is a difference in bullet design between the two you should be aware of.
rc
And revolver bullets should have a roll-crimp groove, because the case needs to be roll crimped into the bullet to hold them in place against recoil pulling them when loaded to full power.
Not to say you can't load either in either.
But there is a difference in bullet design between the two you should be aware of.
rc
Ifishsum
Member
I have four .452 Lee molds, a 230RN and a 230TC (both TL designs) that I mostly use for the ACPs and a 255RF and 255SWC I use with the LCs. If I had to choose one design for both it would probably be the 230TC, assuming your 1911s feed it okay. My older Colt USGI model won't feed anything but the RN design (which is why I bought it after the TC) but all of the newer iterations I've had did just fine with the TC design. And it does shoot very accurately in the 45LCs as well.
Hondo 60
Member
I like 'em a "small for the caliber"
I have a Lee TL452-200-SWC (Tumble Lube 200 gr SWC)
Makes both my 1911 & SA 45 very accurate guns.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/66...mble-lube-semi-wadcutter?cm_vc=ProductFinding
I have a Lee TL452-200-SWC (Tumble Lube 200 gr SWC)
Makes both my 1911 & SA 45 very accurate guns.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/66...mble-lube-semi-wadcutter?cm_vc=ProductFinding
ColtPythonElite
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As far as ACP in Colt goes, I load 200 gr ACP SWC bullets for my buddy's Blackhawk in .45 Colt. They aren't barn burners, but sure are accurate.
LivewireBlanco
Member
The Lee 230 grain truncated cone in tumble lube version would be a perfect compromise. Feeds great in a 1911 and you could crimp in the top lube groove for 45 colt. Plus that flat point can do some serious damage!
ReloaderFred
Member
I use the Magma 200 grain RNFP bullet for both my .45 acp handguns and my .45 Colt handguns and rifles. Very accurate and I get more bullets to the pound of alloy, and paper and steel targets really don't care how heavy the bullet is........
Hope this helps.
Fred
Hope this helps.
Fred
USSR
Member
That's like wanting either a dog or a cat, and in compromise, looking for a "dat". The .45 Colt screams for a 255+gr SWC, while the .45 ACP likes <= 230gr pills. Feed em what they like.
Don
Don
243winxb
Member
"dat" is how i feel about it. 
I use the RCBS 45-255 KT in both. Crimp in the crimp groove for 45 Colt, taper crimp on front band with about 1/8 inch of band showing. I use 5.4 grains of Unique in ACP (no liability assumed) and 17-18 grains of 2400 in the Colt. Ruger Blackhawk and Colt 1911 with match barrel and bushing, Bomar rib. Accurate in both and penetrates waaaaay deep.
Reefinmike
Member
If you want to pay the shipping, I can send you out a hundred of the lee tumble lube 230gr tc to try out. Mine actually drop at about 240 grain using a 50/50 mix of pure lead and clip on wheel weights. I have had good results shooting these in my g41 as well as the mech tech carbine upper, absolutely no leading just using lee alox lube.
https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-mold-double-cavity-tl452-230tc-90287.html
I know how it is buying molds. There are so many different options that its hard to buy just one mold per caliber.
https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-mold-double-cavity-tl452-230tc-90287.html
I know how it is buying molds. There are so many different options that its hard to buy just one mold per caliber.
Yes, this is a problem. Autopistol cast bullets SHOULD have a roll crimp groove. It's great. You can taper crimp while seating without shaving the bullet.
If your chamber is loose enough, you can remove enough of the flare while seating. But with a tight chamber, you end up having to seat and crimp in a separate step. The roll crimp groove solves that problem.
I'm shooting MBC IDP #4 in my 45ACP guns. It's only 200 grains, but it has a roll crimp groove. I suppose it's meant for LC, too? The roll crimp groove is in the perfect spot for me. Feeds 100% in my Glock.
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