Universal Clays Load Data .45ACP

[Ardent]

Looking for some favorite loads with Universal in .45ACP, mainly light target intended. I loaded up some with 5.4gr under a 185gr SW with an OAL of 1.15", I may need to go to a lighter spring with them, we'll see. Anyway, my manual is old and doesn't include Universal, and I've browsed online but most loads (like on the Hodgdons site) are on the mid range to potent side, not the low end. I would have gone for plain old Clays but it wasn't available at the time here in Canada. Help me out if you can, along with comments. I'm interested in heavier loads too just for kicks, cheesy pun intended.

Ardent

 

[ThreadKiller]

I'm loading 5.6 grs of Universal under Rainier 230 gr plated RN's primed by WLP's. Nice easy going load and far more accurate than I can hold. (Of course, your average slingshot shoots better than I can hold.)

Seems to be a clean burning load as well.

Tim

 

[Mark whiz]

Of the 5 powders I've tried with 185 gr bullets, HUC gave me the worst groups.

but 6.0gr works pretty darn well with 200gr swcs and ThreadKiller's 5.6 gr load for 230s should be right in the ballpark based on my jacketed 230 loads with HUC.

 

[another okie]

Speer lists
4.9 to 5.4 with a 200 grain SWC
5.2 to 5.5 of LRN 230 grain
5.5 to 6.3 with 230 grain TMJ

Hodgon itself lists
6.8 to 7.2 with a 185 g. JSWC (pretty hot)
6.0 to 6.7 with 200 g. LSWC (also pretty hot)

I don't know why so many companies only give .45 loads that run over 850 fps when obviously many of us are looking for light plinking loads at about 750 or even slower. I guess they're afraid lighter loads won't cycle 1911s and folks will complain.

 

[Ardent]

Thanks another okie, I have the same suspicions regarding Hodgdons load data. I appreciate the data, I'll put it to use tonight. I think I'll make up a bunch of 185gr and 200gr bullet loads over 4.9gr. I tried the 5.6gr loads yesterday and I can deffinately go lighter, they still had a healthy amount of pop.

Ardent