hand loading pistol calibers for carbines.

[jerrard]

Have no experience with pistol caliber rifles.
Just bought Hi-Point 45ACP Carbine. Current loads for my 1911's all use W231.
Does the extra barrel length justify trying to find a more efficient load
for carbine, say slower powder or would the difference be so slight that
it would preferable to just use same loads. Appreciate any opinions.

 

[USSR]

Does the extra barrel length justify trying to find a more efficient load
for carbine, say slower powder...

Sure, every little bit helps. I would suggest AA#5 or HS-6.

Don

 

[Cherokee]

Slower powders may end up giving you more velocity in the carbine than if you just stayed with 231. For my 1911's and 45 ACP carbine, I use 231, never tried the slower powders in the carbine. My chronograph results show 100 fps increased velocity from pistol to carbine using 231. HS6 might be a good one to try out for the carbine, it also works in 1911's.

 

[RandyP]

Just my two cents - I have the Hi Point 995 and several pistols in 9mm. I use the same reloads for them all. For target plinking I can't justify segregating ammo made 'specific' for each firearm. Too much like inventory control at work - LOL

 

[Kingcreek]

What do you want to do with the carbine that a little bit of velocity gain makes it worth the trouble?
Personally, I wouldn't bother. 231 is a great powder in the .45 pistol- clean and consistant and it takes a long time to go thru a 3 pound canister. a big ol bucket of .45acp that I can feed to any .45 in the stable makes more sense to me.

 

[Blue68f100]

If you ever try WST you may never use 231 again in a 45.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I would stick with your current powder. Velocity gained is minimal anyway and slower powders might not deliver the accuracy. You might end up with two different loads, one for the carbine and one for the pistol, basically negating the advantage of sharing a caliber.

 

[dave from mesa]

If you ever try WST you may never use 231 again in a 45.

+1
Like that powder.

 

[bigedp51]

Your answer is in the reloading manuals when you compare pistol loads and loads shot in a 16 inch contender. Slower powders have the advantage.

I use contender loads for my 16 inch Winchester 30-30 Trapper model and "NOT" rifle loads for a 22 inch barrel.
(I hate it when you set the woods on fire with slow burning powder)
Unless your putting on a meat drive and plan to smoke the meat.



On the other hand the "Duke" used the same ammunition in both his pistol and his rifle for simplicity.

 

[Steve Koski]

If you're hunting it could be worth the extra oomph. For screwing off? Nope. Keep it simple like RandyP said.

 

[italy176]

I'd use up the rest of the 231 and "upgrade" to a slower powder. AA#7 (according to Lee 2nd ed.) seems to perform as good as the faster powders for pistol loads. Likewise, you'll get a little extra performance in the carbine (I'm guessing 15%).

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would also stick with W231 if you have a load you like.
As for AA#5, that's also a good powder for the .45 Auto considering it was developed specifically for the .45 Auto.

 

[joneb]

Your answer is in the reloading manuals when you compare pistol loads and loads shot in a 16 inch contender. Slower powders have the advantage.

A slower powder load that works well in a lock breech action may not work as well in a carbine with a straight blow back action. A powder that is to slow for your pistol is likely to slow for your carbine.
I have had good results with unique and AA#5 in a Marlin Camp 45

 

[jfremder]

Just my two cents - I have the Hi Point 995 and several pistols in 9mm. I use the same reloads for them all. For target plinking I can't justify segregating ammo made 'specific' for each firearm. Too much like inventory control at work - LOL

I also have a 995TS. While it shoots the pistol loads just fine, a dedicated load using slower blue dot and MB Small Ball dropped the 50y group size to < .75". Check out http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=596968 for other load ideas. Great weapon considering it's ~$200 of stamped steel. It really smoothed out after a few hundred rounds.