Trail Boss for FMJ

[clone]

Is there any problems loading 45acp with FMJ 230gr using Trail Boss? I have read that it could cause pressure problems. But the IMR data says using FMJ bullets is ok.

I emailed Hodgdon but have not heard back yet.

 

[rcmodel]

The only problem I could see would be getting enough of it in the little .45 ACP case to get a jacketed bullet out of the barrel without it becoming a compressed charge.
That's a no-no with Trail Boss.

Hodgdon shows a start load with a 230 cast lead bullet of 3.5 grains giving only 658 FPS, and a max load of 4.5 giving only 761 FPS.

Bore friction from a jacketed bullet would reduce that even further.

Be interesting to see what Hodgdon says to your email.

rc

 

[floydster]

Don't know about Trial Boss and FMJ, but shooting cast in my 45 ACP, my go to load is 4 grs. TB pushing a 230 gr. MBC bullet. Dead nuts accurate.

 

[TonyT]

Several months ago I noticed some reduced rifle loads using trail Boss powder with jacketed bullets in the recent Hodgdon reloading guide. I called Hodgdon and inquired about using Trail Boss with jacketed bullets in pistol cartridges and was cautioned that it might not provide enough velocity to provide accuracy.

 

[ljnowell]

I believe if you read that closely it says that it will work with lead bullets only in pistol, but will work with lead and FMJ in reduced rifle loads.

trail boss was designed primarily for reduced loads using lead bullets in pistol cartridges. However, TrailBoss offers superb versatility in rifle cartridges producing reduced loads using lead or jacketed bullets.

 

[Gadzooks Mike]

I'm not sure you can get enough TB into a pistol case to push a jacketed bullet out the barrel.

 

[ljnowell]

I'm not sure you can get enough TB into a pistol case to push a jacketed bullet out the barrel.

Thats the whole problem.

 

[Ky Larry]

IMR has all the test equipment and smart people to test their load data. If they say a load will work, I'd tend to beleive them. They're not going to tell you something they haven't tried.

 

[Steve C]

Is there any problems loading 45acp with FMJ 230gr using Trail Boss?

The main problem is trying to use a powder specifically designed for cowboy action shooters loading original black powder revolver and rifle cartridges. TB is a high bulk, case filling but fast burning powder that's not really appropriate to use with any smaller volume semi auto cartridge. While it can probably be made to work at a marginal level there are plenty of more appropriate and economical powders to use.

 

[Walkalong]

It works with lead much better than plated or jacketed.

 

[Robert Wilson]

Regarding Trail Boss with jacketed bullets in general, the manufacturer initially warned against it, as noted in the thread to which you linked. They have emphatically changed their minds, however, and now claim their "100% loading density = maximum load, 70% loading density = minimum load" works for every kind of bullet. The only risk, apparently, is in compressing the stuff, which they tell us is a no-no regardless of bullet.

Having said that, I agree with the general advice re. the .45 ACP: it's hard to see a reason to use it in such a small case, when faster powders work so well.

 

[jhansman]

Having squibbed a jacketed bullet in a rifle with TB back when I barely knew what I was doing, I now only use it with lead. It makes a nice powder-puff load for .357 lever guns.

 

[clone]

An update from Hodgdon.

This is the email I received from Mike Daly.

Yes, it is OK to use jacketed bullets in the 45 ACP with Trail Boss. No problem, no issues.



Mike Daly

Customer Satisfaction Manager

The Hodgdon Family of Fine Propellants

Hodgdon Smokeless Powders

Winchester Legendary Propellants

IMR Propellants

Pyrodex

Triple Seven

Goex Black Powder

So, I will try some loads starting at 4.0gr and working up to 4.4 (increments of .2gr). I will be double checking (barrel/action) after every shot to make sure nothing is going wrong. I will also bring a cleaning rod, wooden dowel, and a hammer just in case.

I will let you guys know how it goes. Wish me luck.

P.S. The pistol I will be using will be a RIA 1911 Officer.