Your favorite .45 ACP load

[oldpapps]

Mr. Loader, (very catchy name)

I don't 'load' practice rounds, all are the same, 5.6 grains of 231/HP-38, over a CCI LP primer, packed in any .45 ACP case (I have some that the Nichol plating has worn off) and all topped with a 200 grain LSW with just a little of the forward drive band exposed, less than a dimes thickness.

This load has served me for many years and runs a tad over 900 FPS.

I have loaded 225/230 LRN and used the same charge of 231. They were a bit slower.

 

[anothernewb]

I'll chime in with others. 4.8 of 231 under a 200 grain lead SWC works in everything I've ever used.

there might be cleaner/better alternatives, but I have 7# left of 231 from when I first got into reloading - and I don't see much opportunity to experiment coming along any time soon.

 

[trixter]

I've been shooting Lee TL 452 200 SWC (lead) for about 3 1/2 years and I like 4.2 gr of Bullseye.

 

[wally]

6.0 gr Unique, any bullet (lead, plated, or jacketed) from 185gr to 230gr, any non-magnum primer, any case, with OAL set to fit the shortest of my magazines (was either Glock 21 or Para P14, been so long I've forgotten) or set so the cylindrical portion of the bullet is just visible above the case mouth, whichever is shorter.

Been working in all my .45ACP guns for 25+ years. Sure I could "optimize" if I actually cared what a chronograph said. I shoot steel plates at high ammo volume, they all knock down the plates and my reloading couldn't be simpler.

Only negative is Unique is quite dirty in lower pressure loads like .45ACP and .38 Special, much cleaner burning in higher pressure rounds like 9mm or .40S&W.

 

[Sunray]

4.5 grains of Bullseye with a 230 grain RN or FP, cast or plated, is a nice accurate target load. You must work up the load for your pistol though.

 

[Valkman]

I load any 230gr bullet over a charge of 5.5gr W231/HP-38 and have done so forever.

Me too and it was pointed out to me recently that 5.5gr is now over the max - 5.3gr is the max load at the hogdon site. Mine all shoot fine for me and I will continue shooting up what I have.

 

[Lj1941]

4.4 Grains of Titegroup with 230 LRN is a deadly accurate load that will shoot the center out of the target. No chrono but I guestimate +-800 FPS in my full sized M & P.

 

[brutus51]

Double check that cartridge length. My Sig P220 has had trouble with plated flat points at a 1.250 O/L. They hang up in the magazine. Don't know about their 1911 model.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

In my 1911 I can easily load the rounds to 1.270" without a problem although I usually do between 1.250" and 1.265" depending upon the bullet I'm using.

 

[oldreloader]

I don't believe that should mean to imply that Bullseye and HP38 (or W231) perform exactly the same.

No, They are not the same. I didn't mean to imply that. It's just where I get good performance with each one. Not equal by any means.

 

[Hanshi]

Favorite all around is 4.5 grains of Bullseye under a 200 grain swc. When more zip is needed I like 6.5 grains of Unique and either 230 grn rn, 190 grn wadcutters or 200 grn swc.

 

[chasman52]

I like 4.8 700x w/ 230gr. berry @ 1.225 for target. A new one I'm using that shown good promise is 6.0gr. CFEpistol with 230 Berry @ 1.225

 

[Chuckin' TV]

Anyone shoot 230gr Semi-wadcutter cast .452's out their 1911s? A buddy of mine got a giant box of these for free. What would be a good load for these?

 

[TfflHndn]

WST and Red Dot are my favorites for .45, unless I'm loading SD loads. I aim for 800 f/s or thereabouts.

 

[Blue68f100]

Anyone shoot 230gr Semi-wadcutter cast .452's out their 1911s? A buddy of mine got a giant box of these for free. What would be a good load for these?

I've shot them in the past but mainly shoot 185gr or 200gr SWC from MBC. The BHN on these BE #1 & #2 is 12. Since the 45acp is a low pressure round the softer bullets work fine and you do not need to push them hard. As long as you keep the length to around 1.250" you should be fine. I have a Kart NM barrel in my Custom 1911.

 

[1MoreFord]

5.0gr of W231 for plinking(an' steel) and ~5.8gr for major behind a 200gr H&G 68 style cast Bullet.