Replicating Some .45 ACP Rounds

[Lerk]

Well after a bunch of testing different rounds for use in my .45 ACP XDS for carrying, I've settled on 230gr Speer Gold Dots and 230gr Federal Hydra-Shoks. I haven't been able to sit down and research loads yet, but I would like to find some loads that will closely replicate this rounds so that I can handload up a bunch for practice purposes without breaking the bank, especially with the already short supply of each.

The bullet type doesn't much matter, just looking for something that closely replicates these 2 rounds that I can reload. Anyone have some starting points that will get me close? Like I said, I haven't had time to sit down a research specifics as to what they Gold Dots and Hydra-Shoks run for velocity and such, but it never hurts to get a starting point from others experience.

I haven't tested lead bullets in my XDS yet, but it is definitely another option for bullets. Otherwise I already have a variety of 230gr FMJ, Berry's Plated, and XTP's on hand besides some LSWC. Powders and primers are not a problem at all. I have a very large variety of pistol powders on hand (and can always get more if needed) and primers are plentiful.

 

[ETXhiker]

You have two basic choices:

A: Get a chronograph.

B: Just load some stuff that feels the same as what you intend to carry.

My choice is "A", as decent chronys are cheap these days.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I haven't tried to replicate Speer 45 Auto ammo but I have replicated Speer Short Barrel .38 Special +P and .357 Magnum ammo. I found Hornady XTP bullets make a good substitute for the Gold Dot bullets which are much harder to find and more expensive.

Sorry I can't help with the 45 Auto rounds. Please don't forget to post your results.

 

[moxie]

Find some loads in your reloading handbooks for 230 FMJ that will push your bullets to the 800fps range. Those will closely replicate the Speers and Federals in terms of felt recoil and will hit at somewhere near the same point. Start at a few tenths down and work up to that point. As noted above, get a chrono. Really helps. I like Unique for these loads. 230 RNL loads running a bit slower will also give you the same feel. And a lot cheaper.

 

[4895]

You could always try to capture an expanded, spent bullet by shooting through a gallon jug of water and 'catching' it in a water-soaked phone book taped to the jug. You might be surprised what kind of expansion you can get with different powders, bullets, etc.


P.S. 200 grain .451 Gold-Dot bullets become a flying ashtray...lol

 

[blackhawk44]

"so that I can handload up a bunch for practice purposes without breaking the bank". Proficiency requires practice. Practice requires ammo. Your answer is cast lead bullets for practice, hollow points for hunting (actually, the cast would do fine here also). Get a good reloading manual or go to the powder company web sites for data. Its been so many years since I have used a jacketed bullet in an ACP that I almost forgot they made them.

 

[4895]

I guess I should mention that I load my practice .45 auto ammo with Berry's plated 230 grain round nose and 5.0 grains of Bullseye at 1.245" with a slight taper crimp that allows the bullet to "plunk" into the barrel easily. It works for me and I think my average velocity was 812 fps for 12 or 13 rounds and a 4" barrel.

I have tried lead bullets and can't seem to get something right with them. I get horrible leading and really gave up on the idea. I discovered that the extra $10 or so for plated bullets far outweighed the time and effort of scrubbing the barrel. YMMV.

 

[41 Mag]

Working without a chronograph about the best you can do is to look up what the factory loads are supposed to do velocity wise. After that pick loads from your manuals which should put you into that ball park of velocity and work up from there.

As for bullets, lead is the cheapest, plated is a bit higher and jacketed ball is higher yet. If your running in the 850 - 950fps range with your loads there should be no real reason why lead won't work as long as the fit is there. I'm shooting several different home cast bullets through my ACP, all sized to .452" and lubed with either a blend of Alox or with Carnuba Red. I have no issues what so ever with any of the loads i have shot leading up the barrel.

Just don't get hung up in the "hard cast" game where they bullets are running up into the 15 - 18 or higher BHN range as it is not needed for the ACP. Anything from 9 - 12 should suffice just fine, as long as the size is correct. Most of the time leading form commercial bullets is due to them being too hard, or the sizes not matching the bore, or both. If you DO find that your getting leading at the muzzle end with your lead loads you could try tumble lubing them with Alox, as that is usually a sign of the lube failing. This can happen with some of the harder lubes that are used on commercial bullets.

 

[Kosh75287]

THIS works for ME:

I've had good success with 4.4/RedDot/225TC, for duplicating ball. I went up to 4.6, but it felt like a bit too much. If you try this, I would appreciate knowing your findings.

 

[Lerk]

Appreciate the input. I'm in the process of saving up for a Chronograph currently, but there might be a few other things I decide to take care of before snow flies and wait until spring to purchase the chrony. Winter is my main time to sit and research loads, load up some, and then wait for a nice day to shoot. Gotta see how the next few weeks go, hopefully I'll have some time to hit the bench to whip up some test loads, but according to the forcasts, snow might be here shortly, and I still have a lot of projects to finish before the white flurries.

 

[Country_Soldier]

If my history is not correct please someone correct me, but the original .45 ACP was designed to be fired out of a 5" barrel, and if you look at most loading handbooks it usually states that the test weapon for that load was a 5" barrel. I could see maybe getting good results from a 4" barrel, but I don't know what kind of ballistics or accuracy you would get from a 3.3" barrel. I fire .45 ACP in a Taurus PT-145 Mil Pro, and to get accurate rounds for 230 gr rounds I had to load the rounds pretty hot, was beating the poor little gun to death. I switched up to 185 gr bullets, and I get get accuracy without damage. I guess what I am trying to say is, if your going to be loading for a short barrel .45, have you considered down grading the weight of the bullet? Just putting my 2 cents in there

 

[Lerk]

Yes I'm on the lookout for some lighter loads to try out as well, but haven't been able to locate any at the local stores. Only managed to snag a few of the 230gr loads.

But since I had already proved out the 230gr in my XDS, I thought I would start with them.

As far as excellent accuracy, I still haven't found any load, whether target or full bore SD, that would fall under that catagory. However most still fall within an acceptable level, and with the short selection around me at my LGS, I'll have to settle for that right now.

 

[Speedster00]

I shoot the Missouri #4 with6.3 gr of power pistol from my XDS. Very good accurate smooth load.