I look at the load data in manuals and I go out and test over a chronograph. As you can see, I started at 3.5 grains Bullseye with a 230 L bullet and worked my way up, actually above the data you see, till my bullets were clocking around 800 fps. This is the velocity specified in the original 1910 era specifications for the then new, 45 ACP round. The specifications called for 5.0 grains of Bullseye with a 230 FMJ.
For me, with a 230 LRN, 4.5 grains is where I want to be at. With a 230 FMJ 5.0 grains is exactly the load to use. I think it is totally amazing that 113 years ago that this cartridge was using the same powder and charge and was giving the same results.
Look at how fast the velocity jumps with half grain increments. It does not take much powder to be at too high of pressures.
If you can get same velocity with less pressure, that is a good thing.
Code:
Kimber Custom Classic M1911
230 LFN Bull-X 3.5 grs Bullseye Mixed Brass WLP OAL 1.20"taper crimp .469"
8-Jan-06 T = 61 °F
Ave Vel=643.6
Std Dev =14.07
ES = 63.63
High = 679.9
Low = 616.3
N = 32
shot a little high Pistol cycled each shot
230 LFN Bull-X 4.0 grs Bullseye Mixed Brass WLP OAL 1.20" taper crimp .469"
8-Jan-06 T = 61 °F
Ave Vel=715.9
Std Dev =11.45
ES = 48.32
High = 742.9
Low = 694.8
N = 32
shot a little low
230 gr LRN 4.0 grs Bullseye Mixed Brass WLP OAL 1.250" taper crimp .469"
29-Jan-06 T = 68 °F
Ave Vel=698.8
Std Dev =10.19
ES = 36.33
High = 713.5
Low = 677.1
N = 28
Little High = put close point of aim V. Accurate
230 gr LRN 4.5 grs Bullseye Mixed Brass WLP OAL 1.250" taper crimp .469"
21-Jun-06 T = 97 °F
Ave Vel=805.2
Std Dev =11.4
ES=54.08
High=836.9
Low=782.8
N =32
230 gr FMJ (R-P) 5.0 grs Bullseye 99' & 2005 mixed lot Mixed Brass WLP (brass) OAL 1.265" taper crimp .469"
12-Dec-11 T= 53 °F
Ave Vel=793.5
Std Dev =18.92
ES = 61.99
High = 817.4
Low = 755.4
N = 16
