What size bullet for 45acp

[aquapong]

I'm new to 45acp reloading. The 185gr bullets tend to be cheaper, so I was going to go with those. Is there any lack of performance associated with them or do people tend to like the big heavy bullets?

 

[dgillispie]

I am using 200 grain LSWC 452 diameter from Dardas Bullets and I have been playing around with a good load. I have had good results and Dardas Bullets have been great. So make sure if you need bullets look there.

Sometimes cheaper is not always better.

 

[SoCalShooter]

Well it depends on your application of the bullet. I use 200 gr SWC for matches and for practice cause I can download them to use less powder and still get great accuracy. I shoot 230 for EIC matches and hunting. You are definetly going to get performance differences.

 

[Corner Pocket]

My Ruger P345 has been gobbling up these 200gr RNFP bullets ever since I began reloading them. Looks like a winner to me!

Corner Pocket

 

[benzuncle]

I reload using 230gr only. I choose to shoot at the range the same, or as close to the same thing I carry for SD. Because I am reloading, I'm already saving a very decent amount of $$. The $5 to $7 per 1000 difference is not enough to consider vs. my SD consideration. If I was only range shooting, I would probably go with something else.

 

[Walkalong]

All of those and a 225 Gr, sometimes a 250 gr.

The Berrys 185 Gr HBRN and the Berrys 185 Gr SWC both shoot great and are about as cheap as you can shoot without going for lead.

For range work, any old bullet will do. Cheaper the better as long as it works.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

200 grain bullets have a place in a 45 acp...but the 230's are the best in most applications (for me)

I don't care for the lighter bullets...except the all copper ones. All others are bigger around than they are long (that's not a good thing)

 

[dave from mesa]

I have tried 185, 200 and 230 gr bullets.
200 feels best in my hand.
Best that you try them all because what feels good for someone else may not be the same for you.
Good luck

 

[The Bushmaster]

185 grain Hornady HPXTP for work and 185 grain Rainier plated HP for play...Both of my .45 ACPs eat them like candy...

 

[tango2echo]

Until recently, I have only loaded two bullets in .45ACP...The 185gr XTP and a 230gr CLRN. Those two have accounted for about 16,000 rounds. Recently, the bullet shortage has force me to play around with some other choices.

T2E

 

[glockman19]

I too am just beginning my reloading hobby. I'm going to get 230 grain because I want to shoot the same round I carry.

 

[Dean Williams]

I use a 200gr LSWC the most. It shoots well in my .45's, very good accuracy. In my experience, though, you can make the other weights shoot just as well.

In the end, it depends on what you want to do with it. If it's for range use, and you want to shoot a lot, 185 and 200 grainers are great. If you want to duplicate military weight and velocity, use the 230.

If you want a defense load, use bullets designed for that purpose.

 

[delta5]

I was told that the .45 acp was originally designed to take down enemy soldiers that were high on dope when the .38 specials (i think..) didnt cut the mustard. Hasnt the 230 gr. military ball round been the standard since then?

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, a 230 FMJ-RN is & was the standard bullet weight for the 1911.

It shoots to point of aim with fixed sight guns, whereas lighter bullets do not.

If you have adjustable sights, you can shoot whatever bullet weight you want too.

I'm pretty much a 200 grain lead SWC target load, and 230 grain everything else sort of guy.

rc

 

[jjohnson]

It Depends.

Yep, that's my favorite answer nowadays.

I'm with the majority here, I think: 230gr is what I carry generally, though I sometimes carry the lighter hollowpoints.

230 is what was designed hand in hand with the Colt M1911. Guess what? Optimum reliability. Also, not a bad combat round, as handguns go.

I do shoot lighter wadcutters when I'm just playing at the range - not because I like them better, but as pointed out, they're cheaper, at least if you're buying cast lead. They also shoot very well in my .45 autos AND in my .45 revolvers.

Nothing magic about the 230, but it's sort of the standard - and with good reason. It works.