45 ACP loads

frag · February 25, 2005, 08:22 AM

I loaded some 45ACP's with 200gr lead rnfp using 5.1 grains of Unique, just like my load data says. After trying them out, they seem a little light. I had a couple of misfeeds, like it wasn't enough to work the action. Can I safely increase the charge? If so, how much? 5%, 10%?.

chris downs · February 25, 2005, 08:28 AM

Your data source gives starting loads but not max loads?

frag · February 25, 2005, 10:28 AM

5.1 grains is the starting and never exceed load.

BigSlick · February 25, 2005, 10:54 AM

What source are you using for load data ?

BigSlick

Edward429451 · February 25, 2005, 11:49 AM

7.0g Unique will probably put you where you want to be.

But don't just jump up to 7.0, work up in .3 or .5 increments to be safe.

My Lyman book says 7.5g Unique is max for a 200g lead bullet.

steveno · February 25, 2005, 06:57 PM

buy several reloading manuals starting with Lyman # 48

frag · February 25, 2005, 07:46 PM

I'm using the data from the Lee book

Leftoverdj · February 25, 2005, 10:28 PM

Frag, you hit either an editorial error or a case in which the original data was worked up using a swaged bullet. Same book, Lee #2 shows 200 grains jacketed data starting at 6.7 with a max of 7.1 grains of Unique. Jacketed tend to give higher pressures than lead.

I'd go to 6.0 grains. That should function the action and still be a mild target load with plenty of safety margin left.

osirus101 · February 26, 2005, 04:03 AM

not sure about unique powder for sure but i load my 45 acp 185 gr 11 grains of bluedot...and 260gr loaded with max loads of 10 grains of bluedot powder

Osirus101

frag · February 27, 2005, 07:57 AM

Thanks for all the info. I'll gradually work my loads up using the unique.

beenthere · February 27, 2005, 12:05 PM

Be sure to check your crimp setting. You can't have it actually gripping into the lead since you headspace on the rim but you need enough pressure to grip the bullet and allow pressure to build before the bullet starts moving.

DAVID NANCARROW · February 27, 2005, 01:48 PM

According to Lyman's 48th, a 200 grain jacketed hollowpoint starting load is 4 grains, and max is 6.5. A 200 grain lead starting load is 5.0 and max is 7.5 grains. As to jacketed vs lead bullet pressures, its really kind of an apples vs oranges argument, as most jacket bullets will have a longer bearing surface.

Lead bullets, identically shaped will cause more pressure in a given load as they seal to to bore better than copper jackets. Jacketed bullets cause more wear on a bore because it is a harder material, and do not seal as quickly to the bore.

Here's a good example from Midway's load map:
Hornady 200 grain jacketed SWC-never exceed load is 8.1 grains for 21,000 psi. 1053 fps.
Hornady 200 grain LSWC-never exceed load is 7.5 grains for 21,000 psi. 1025 fps.

**Mike Irwin** · February 27, 2005, 06:05 PM

The 5.1 grains is the max shown in the Alliant Manual, as well.

http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/rg....20%28target%29

That is, however, for a lead semi-wadcutter target load, so it is going to be light.

The load for the 200 grain jacketed hollow point goes from 5.0 to 7.1 grains of Unique, so you can start GRADUALLY stepping the load up.

Lead loads generally generate less pressure than jacketed loads due to the hardness of the copper jacket vs. soft lead, but you still have to be careful in what you're doing.

February 25, 2005, 08:22 AM	#1
frag Member Join Date: November 15, 2004 Location: Independence, KY Posts: 59	45 ACP loads I loaded some 45ACP's with 200gr lead rnfp using 5.1 grains of Unique, just like my load data says. After trying them out, they seem a little light. I had a couple of misfeeds, like it wasn't enough to work the action. Can I safely increase the charge? If so, how much? 5%, 10%?.

February 27, 2005, 12:05 PM	#11
beenthere Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2004 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 460	Unique Be sure to check your crimp setting. You can't have it actually gripping into the lead since you headspace on the rim but you need enough pressure to grip the bullet and allow pressure to build before the bullet starts moving.

February 27, 2005, 06:05 PM	#13
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 33,305	The 5.1 grains is the max shown in the Alliant Manual, as well. http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/rg....20%28target%29 That is, however, for a lead semi-wadcutter target load, so it is going to be light. The load for the 200 grain jacketed hollow point goes from 5.0 to 7.1 grains of Unique, so you can start GRADUALLY stepping the load up. Lead loads generally generate less pressure than jacketed loads due to the hardness of the copper jacket vs. soft lead, but you still have to be careful in what you're doing. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

February 25, 2005, 08:28 AM	#2
chris downs Junior Member Join Date: January 6, 2005 Location: Hillsboro MO Posts: 14	Your data source gives starting loads but not max loads?

February 25, 2005, 10:28 AM	#3
frag Member Join Date: November 15, 2004 Location: Independence, KY Posts: 59	5.1 grains is the starting and never exceed load.

February 25, 2005, 10:54 AM	#4
BigSlick Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Texas of course Posts: 277	What source are you using for load data ? BigSlick

February 25, 2005, 11:49 AM	#5
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,496	7.0g Unique will probably put you where you want to be. But don't just jump up to 7.0, work up in .3 or .5 increments to be safe. My Lyman book says 7.5g Unique is max for a 200g lead bullet.

February 25, 2005, 06:57 PM	#6
steveno Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Minden , Nebraska Posts: 1,195	buy several reloading manuals starting with Lyman # 48

February 25, 2005, 07:46 PM	#7
frag Member Join Date: November 15, 2004 Location: Independence, KY Posts: 59	I'm using the data from the Lee book

February 25, 2005, 10:28 PM	#8
Leftoverdj Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2004 Posts: 934	Frag, you hit either an editorial error or a case in which the original data was worked up using a swaged bullet. Same book, Lee #2 shows 200 grains jacketed data starting at 6.7 with a max of 7.1 grains of Unique. Jacketed tend to give higher pressures than lead. I'd go to 6.0 grains. That should function the action and still be a mild target load with plenty of safety margin left.

February 26, 2005, 04:03 AM	#9
osirus101 Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: alaska Posts: 183	not sure about unique powder for sure but i load my 45 acp 185 gr 11 grains of bluedot...and 260gr loaded with max loads of 10 grains of bluedot powder Osirus101

February 27, 2005, 07:57 AM	#10
frag Member Join Date: November 15, 2004 Location: Independence, KY Posts: 59	Thanks for all the info. I'll gradually work my loads up using the unique.

February 27, 2005, 01:48 PM	#12
DAVID NANCARROW Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2000 Location: TEXAS Posts: 1,425	According to Lyman's 48th, a 200 grain jacketed hollowpoint starting load is 4 grains, and max is 6.5. A 200 grain lead starting load is 5.0 and max is 7.5 grains. As to jacketed vs lead bullet pressures, its really kind of an apples vs oranges argument, as most jacket bullets will have a longer bearing surface. Lead bullets, identically shaped will cause more pressure in a given load as they seal to to bore better than copper jackets. Jacketed bullets cause more wear on a bore because it is a harder material, and do not seal as quickly to the bore. Here's a good example from Midway's load map: Hornady 200 grain jacketed SWC-never exceed load is 8.1 grains for 21,000 psi. 1053 fps. Hornady 200 grain LSWC-never exceed load is 7.5 grains for 21,000 psi. 1025 fps.