Good self defense load for .45 ACP

[Utahusker]

I've been buying my SD ammo and loading my practice stuff. I'm using 3.8 to 4.0 grains of clays behind 230 grain plated rn Berry's for my plinkers.

I'd like to load a pound's worth of powder of your recommendations, for some self defense rounds. Also what bullets would you recommend?

TIA

 

[buckeye8]

I think 6.0 to 6.2 gr Unique is proven and popular for 230gr JHP bullets. Works well in both of my .45's, but I don't have a chrono to verify velocities.

 

[tac_driver]

Caliber : 45ACP Barrel Length : 4.6 Firearm : Glock 21SF
Load 2
Date : 12/13/09 Temp : 66 Degrees Conditions : Cloudy
Case : Winchester Crimp : 0.471 PF: 186
Trimmed : 0.893 Primer : WLP COAL: 1.219
Powder : Power Pistol Weight : 6.4 Shots: 5
Bullet : GoldDot Weight : 230grs. BOAL: 0.654
Type : JHP
String: 39
HI 815.4
LO 808.5
AVG 812.1
ES 6.91
SD 2.44

 

[Archie]

Defense loads in a .45 ACP are pretty simple. Duplicate the GI loading with a 230 grain HP bullet that will function in your pistol - or - use a 200 grain HP that will function at just under whatever your loading manual says is maximum.

In both instances, tune for reasonable accuracy; I think defense ammo should group no less than four inches at fifty yards. Or two inches at twenty-five yards.

Universal is a bit fast in my mind for good loads with .45 Awfulmatic. Unique is the old standby, but 231 will do nicely. Don't go too much slower - 2400 will give good velocities, but won't generate pressure quick enough to operate the action.

I hate to say this, but there are no secret loads. The information is in the load books and waiting for you to find which one works best in your gun.

 

[Rico567]

As I recall, the old GI hardball load was the 230 gr. jacketed bullet over Bullseye, enough to generate 840 fps. This, to me, is the baseline for defense loads in the .45 ACP. That sounds like too much velocity for Bullseye, though the Alliant online reloading guide says a max load will do exactly that. I'd go with Hodgdon's top-listed loads of Universal or WSF, which generate 844 and 851, respectively. These powders are kind of a tossup; both or good, I'd instinctively gravitate toward the WSF.

 

[JDGray]

Clays would be my last choice for SD loads in 45ACP, its to fast to get any recoil out of it. I like Power Pistol and 230gr XTPs for SD practice, and 185gr Golden Sabres work good too. Clays is an awesome plinker powder, or a good one to use for new shooters.

Just reread your post, and you figured out Clays is not the answer to SD loads

 

[steve4102]

Mine is 230gr XTP with 8.0gr Silhouette (WAP) at +950fps and accurate. 25 yard target.

 

[Utahusker]

Thanks everyone! I'm kind of liking Steve's info. My next step is to read over my manuals.