Change in load data for W-231?

[UltimaSE]

For the longest time I loaded 5.6 grains of 231 with 230 fmj and it was the middle ground for .45 acp. I just got some time again and start reloading again, so I checked winchester's website for uptodate information. Surprisingly, I think the load ranges have changed a bit. I tend to go toward the lower end of things, accuracy and light recoil tends to be what I'm after.

http://www.wwpowder.com/data/handgun/45acp.php

Does this load information for 230 look familiar to anyone? 4.2 - 5.3 grains for 230 fmj.

Last range session I ran about 100 rounds with 5.0 grains and it seemed to be ok. I also ran through some older rounds, probably 5.6 grains of 231 that did seem to be a bit hot.

I am however tempted to try some 4.2-4.5 grain loads.

Thanks,
UltimaSE

 

[The Bushmaster]

Had me dumb-founded there for a moment.. ..You are lookin' at the 230 grain Lead Round Nose(LRN) load data.

My Sierra V edition lists W-231 for 230 grain FMJ as 4.9 to 5.7 grains. My Winchester load data shows the same for the 230 grain FMJ.

I wouldn't use the data for the LRN when loading the FMJ. It might be a little light.

 

[Dr. Dickie]

Don't know whether it matters, but I know that Hodgdons just bought out the Winchesters powder folks. I seriouly doubt they would continue to make HP-38 and Win 231 since they were so similar. So, it is possible that the load data has changed somewhat (up-dated for new formulation).
Maybe.

 

[UltimaSE]

The load I'm looking at is:

230 gr. HDY FMJ FP

231

1.200"

4.2

751

13,800 CUP

5.3

832

16,800 CUP

 

[The Bushmaster]

Hornady 230 gr FMJ Flat point

So it does...Strange that a Hornady bullet would be that much different then a regular FMJ in that weight.

 

[Walkalong]

So, it is possible that the load data has changed somewhat (up-dated for new formulation).

That is for a Flat point bullet at a OAL of 1.200 and stops at 16,800 CUP

You will be loading your FMJ (I'm assuming RN) at around 1.260 to 1.265. That in itself makes a difference. I doubt seriously the powder has changed without a name change simply because of all the data out there for W231. It would be a liability issue. They make great effort to duplicate characteristics of canister powders for every lot manufactured for that exact reason.

 

[Luggernut]

Well I've been using 231 with my Speer 230gr FMJ bullets and I can tell you that 5.2gr of 231 is is VERY light load. I've seen 230gr FMJ max loads of 231 in other books up to 6.2gr (Speer manual). 5.6-5.8gr is a reasonable load but nothing too hot IMO. I've never tried over 5.8 personally.

 

[Walkalong]

I have shot up to 6.1 which is snappy and stout and NOT recommended, although it showed no pressure signs. I've shot a ton of 230 gr rounds with 5.5 Grs. W231.