I need some load data or a source for loading the .451 Target in 45ACP.

[Bexar]

I'm a little nervous about loading for pistol as I've never done it before. I've loaded for rifle calibers for about 40 years but never shotgun or pistols. I'm somewhat "cherry" to it and I don't want my Daughter or myself to get "Darwined" in the process.

My Hornady #3 manual gives data for the 185 grain Hollow point but does not match components (How critical is that?) and even though it says the data can be used for the .451 Target it mentions overall length may vary without giving an OAL. All the target semi-wadcutters I've ever seen have been loaded to the case edge at where the wadcutter shoulder starts.

Here are the items I need and what I'm using for components:

Federal cases

CCI large pistol primers #300 (Winchester large pistol primers available #WLP) (Remington 2 1/2 Large Pistol also available)

Unique powder (need grain weight)

Have H110 and Alliant 2400 available.

Need COL (especially)

Taper crimp RCBS dies

HK45 full size pistol and S&W 625 4 inch (?) revolver

.451 Hornady Target 185 grain #4513

Also same requirements for Hornady XTP 200 grain #45140

Same components and firearms.

Estimated FPS if you've got it.

Thanks guys.

Bexar

 

[rcmodel]

Have H110 and Alliant 2400 available.

Cannot be used in the .45 ACP.
Too slow burning.

For Unique and target loads I'd probably try around 5.5 grains and see if they will cycle the gun.

Seat like you said, with just a hint of the full diameter bullet sticking out of the case.

I would work up to 6.0 with the 200 XTP.
That is not max, but should perform pretty good.

rc

 

[PJSprog]

Since you're already out here on these inturwebs, I would recommend hopping over to the powder and bullet manufacturers' websites to see what they have to say. Compare that to what your manual says, and you should be golden.

While there is certainly a wealth of information from experienced loaders available here on THR (and rc is definitely one of them), you don't want to get into the habit of getting your load information from other people. Be cautious when you do, and confirm it elsewhere before you try it.

That said ... if you have some HP-38, you might try that. I get great results from it with the 185gr XTPs.

Oops. OK, now I've re-read your post and see that you've been loading for 40 years. Disregard my standard noob rant.

 

[Bexar]

Yep...I've done considerable looking but can't seem to find what I needed. I did find what I needed for the 185 gr. Target but couldn't find OAL. RCMODEL helped me out with that. Despite your apology I do appreciate your input. Thanks...Bexar

 

[41 Mag]

The 45 ACP is a great round to work with. There are quite a few powders which work very well with it, and a ton of data on most of the popular bullet weights. If I were to suggest a couple of other powders to compliment your Unique, they might be Bullseye, Universal, and AA-2. But like I mention there are several more great ones as well.

Anyway thought I would throw you a couple of links which might help you out a bit. This one is about the best you can get for finding the seating depth for your pistol,
Using an auto pistol barrel find a MAX O.A.L with your bullet It was put up by Walkalong who has his ducks in a pretty tight row.

Then thee is this on I put up a couple of links in as well,
Check the links here

Just follow the same rules you have been following and keep the loading books handy and you will be fine. About the only difference in loading for handguns and rifles is where you might load in .5gr increments for rifle you might want to drop that to around .2 or less depending on which powder your working with. Unique and Universal are pretty forgiving to a point, kind of like H-4831 just to throw out something you might recognize working with. Bullseye and AA-2 are a bit quicker and peak pretty fast so stick within the guidelines with those. The faster they burn the easier they are to get a double charge with as your using less, and with BE and AA-2 your not using a lot by comparrison to say Unique.

Anyway hope this helps,

 

[Bexar]

41...thanks very much...I added the OAL thread to my favorites bar. This is gonna be fun.