What is the best commercially available .452 bullet for accuracy?

[allen4150]

I'm new to reloading for pistol and was wondering what bullet delivers the most accuracy out of .45 auto. I really don't care about feeding reliability....just accuracy. Is the 200 gr more accurate that the 185...or vise versa?

If there are jacketed .451's that are more accurate, I'd be interested in your experienced opinion.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Hornady 230 grain XTP's (and HAP's) have a reputation for accuracy, a reputation that they live up to in all my guns.


But I have no personal experience with the 185 and 200 grain versions...

 

[Jeeper]

Anyone that tells you that bullet X is the best hands down, no question is full of crap. (I am not saying this about the prior post)

Bullets, and their accuracy are very gun specific. I have two identical guns that like different buletts. There is one way to find out what you gun likes. Shoot different bullets, and loads. I do agree that the 230 XTP is worth trying as it is a good bullet. I personally like 185's.

 

[rcmodel]

I get the impression you are asking about target shooting, but you didn't really say.

If that is the case, the old 200 grain lead SWC bullet has won an awful lot of NRA Bullseye center-fire pistol matches.
Just about any .45 should do well with them.

You should at least give them a try.
http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=56&category=5&secondary=13&keywords=

For full power JHP SD use, I agree that the Hornady XTP is almost always going to shoot real well.

On the other hand, GI match ammo was always loaded with 230 grain RN-FMJ, and it too is more accurate then most folks can stand on their hind legs and shoot it.

rc

 

[918v]

It really depends on the gun. Some combos are extremely sensitive to variances in bullet weight, powder charge weight, OAL, etc. Others are insensitive and shoot great. The thing to do with lead is to match the alloy to the velocity and pressure of the load and to sort the bullets by weight. Jacketed bullets from the big brands are extremely consistent in weight, but don't necessarily shoot better than lead and cost three times as much.

If you stick to classic 45 ACP powders like Bullseye and 231, you will definitely find an accurate load.

 

[allen4150]

Thanks rcmodel. Group size is what I'm interested in. I'm sorry for not being more clear. Twenty five yards... indoor...no wind.

 

[buck460XVR]

On the other hand, GI match ammo was always loaded with 230 grain RN-FMJ, and it too is more accurate then most folks can stand on their hind legs and shoot it.

+1

My experience with loading for pistols has shown me that powder type, amount of that powder used and weight/profile/construction of the projectile has more effect on accuracy out of my handguns(autos and revolvers)than what particular brand of bullet I use. I've also found that very few loads that work the best in my friend's gun is not always the best in mine. It gives me a good place to start, but then again, so do all of my reloading manuals. On fixed sight autos the challenge for me is to find that combo that shoots to POA. In my 5'' Government that combo is a 200 grainer over Unique. Don't group the best, but shoots where I put the front sight. In the past, I've never had much luck rememberin' the exact amount of Kentucky windage when being pressured to make a shot. To me, figurin' this Sh#t out is the fun part of handloading. For accuracy, most major manufactured brands of bullets fall under RC's quote above.

 

[LeonCarr]

185 Nosler JHP. IIRC used by both the Army and Marine Corps Teams for bullseye competition. The Sierra JHPs and Hornady XTPs would also be good choices.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[243winxb]

accuracy, have a look here http://bullseyepistol.com/reloads.htm Best accuracy will start with Jacketed, then Swaged, then cast, as cast can have air bubbles trapped inside.

 

[rcmodel]

185 Nosler JHP. IIRC used by both the Army and Marine Corps Teams for bullseye competition

They still shoot .45's?

I thought they were shooting Beretta M9 Match guns in 9mm?
They have to shoot them in service pistol competition to meet the rules.

rc

 

[Hylander7]

I Prefer http://www.mastercast.net/

 

[LeonCarr]

They still shoot .45s I believe, along with modified M9s.

 

[Walkalong]

If that is the case, the old 200 grain lead SWC bullet has won an awful lot of NRA Bullseye center-fire pistol matches.
Just about any .45 should do well with them.

Yep. Gotta give those a try. Great place to start.

 

[editingfx]

100 yard PISTOL?

 

[Walkalong]

Why not 100? I shoot pistols at 100 yards quite often.

 

[fecmech]

I don't believe those pictured groups are 100 yd groups.

 

[Walkalong]

Prolly not.

I use two cheap targets at whatever yardage I am shooting. Both 25 yard targets.

If it is 100 yards, that's some awesome shooting. Must be kin to Jed Clampett.

 

[Remo-99]

If they are 100yard 45acp groups, it shoots better than some of my rifles.
I thought my 45acp shot Ok, giving groups like that at only 25 yards.

 

[ForneyRider]

I have pretty good luck with 200gr SWC. These may not feed well in some guns compared to a RN or JHP.

My best loads are with Lee mould 200gr RN cast loads. When I am patient with the cast process.