Loading 45ACP Lead 185Gr SWC-What Weight of Bullseye to Use?

[gerrym526]

Guys,
Need some help here. Quite a while back I bought a box of 45 ACP lead 185graiin SWC that I'd like to reload. Will be using Bullseye, but not sure what powder weight to use.

Speer reloading manual says use 4.5-4.9gr of Bullseye. But then goes on to say that the loads recommended are "not maximum loads, but those popular for target shooting".

Hornady manual shows 5.4-6.6 gr of Bullseye, but the 185 gr SWC bullet referenced is FMJ (ie. copper jacket).

I seem to remember reading that powder weights are different between FMJ bullets and lead bullets of the same weight-is that right?

Can anyone tell me what a recommended range powder weights using Bullseye for this round would be?

Thanks in advance for the help guys.
Gerry

 

[243winxb]

Swaged or cast bullets?

 

[readyeddy]

Lyman's 47th says 3.5 - 5.0

My load is 4.6

 

[rcmodel]

I seem to remember reading that powder weights are different between FMJ bullets and lead bullets of the same weight-is that right?

Yes that is right.

4.6 would make a sweet target load with lead or plated 185 SWC.

Too light with Jacketed / JHP.

rc

 

[918v]

It depends on the gun and the recoil spring weight.

 

[gerrym526]

To 918V-Answer to Gun and Recoil Spring Weight

Guys,
Will shoot the lead 45ACP SWC out of 2 different guns

Gold Cup Series 70 with a 17lb recoil spring

Ruger SR45-don't know the weight of the recoil spring.

Will 4.6 of Bullseye be enough powder-or should I go higher?

Thanks again for the help.
Gerry

 

[243winxb]

4.6 of Bullseye will be enough. Watch for leading, if bullets are swaged. Only a problem if accuracy is poor.

 

[918v]

Armand Swenson, the famous 1911 gunsmith, used 3.8grs under a 185 but with a 12lb spring. That load would group inside a postage stamp. 4.6 will run your gun, although it prolly won't be as accurate.

 

[warhwkbb]

4.6 will be a nice starting point. It your guns wont cycle with this, you could up the charge a bit or install a lighter recoil spring.

Speer reloading manual says use 4.5-4.9gr of Bullseye. But then goes on to say that the loads recommended are "not maximum loads, but those popular for target shooting".

Isn't this exactly what you would want with lightweight SWC bullets?