Who Else Loves Loading 45 Auto??

[45/30-06OKIE]

.45ACP was the first cartridge I ever loaded for, way back in Nineteen hundred and eighty-six. Still love loading it.

My standard load is 6.5grn Unique under any 230grn bullet, but lately I've been fooling with 200grn bullets, and a little less velocity for my alloy-framed Kimber; those full-house 230's really crack your hand in the light pistol, and I don't want to beat it to death. Probably my favorite powder for the 200's is WST... it burns very clean, produces very good accuracy, and seems to meter well.

You know, a lower velocity 185gr bullet is something I am wanting to load for suppressed use. Any tips on low velocity 185gr loads? All the data I've looked at shows like 1k+fps for 185gr, I was thinking more along the lines of 850-900fps or so? I'd have to make sure it cycles with a suppressor though.

 

[GooseGestapo]

You know, a lower velocity 185gr bullet is something I am wanting to load for suppressed use. Any tips on low velocity 185gr loads? All the data I've looked at shows like 1k+fps for 185gr, I was thinking more along the lines of 850-900fps or so? I'd have to make sure it cycles with a suppressor though.

Bullseye and HP38/Win231 have worked for me. I was using a 190gr cast SWC in a Colt GoldCup M1911 in the ‘90’s for PPC semi auto.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Before I loaded it I shot lots of 45acp. To me those big heavy steel 1911s are the cat’s meow.

So they are why I load 230RN & 200SWC primarily with Bullseye, W231, and BE-86.

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

Before I loaded it I shot lots of 45acp. To me those big heavy steel 1911s are the cat’s meow.

So they are why I load 230RN & 200SWC primarily with Bullseye, W231, and BE-86.

View attachment 1153167

Nice collection! Do you use the same load(s) in all of them with similar accuracy and such?

 

[CQB45ACP]

Nice collection! Do you use the same load(s) in all of them with similar accuracy and such?

80% of the time same load.

Early on I foolishly loaded a ton of Acme 230RN and only plunk tested in one pistol & trusted a gauge as representing all others. Lo and behold they won’t plunk in other three.

Accuracy winner is hard to pick it’s more about me than them.

 

[ballman6711]

Any tips on low velocity 185gr loads?

Look on Hodgdon's website, plenty of loads for 185gr bullets in the 800~950fps range.

If you decide to try the swc's, buy a small amount to make sure they work in your gun. I have three 1911's and two of them eat 185swc's like a fat kid eats candy, the third will shoot them but they have to be nearly perfect to feed consistently. These are coated .452 diameter. All three will reliably feed and function with .451 plated/jacketed swc's.

chris

 

[CQB45ACP]

Look on Hodgdon's website, plenty of loads for 185gr bullets in the 800~950fps range.

If you decide to try the swc's, buy a small amount to make sure they work in your gun. I have three 1911's and two of them eat 185swc's like a fat kid eats candy, the third will shoot them but they have to be nearly perfect to feed consistently. These are coated .452 diameter. All three will reliably feed and function with .451 plated/jacketed swc's.

chris

Chris, Chris, Chris! Fat kids eating candy? Time for the reeducation camp for you.
But hilarious

 

[Charlie98]

If you decide to try the swc's, buy a small amount to make sure they work in your gun.

True story.

I bought some 200grn plated SWC's a few years ago (when bullet selection was 'take it or leave it.' I have 2 4" Kimbers... the steel ProEclipse, and the alloy ProCarry... basically, 2 identical pistols, the only difference being the frame material. The SWC's went down the Eclipse tube like a fat kid on a playground slide (after he ate all the candy...) but the Carry gagged on them about 1 in 5 times. I have since gotten away from SWC's in the .45, and just stick with the tried and true RN's. Sad, because when they shot, they shot very well, and, as was mentioned, left nice round holes.

You know, a lower velocity 185gr bullet is something I am wanting to load for suppressed use.

I would think heavier would be better, unless you are just looking for cheap thrills.

 

[ballman6711]

The swc's work great in both my alloy framed Kimber Ultras (3" barrels) but the 5" steel frame Kimber is the one that has occasional issues.

Funny how they work in one gun and not in another. In fact, I can make them for my newest Ultra and they will plunk fine, but the other one has a very tight chamber and they may not plunk in that one. My solution is to make them for the tighter chamber.

My buddy has a 45acp (don't remember the make) and bought the Acme 185swc's based on my recommendation. They wouldn't work in his gun, so he gave me the remainder of the box, about 450 bullets. I thought it was funny when the one's I made fed flawlessly in HIS gun, but he swore he would never buy them again.

Like I said, buy a few (maybe 100), make five or ten, and test for function. If they work well then make more. If not, try to figure out why they don't work. Could be the gun or a simple die adjustment.

chris

 

[CQB45ACP]

True story.

