USPSA 45 Handloads for Beginner

[ogso]

Sorry but every search parameter for 45 for uspsa brings up old old data. My son just bought a Trojan 45 and wants to start shooting competition. I used to shoot 15 years ago with a para 14-45 using a 185 grain semi wadcutter over 3 or so grains of AA 2. Made major easy and was gentle to shoot. My searches yielded many year old data where guys were running 230's over a fast power that makes the new power factor of 165. Granted I have not been out to the local club shoot yet but I would appreciate any help I can get to share with my son. Thank you

Ogso

 

[LiveLife]

Sorry but every search parameter for 45 for uspsa brings up old old data ... where guys were running 230's over a fast power that makes the new power factor of 165.

That's because what worked back then still works today. Like they say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." When I shot USPSA matches, the consensus among many match shooters seemed to be a heavier bullet with a fast powder (faster burn rate than W231/HP-38) makes the gun shoot softer and that's probably why your search produced more 230 gr loads. Personally, I switched to 40S&W to better meet major/minor power factors, but that's another story.

My son just bought a Trojan 45 and wants to start shooting competition.

Nice!

If your son wants to be competitive, I would suggest he test various bullet types/weights and powders and see which works best for his match pistol in terms of accuracy vs desired recoil/muzzle flip as it's relatively easy to meet major power factor with 45 loads.

FYI, many match shooters load 5-10 PF higher than what's required to ensure they meet PF regardless ambient temperature, elevation and chrono used.

 

[NWcityguy2]

That load of AA2 isn't going to come close to making 165. Not everyone shoots the heaviest bullet weight available. People running comps will obviously shoot a light weight bullet and slow powder.

For 45acp lots of people shoot a 200gr SWC simply for the bullet profile. There are many more choices in that weight for SWCs then there is for 230gr bullets.

Most of us are using a very fast shotgun powder with Hodgdon Clays being the most popular. Ramshot Competitions, Alliant Clay Dot and Accurate Nitro 100 NF are other choices. Wincheste WST is a bit slower, has a higher charge weight but can produce more respectable 230gr bullet velocities for general shooting. That doesn't mean people don't use fast pistol powders as well, but you can go faster on the burn chart and save some money. Between the pistol and shotgun powders, the felt recoil isn't night and day. Just make sure to only load to power factor, that's the biggest thing.

 

[MR__X]

Like stated before, It is easy to make major with 45. I think must matches assumed because you are shoting 45, you are in major. I have yet to be in a match were they chrono me but that might be different in your area.

 

[kitsapshooter]

We chrono at Kitsap Rifle and Revolver club. I have worked chrono at of the 3 matches is the past 12 months. It can be a very eye opening experience for everyone. It is also a wonderful way to work a match.