Load for .45ACP out of 3" Barrel

[Werewolf]

I just got a Kimber Tactical II Ultra. It has a 3" barrel.

3" is pretty darn short so I'm thinking a quick burning powder like Hodgdon Titegroup would be a good choice but I'm not sure.

For a 5" bbl .45ACP I use AA#5 with excellent results with 230gr FMJ's. For my 4" bbl guns I use HP38 with 230gr FMJ's. The HP 38 loads suck in the 5" bbl and the AA#5 loads bite the big weenie in the 4" bbl. See the pattern?

So am I thinking along the right lines. Is a quicker burning powder better for a short bbl'd .45ACP?

Which brings up this question. I'd like to get at least 830 FPS out of the load with 230gr FMJ's but the loads in my two manuals for TG show 810 and that's out of a 5" barrel.

Is it unreasonable to expect to get 830 FPS out of a 3" barrel with 230gr FMJ or HP's? Do I need to go to a 200 gr bullet to get the higher velocities (700's is just too slow for SD).

Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[Clark]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.


Para Ord P10 45acp 3.16" barrel Alluminum frame
Current model called Hawg
http://www.paraord.com/product/category.html?cat=20

National Bullet 152 gr. Copperized lead semi wad cutter, .569" bullet length
http://nationalbullet.com/index.php?name=45_Cal_Bullets

12 gr. PowerPistol, 1.275" OAL, Lee factory crimp, Starline 45acp +P brass

If Quickload is altered from 25 -> 24 gr water case capacity to compensate for the thick case walls, then 1,211 fps, 26,027 psi -> 1,247 fps, 28,767 psi

chrono 1226 fps, 1257 fps,

Over all length is important in the short pistol for feeding and pressure.

+P brass is important with .235" feed ramp intrusion and .180" web on 45acp brass, leaving .055" of thin unsupported case wall. P.O. can do this for a 21,000 psi cartridge to improve feeding, but at 29,000 psi, I need the thick case walls to avoid a case bulge.

My strategery was to come up with a load to get as much power as I could from a short barrel that can't handle pressure or recoil. I am happy with this load, and carry the 152 gr 45 when I visit bad neighborhoods at night.

 

[RecoilRob]

Hmmm.....looks to me like you ARE asking a lot from the 3" barrel. With the same pressure limit, you just can't get as much velocity out of the shorter tube as the longer ones.

I think you will need to either accept +P pressures or reduce the bullet weight to get the 3" velocity up into the mid 800's like you desire.

Many factory 230's don't break 800 from 5" barrels and the fastest SAAMI load I have seen went about 875.

My choice would be a max non+P charge behind the 230FMJ and just live with whatever came out of the 3" tube.