I bought some 200grn plated SWC's a few years ago (when bullet selection was 'take it or leave it.' I have 2 4" Kimbers... the steel ProEclipse, and the alloy ProCarry... basically, 2 identical pistols, the only difference being the frame material. The SWC's went down the Eclipse tube like a fat kid on a playground slide (after he ate all the candy...) but the Carry gagged on them about 1 in 5 times. I have since gotten away from SWC's in the .45, and just stick with the tried and true RN's. Sad, because when they shot, they shot very well, and, as was mentioned, left nice round holes.




I would think heavier would be better, unless you are just looking for cheap thrills.

Okay you and @ballman6711 can be roommates at camp

 

[Charlie98]

Could be the gun or a simple die adjustment.

The 185grn SWC's in particular are kind of tricky with seating depth... because there isn't much there!

 

[drband]

You should try Promo/Red Dot if you get a chance! 3.7gr under a 200gr coated LSWC will shoot around 700-750fps and always cycle the action with stock recoil springs. Great accuracy—but truth be told, accuracy depends on me more than the bullet or load.

I started with 230gr RN and have since moved on to 200gr SWC. I like the Acme coated 200gr SWC without a lube groove the best. MBC 200gr SWC is a fine option as well. The Acme bullets feed just fine in my DW Heritage and CZ 97b. The trick to loading SWC in .45acp is to load with the shoulder of the bullet just above the case—about .030” or the thickness of your thumbnail. Light crimp only to remove any belling. My reloads feed 100% in my pistols, my son’s Ruger 1911 and did so in the RIA 4” 1911 I no longer have. No ramp work or polishing needed in any.

 

[CQB45ACP]

The swc's work great in both my alloy framed Kimber Ultras (3" barrels) but the 5" steel frame Kimber is the one that has occasional issues.

Funny how they work in one gun and not in another. In fact, I can make them for my newest Ultra and they will plunk fine, but the other one has a very tight chamber and they may not plunk in that one. My solution is to make them for the tighter chamber.

My buddy has a 45acp (don't remember the make) and bought the Acme 185swc's based on my recommendation. They wouldn't work in his gun, so he gave me the remainder of the box, about 450 bullets. I thought it was funny when the one's I made fed flawlessly in HIS gun, but he swore he would never buy them again.

Like I said, buy a few (maybe 100), make five or ten, and test for function. If they work well then make more. If not, try to figure out why they don't work. Could be the gun or a simple die adjustment.

chris

I shoved the loaded Acmes through the Lee bulge buster (FCD with guts removed if you’re not familiar) and still they will not chamber in any other pistol (of mine that is).

Contacted Acme who said, yes, it would be okay to resize to .451. Wanna pull a bunch of coated lead? Didn’t think so. I do a few here and there.

 

[gonetocamp]

I just purchased 8 lbs. of W231 powder for loading .45acp. Hopefully I live long enough to use it all.

 

[CQB45ACP]

True story.

I bought some 200grn plated SWC's a few years ago (when bullet selection was 'take it or leave it.' I have 2 4" Kimbers... the steel ProEclipse, and the alloy ProCarry... basically, 2 identical pistols, the only difference being the frame material. The SWC's went down the Eclipse tube like a fat kid on a playground slide (after he ate all the candy...) but the Carry gagged on them about 1 in 5 times. I have since gotten away from SWC's in the .45, and just stick with the tried and true RN's. Sad, because when they shot, they shot very well, and, as was mentioned, left nice round holes.




I would think heavier would be better, unless you are just looking for cheap thrills.

Cheap thrills was Janis Joplin’s first album (not positive it was first but certainly was hers) just gave it, many others 60s/70s first editions, my bang & olufsen, Yamaha receiver, and some no name speakers to my 31 y/o son and his wife. They say vinyl sounds different. It does. Better.

Sorry, back on track…I took the seating stem from a Redding die and ground it out just enough to touch the shoulder only of 45acp 200gr SWCs. It’s dedicated to that purpose now.

 

[lightman]

I've been loading the 45 ACP for a long time. Most of my loads were using a 200 grain H&G 68, and before that the RCBS version of the 68. Next up were probably a 230 grain round nose lead bullet cast from a Lyman mold. All of my cast bullets have been straight clip-on wheelweights. In-between were a scattering of 185 grain jacketed target bullets and 200 grain hollow points. I've mostly used 231, Bullseye and Unique. I did load some hot hollow point loads with Blue Dot a few times.

 

[doubleh]

I do not love reloading anything. It's work I do to shoot more with more accurate ammo. Got to say though the 45 ACP is one of the easiest to load. My oldest great grand daughter when I was first getting her into shooting called them "those big ol' fat ones".

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

True story.

I bought some 200grn plated SWC's a few years ago (when bullet selection was 'take it or leave it.' I have 2 4" Kimbers... the steel ProEclipse, and the alloy ProCarry... basically, 2 identical pistols, the only difference being the frame material. The SWC's went down the Eclipse tube like a fat kid on a playground slide (after he ate all the candy...) but the Carry gagged on them about 1 in 5 times. I have since gotten away from SWC's in the .45, and just stick with the tried and true RN's. Sad, because when they shot, they shot very well, and, as was mentioned, left nice round holes.




