Full .45 ACP load-powder options

[ZWCoffindaffer]

I've got a pretty good target load I've worked up for my .45 using Titegroup. Does anyone have any suggestions for powder on a full power load?

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

1. What do your reloading manuals say?
2. I use Unique w/ Longshot as a backup.

 

[sellersm]

Look for slower powders, Unique would fit the bill. VV N340 works.

 

[Blue68f100]

I use WSF for most of my full power loads in 45acp, 9mm...

I consider WSF the Ball Powder version of Unique. Which means it meters accurately.

 

[sl33py]

Looking in my Hornady (ebook so handy) i see:

230gn FMJ RN - Win 231 (should also work w/ HP-38 right?) - 5-5.7gn = 700-800fps

 

[Jim Watson]

More Titegroup.
Hodgdon says 230 gr FMJ + 4.8 gr Tg = 818 fps. MAXIMUM
As test methods and equipment have developed, .45 ACP hardball has been cataloged everywhere from 810 fps to 850. I think 818 is close enough.

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

CFE-Pistol is readily available on-line, I'd give that a shot. Its works great in 9 and 40, the bottle says 45 ACP is one of its pet calibers.

 

[kcofohio]

CFE-Pistol is readily available on-line, I'd give that a shot. Its works great in 9 and 40, the bottle says 45 ACP is one of its pet calibers.

CFE Pistol has worked well in 45. I have only chrono'd 200 gr. bullets. They worked up in safe pressure zones to 970 fps. out of a 4" barrel.

Another suggestion is Ramshots Silhouette. Stout loads.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I think W231 and the 45 Auto are a match made in heaven as with the .38 Special. Like said above if you want more velocity use a slower powder but not too slow that you can't get enough in the case to generate proper pressures.

There are several powder mentioned above that will work but when I want "more" from a 45 Auto load I turn to AA#5. After all, it was developed around the 45 Auto. It just plain works...

 

[LiveLife]

I have used WSF for full power loads in 9mm/40S&W/45ACP.

While I have used HS-6, AutoComp and CFE Pistol, I am liking BE-86 more I shoot it.

I have been hoping to do some chrono testing since mid December ... for the rain storms to stop ... and I am still hoping for the weather to be dry on my days off ...

 

[Shootshellz]

AA#5. I call it 'liquid Unique' due to the way it flows through a powder measure.

 

[evtSmtx]

titegroup works fine but my preferences are Power Pistol, BE-86 and CFE Pistol in that order of preference but there's very little difference in how much I like all 3. HP-38 has worked well in the past also.

 

[Lj1941]

My favorite for 45 ACP full power loads is Alliant Power Pistol. I also like CFE Pistol. I haven't tried BE 86 yet but it should be right there with the other two.

 

[Drail]

I haven't found any powder that will give the velocities attainable with Unique while keeping the pressure way down. WSF and Alliant Green Dot are good max load powders for big bore pistol cartridges also.

 

[Rule3]

The US Military Ball load has been Bullseye since time began

Oh, you want TG, check Hodgdon as you did not mention what bullet

 

[mrdemal]

Unique

For over 30 yrs 6.5gr Unique with 230 gr FMJ.

 

[MtnCreek]

Ramshot Silhouette + Mag Primer + 230gr JHP of your choice.

 

[Hondo 60]

How can anyone answer the question without knowing what bullet the OP is using????

ZWCoffindaffer - what bullet please?

 

[ljnowell]

How can anyone answer the question without knowing what bullet the OP is using????

ZWCoffindaffer - what bullet please?

It's pretty easy to suggest a slower burning powder than Titegroup without knowing what bullet. My powder suggestion wouldn't change based on bullet weight or type.

OP, my suggestion for real, full throttle 45acp, is power pistol. If you want a hardball duplication, then you don't need anything like that. Titegroup will just about do that. As will AA#5, even AA#2.

 

[ZWCoffindaffer]

I currently have a decent bit of Honady XTP 185 gn from cashing in on their mail-in rebates I had last year, so I'm probably going to try those. They are very accurate in front of a light charge of Titegroup, but even though I havent run them through a chrono, I imagine its a rather slow load.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

35 years ago I phoned Winchester and asked what they used to load factory 230 gr ball civilian ammo. They said the powder was WW235, not available to individuals, which was 231 with a deterrent coating that slightly reduced the burn rate.

 

[kerreckt]

6.2-6.5 of Unique or N340 and 230 fmj. I would not push my guns any harder. Accurate and manageable.

 

[Ironicaintit]

For over 30 yrs 6.5gr Unique with 230 gr FMJ.

Yup, thats the stuff

 

[Dudedog]

Normal Full power I use HP38/WSF. If I want to get more than factory Full powder, Longshot or CFE-Pistol

 

[DIV03]

Temp 53F
Pressure 30.2 in Hg
200 grain Extream plated SWC
6.2 grains of CFE Pistol
Shot out of a Ruger SR1911
Minimum 824
Maximum 890
Spread 66
Average 863
SD 22
10 shots