Conflicting load data 45 ACP LRN

[Sefuller5741]

I am fairly new to reloading - using a Dillon Square Deal. I recently picked up some Acme 230 grain 45 acp round nose. These are the Hi-Tek coated "lipstick" bullets. Acme does not provide load data but I understand they say to use lead bullet load data. I am using Hodgdon HP-38 for powder, and the cases are large primer. I have the Lyman 50th edition manual (which doesn't always seem to have an equivalent bullet for my needs), the Hornady App, and the Hodgdon website as my resources. Lyman does not have data for a 230 gr LRN. Hodgdon and Hornady both have data for a 230 LRN over HP-38 powder, however Hodgdon lists starting load at 4.3 grains, max load at 5.3, while Hornady is 5.1 - 6.0. I understand the usual advice is to use the powder manufacturer's data, but I'm curious why there would be such a discrepancy? Also discovered these bullets need to be seated pretty close to the minimum length in order to chamber in my 1911. The one that did not fully chamber was quite difficult to remove!

Thanks,
Scott

 

[noylj]

Load data is only if all components and lot numbers are the same.
Start loads are where you start so component mixes won't cause immediate issues.
Sometimes, the start load can be max for your mix of components. Check multiple sources and start at lowest start load.
Safety first.
COL Note:
Per Ramshot (and all other reloading suppliers):
“SPECIAL NOTE ON CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH (COL)
It is important to note that the SAAMI COL values are for the firearms and ammunition manufacturers industry and must
be seen as a guideline only.
The individual reloader is free to adjust this dimension to suit their particular firearm-component-weapon combination.
This parameter is determined by various dimensions such as
1) magazine length (space),
2) freebore-lead dimensions of
the barrel,
3) ogive or profile of the projectile and
4) position of cannelure or crimp groove.
• Always begin loading at the minimum "Start Load".
• Increase in 2% increments towards the Maximum Load.
• Watch for signs of excessive pressure.
• Never exceed the Maximum Load.”

Your COL (OAL) is determined by your barrel and your gun and your magazine and the specific bullet you are using.
What worked in a pressure barrel or in my gun has very little to do with what will work in your gun. Load a couple of dummy rounds (no powder and no primer) to the max. COL (OAL) and see if it fits your magazine, feeds in your gun, and chambers in your barrel.
Seat the bullet slightly deeper until you achieve all three of these goals. This is the COL (OAL) for you in your gun with that make of bullet

Plunk Testing:
The solution to chambering problems is to determine the cause:
Take the barrel out of the gun. Drop rounds in until you find one
that won't chamber. Take that round and "paint" the bullet and
case black with Magic Marker or other marker. Drop round in
barrel (or gage) and rotate it back-and-forth a few times.
Remove and inspect the round:
1) Scratches in the ink on bullet--COL is too long
2) Scratches in the ink on edge of the case mouth--insufficient
crimp
3) Scratches in the ink just below the case mouth--too much
crimp, you're crushing the case
4) Scratches in the ink on case at base of bullet--bullet seated
crooked due to insufficient case expansion (not case mouth flare)
or improper seating stem fit
5) Scratches in the ink on case just above extractor groove--case has a bulge the sizing die can't reach. Bulge Bust or toss case

 

[nettlle]

I am fairly new to reloading - using a Dillon Square Deal. I recently picked up some Acme 230 grain 45 acp round nose. These are the Hi-Tek coated "lipstick" bullets. Acme does not provide load data but I understand they say to use lead bullet load data. I am using Hodgdon HP-38 for powder, and the cases are large primer. I have the Lyman 50th edition manual (which doesn't always seem to have an equivalent bullet for my needs), the Hornady App, and the Hodgdon website as my resources. Lyman does not have data for a 230 gr LRN. Hodgdon and Hornady both have data for a 230 LRN over HP-38 powder, however Hornady lists starting load at 4.3 grains, max load at 5.3, while Hodgdon is 5.1 - 6.0. I understand the usual advice is to use the powder manufacturer's data, but I'm curious why there would be such a discrepancy? Also discovered these bullets need to be seated pretty close to the minimum length in order to chamber in my 1911. The one that did not fully chamber was quite difficult to remove!

Thanks,
Scott

The shape of the bullet matters not on your reloading data except for your COAL. The bullet weight does matter. Stay within the powder charge range Hornady and Hodgdon recommends. Neither manufacturer is going to recommend a load that will blow up your gun.

Bullet seating depth can vary from what the loading manuals say by brand of gun. CZ is certainly an example. If it plunks in your gun should be good to go.

 

[cfullgraf]

Cast bullets, lead swaged bullets and jacketed bullets of the same weight and shape will have different load data.

Also, different data sources will have slightly different data for the same bullet. A variety of varibles cause this.

Plated and coated bullets will fit in one if the above categories as recommended by the bullet manufacturer.

So, pay attention to the construction of the bullet younare loading and find data for a similar construction and shaped bullet. Start at the lower level and work up from there.

If can find a couple of different data sources for the same construction and shape bullet, so much the better. It gives you a safe range to work in.

Just note, no two labs will come up with the data for the same components.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I am fairly new to reloading - using a Dillon Square Deal. I recently picked up some Acme 230 grain 45 acp round nose. These are the Hi-Tek coated "lipstick" bullets. Acme does not provide load data but I understand they say to use lead bullet load data. I am using Hodgdon HP-38 for powder, and the cases are large primer. I have the Lyman 50th edition manual (which doesn't always seem to have an equivalent bullet for my needs), the Hornady App, and the Hodgdon website as my resources. Lyman does not have data for a 230 gr LRN. Hodgdon and Hornady both have data for a 230 LRN over HP-38 powder, however Hornady lists starting load at 4.3 grains, max load at 5.3, while Hodgdon is 5.1 - 6.0. I understand the usual advice is to use the powder manufacturer's data, but I'm curious why there would be such a discrepancy? Also discovered these bullets need to be seated pretty close to the minimum length in order to chamber in my 1911. The one that did not fully chamber was quite difficult to remove!

Thanks,
Scott

Hornadys data is for their bullet - a soft lead swaged bullet with a wax coating - not anybody else’s bullet. A HiTek or powder coated bullet can take a higher velocity before leading the barrel. Hodgdon s data will specify the bullet tested. Which is more like your bullet? When I look up 230gr LRN with HP38 on Hodgdons reloading data site, I see a range of 4.3-5.3gr. Where are you seeing 5.1-6.0 for HP38 in a.45ACP w/ 230gr lead? You might want to double check which site you’re accessing.

 

[BCR#1]

As Geo said.......................................My Lee manual says the exact same thing. The OP may have mixed up the data and just typed it wrong.

Bill

 

[Sefuller5741]

Hornadys data is for their bullet - a soft lead swaged bullet with a wax coating - not anybody else’s bullet. A HiTek or powder coated bullet can take a higher velocity before leading the barrel. Hodgdon s data will specify the bullet tested. Which is more like your bullet? When I look up 230gr LRN with HP38 on Hodgdons reloading data site, I see a range of 4.3-5.3gr. Where are you seeing 5.1-6.0 for HP38 in a.45ACP w/ 230gr lead? You might want to double check which site you’re accessing.

You are correct - I mistakenly switched the sources - the 5.1-6.0 was actually Hornaday, and the 4.3-5.3 was Hodgdon. I corrected it in the original post.