I would think heavier would be better, unless you are just looking for cheap thrills.

Yeah I do think that 230gr ballistic wise would be best, but I was mainly wanting something stupid quiet that still cycles. I figured less powder and less bullet weight would be good? But maybe I'll just stick with what works...

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

Too many replies to individually respond, so I'll just say that I'll definitely be looking into y'all's suggestions and will be trying to get some coated SWC bullets. Glad to see y'all have good luck with them for the most part.

 

[CQB45ACP]

I do not love reloading anything. It's work I do to shoot more with more accurate ammo. Got to say though the 45 ACP is one of the easiest to load. My oldest great grand daughter when I was first getting her into shooting called them "those big ol' fat ones".

You or the cartridge?

 

[CoalTrain49]

I wish Alliant powder wasn't just stupidly priced right now or I'd try some BE-86... Is American Select the only one you're used from them? As in you found a load you liked and just only buy that powder? I'm kinda leaning towards CFE Pistol being that option for me but I'm open to trying new stuff.

Yes. I load all 9mm, 38 Spl, 38 Short Colt and 45 APC with it. I'm not one to experiment a lot with powder. If I find something that works I usually try to buy 8lbs. I think I paid around $20/lb for the last American Select I purchased. Looks like it's double that now.

If I were you I'd try BE-86 if you want something Alliant. American Select is/was a shotgun powder. BE-86 would probably meter better. But then if you come across any AS that's stupid cheap, like a liquidation sale, I'd be on that like white on rice.

I don't think that everyone knows that there are many fast powders that will work for 45 ACP, even if they aren't marketed as a low pressure pistol/revolver powder.

Someone here posted a list of powders that work well for 45 ACP. IIRC there were about 10 and only half were pistol powders. The others were shotgun powders.

 

[doubleh]

Where is the head shake emoji? I suppose I should have said "called 45 ACP those big ol' fat ones" to make it perfectly clear to everyone.

 

[ballman6711]

Yeah I do think that 230gr ballistic wise would be best, but I was mainly wanting something stupid quiet that still cycles. I figured less powder and less bullet weight would be good? But maybe I'll just stick with what works...

I've gone pretty low on my charge weights for 230gr fmj's. I think I got as low as 4.2gr W231 before it wouldn't cycle the slide (I would have to check my notes to be certain). Never had a squib. I will say that the slide was slowing noticeably a couple tenths of a grain above that load, BUT I was also running a torture test to see how long the gun would function without cleaning. IIRC the gun went about 650 rounds before having any stoppages without cleaning, although I did apply a drop or two of oil on it.

Brass thickness can have an effect on function as well. Last week I loaded 200 of the Acme 185gr swc's, 100 in Starline brass, 100 in Winchester brass. All of the Winchester rounds plunked and twisted in my tight chamber gun, most of the Starline rounds plunked but wouldn't twist. The Starline rounds that didn't plunk would fit my chamber with a slight press from my finger.

The trick to loading SWC in .45acp is to load with the shoulder of the bullet just above the case—about .030” or the thickness of your thumbnail.

This ^^^^ 100%

chris

 

[mdi]

One reason I like reloading the 45 ACP is it's size. I don't drop brass or bullets, fumbling with my old mechanic's fat fingers. Stuffing them in a magazine is easier for me than most other calibers. I have 2 handguns and one carbine and enjoy the "thump" when I hit a target.

My first exposure to handloads was at a police range around 1969 when I was sitting in the gallery watching a couple shooters using 1911s. They retrieved their targets and I noticed most had one hole, about 2". I got closer and noticed they had 30 cal. ammo cans half full of brown cartridges, 45 ACP. One guy noticed me and explained they were shooting reloads. Soon started reloading my own...

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

Yes. I load all 9mm, 38 Spl, 38 Short Colt and 45 APC with it. I'm not one to experiment a lot with powder. If I find something that works I usually try to buy 8lbs. I think I paid around $20/lb for the last American Select I purchased. Looks like it's double that now.

If I were you I'd try BE-86 if you want something Alliant. American Select is/was a shotgun powder. BE-86 would probably meter better. But then if you come across any AS that's stupid cheap, like a liquidation sale, I'd be on that like white on rice.

I don't think that everyone knows that there are many fast powders that will work for 45 ACP, even if they aren't marketed as a low pressure pistol/revolver powder.

Someone here posted a list of powders that work well for 45 ACP. IIRC there were about 10 and only half were pistol powders. The others were shotgun powders.

Like I tried Longshot and it was horrible so I gave up and got CFE Pistol and it's been smooth sailing since. I do try to look for Alliant stuff through our wholesaler as dad and I have an FFL but it's very seldom to find any and it's usually some oddball stuff but I did see BE-86 once in 8lb jugs for a good price. No 1lb cans though.
Edit, I just checked and they have 1lb cans of BE-86 for the low low price of 40 bucks a pound????