First time loading 45ACP - what is your favorite recipe?

[macnewbie]

Hi all,

I recently acquired my first 1911 and of course I intend to load for it. What is your favorite recipe for 230 gr bullets? I have CCI LP primers and Win 231, Unique, and Power Pistol powders at hand.

What are good recipes for IDPA and/or range use?

thanks!

 

[ljnowell]

The only powder you have listed that I have experience with is Power Pistol. I have loaded 230gr XTPs over 7.4 gr. Good powerfull load, but not too hot. I have also loaded 230gr LRN with it at 6.6 and 6.8. Neither was very dirty and shot well. With JHPs I have gotten my most accurate loads with it. If you were interested in 700x, AA#2, or Bullseye I could add more.

 

[JDGray]

I load 5.8gr W231, 7.0 Power Pistol, loading 230gr fmj. The PP load is stout, and 7.4gr is a max load. My favorite soft plinking load was 3.9gr Clays, but all I have in 45ACP is a 3" Kimber, not a good plinker, so I practice with carry load strength ammo The Hodgdon Clays load is a one holer, very soft, but may not make power factor in competition.

 

[Ateam-3]

For me, a 230gr FMJ over 6.0 grains of unique is the way to go.

 

[LiveLife]

5.0 - 5.5 gr of W231/HP38 here. Very accurate. Cycles everything.

 

[Mags]

I like 5.5 grains of HP-38/Win 231 with 230 grain plated/jacketed bullets and an OAL between 1.24-1.26

 

[Seanhagerty]

5 gr with 230 gr LRN
6 gr with 230 gr FMJ

 

[Damon555]

I like 4.8 grains of Unique behind a 230 grain fmj...nowhere near max but plenty safe......

Don't rely on loads you get from us.....use a manual and start with what they recommend....Every gun is different even if it's the same model.

 

[ljnowell]

Don't rely on loads you get from us.....use a manual and start with what they recommend....Every gun is different even if it's the same model.

This is something everyone should remember. Like the Power Pistol load I posted above. On many sources that is a max loading. Always take a load like that and back it off and work up. Thats what I load, not what you should start with.

 

[birddog2]

5-6 grains Unique and 1.2 or so OAL length, not a ball of fire but safe and reliable

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'll add my voice to 5.5gr W231 under any 230gr bullet. My normal OAL is 1.265"

 

[dc.fireman]

And I'll add mine, recommended to me by several of the reloaders here:

4.3-4.5 grs of 700X, using a Remington 230gr.MC bullet, and Remington 2 1/2
primer, seated to 1.265", and a very light taper crimp. I used 4.0 to start, and it worked well, but the 4.3 seemed to have a better overall group.

-tc

 

[Five of Clubs]

5.0 Unique under a 230 Lead round nose. Very slightly softer than factory ammo and cycles a 1911 perfectly (for me)

 

[GW Staar]

Started reloading .45 with 230gr bullets and 6 gr of Unique 40 years ago. Have tried several other powders, but they don't do it any better. Haven't tried some of the newer powders like Winchester Autocomp, but will probably...until the next wave of tests...I'll shoot 6 gr. of Unique.

I shoot a Gold cup and Kimber...both 5" guns...no feed/cycle problems that aren't my fault.

 

[macnewbie]

thanks everyone for the recommendations.