Powder Charge Adjustments

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antsi

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Just shot the first "test batch" of my new .45 ACP range loads today - West Coast plated 230 gr RN, 8.0 gr AA#5 - and found them a little too brisk for my liking. They have noticeably more recoil than the GA Arms rounds I have been using for range ammo and a big, bright muzzle flash.

The cases did not show pressure signs and I still have all my fingers, so I don't believe these are unsafe or anything - it's just they could be more pleasant to shoot and I don't see putting unnecessary wear on my gun for no reason.

According to my data, 7.6 is min and 8.5 is max charge - these I shot today were loaded at 8.0

How much do I need to lower the charge, to make a "qualitative" difference like what I am after here? Or is experimentation the only way to find out?
 
You may want to recheck your scale to make sure it is calibrated correctly. I agree with capbuster, load a few at the starting minimum.
 
Load plated bullets using lead recommendations, which are typically ten percent under those for jacketed.

The "big bright muzzle flash" is excessive powder burning outside the barrel.
 
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