Good Bullseye load for a wadcutter gun

[smoke5643]

Hi guys,

Just purchased a used Les Baer Bullseye Wadcutter 45 model from redneck2. I talked to Les Baer and they test fire with 185gr Federal Match Jacketed SWC. I have ordered a couple boxes to test accuracy overall and against my reloads.

Not very educated on reloading as I am only 23. What is the best load (bullet, powder and primer combo) that you have had good experience with for light recoil and accuracy?

The gun has a reduced recoil spring so cycling is not so much of a problem. Looking to stay under 800fps due to this.

185Gr vs 200Gr? I normally use Bullseye or VihtaVuori. All suggestions and help is greatly appreciated.

The idea of a pistol shooting sub 2" groups at 50yds excites me....

 

[Jim Watson]

Vihtavuori WHAT?

The USMC pistol team uses the Nosler 185 gr JHP and 4.1 gr of N310 or a bit more as required for reliable function and best accuracy. Similar velocity with 4.0 gr Bullseye.

I don't know of a source of the 185 gr jacketed SWC they use in factory match.

A 200 gr cast SWC is very popular and there are a bazillion brands; but it could be hard to find one to shoot up to the gun.

 

[smoke5643]

My dad uses VV to load his SWC 45s and they are accurate and clean in his customized Black Stainless Springfield. But just wanting to get some input from guys who have actually loaded and tested performance at that distance. I know that gun to gun loads vary. But I need a starting point to start testing.

 

[ball3006]

I have used Bullseye and Win 231 for 30 years. Win 231 has a bit softer recoil. Just follow the loading manual and work up the most accurate load for your pistol. I never noticed any difference between primers......chris3

 

[GooseGestapo]

I prefer to use a cast bullet for cost reduction. Under a 200gr lead cast SWC- I've loaded for several .45acp wadcutter guns that really shot well with 3.6-4.0gr of Hodgdon "Clays". (Not Universal "Clays").

 

[918v]

Google "Bullseye-L"

Both Remington and Hornady make 185gr JSWC bullets.

 

[smoke5643]

I am actually looking to load lead SWC due to cost and barrel conservation. Just wanted to get some gr vs powder load ideas to start testing against the control of the Federal Match 185gr JSWC that Les Baer tests with.

Thanks for all the ideas so far.

 

[Jim Watson]

The best accuracy I got with a good gun in a Ransom rest was with either a 175 grain Durocast SWC and 3.8 grains of 700X, 706 fps; or a 200 grain Valley Bullets SWC and 3.5 grains of 700X, 677 fps.

I don't think there is anything magic about 700X, any fast powder like Bullseye or Vihtavuori N310 would work in that velocity range near 700 fps. There have been a lot of good targets shot with 3.5-3.8 grains of Bullseye.

I don't know if Durocast is still in business.
Valley Bullets changed hands and is now Tennessee Valley Bullets. I don't know if the quality is the same.

There are a lot of casters selling bullets out of the same Magma molds.

 

[cheygriz]

Most fast powders in light charges will work well. Titegroup, 700X, Bullseye, Red Dot etc.

I prefer the 200 gr lead WC myself, but with either that, or your 185 jacketed, I think I'd personally start with Milurp match cases (if you can find them) loaded with Remington 2 1/2 primers, and 3.5 grains of Bullseye. If that doesn't cycle the action, I'd go up .2 grains per test batch until I got a load I liked.

When I shot B.E. competition many years ago, that was my load. 3.5 grains B.E, Rem 2 1/2, and cast (straight wheelweight) 200 gr. SWC, lubed with 50-50 Alox/Beeswax.

I never "went distinguished" but I did shoot quite a few "one hole" groups at 25 yards with this combo in a Clark custom 1911A1.

Good luck!

 

[Canuck-IL]

Classic BE loads...
4.0 BE
4.2 WST (tied with BE and Titegroup)
4.2 Titegroup
3.9 Clays
3.8 VVN310
4.2 VVN320
4.6 W231
4.2 AA#2
3.8 BA10
4.5 HP38
4.2 S1000

OAL: base to shoulder .928" +.002" - .003"
Crimp: .469" -.002" (set with the tallest case)
/Bryan

 

[smoke5643]

Thanks for the help guys. I think I'm gonna go with the VVN310 just not sure 185 or 200? Either way its gonna be trail and error... Tis' the fun of the sport!

 

[ChuckS1]

200 grain SWC and 3.6 grains of Bullseye is what I use in my Les Baer wadgun. Shoots 1" groups at 25 yards from a rest with no problems.