45ACP with 230gr lead RN

02bigdogs17 · February 23, 2013, 10:53 AM

I bought some hard cast lead bullets to load for my 1911 the other day. Full metal jackets are getting harder to find. I have never loaded lead bullets for my 1911 does anyone have any good load data for these. They are 230gr RN made by hunter supply. Is there anything I need to be aware of before I get started? I am planning on using Unique,or AA No.5 powder. Thanks for all the help.

schmellba99 · February 23, 2013, 11:23 AM

I've loaded and shot many a thousand cast lead through my .45's with no trouble. Just make sure any excess lube is wiped off, follow normal loading procedures and use good load data.

Unfortunatley right now I'm at work and cannot give you my specific load data for my cast lead (Friendswood Bullet Company) loads. I've never used the AA, but have used plenty of Unique with good results.

Here is Alliant's load data for Unique:

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...3&cartridge=35

They list a 5.8 grain charge - I want to say that my standard range/plinking/not breaking my wrist load for Unique is 5.6 or 5.4 grains. Interesting that Alliant's site does not give a range like most other sites do, so I cannot tell you if that is a median load, min or max load and what the charge weight spread acceptable limits are.

Shootest · February 23, 2013, 11:40 AM

Read the sticky at the top of the forum, it is informative and complete.

Constrictor · February 23, 2013, 12:39 PM

I've never shot anything but lead 230 bullets through my 45's
My favorite load is 230 g lead rn from missouri bullet over 5.7 g unique.

RickAZ · February 23, 2013, 03:58 PM

Been loading 230 RN cast for my full size Colt 1911 (fitted with a light weight para ordinace frame kit) for more than 20 years. 6.1g Unique. Never had a problem and shoots very tight groups at 25 yds. Have even busted clay birds at 100 yds with these loads.

My light weight Officer's model won't feed the 230 RN lead. Loaded 185g SWC lead with 5.7g Unique. It eats these up with no problem.

chris in va · February 23, 2013, 06:48 PM

LRN profiles (ogive) vary greatly between manufacturers. You'll want to make a couple dummy rounds (no powder or primer, seated bullet) to determine what OAL your gun likes. Make sure they pass the plunk test in the barrel.

February 23, 2013, 10:53 AM	#1
02bigdogs17 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 138	45ACP with 230gr lead RN I bought some hard cast lead bullets to load for my 1911 the other day. Full metal jackets are getting harder to find. I have never loaded lead bullets for my 1911 does anyone have any good load data for these. They are 230gr RN made by hunter supply. Is there anything I need to be aware of before I get started? I am planning on using Unique,or AA No.5 powder. Thanks for all the help.

February 23, 2013, 11:40 AM	#3
Shootest Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Just outside Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 722	Read the sticky at the top of the forum, it is informative and complete. __________________ The private ownership of firearms is an American Heritage. Anyone who disputes that is Anti-American and unpatriotic. NRA Life Member

February 23, 2013, 11:23 AM	#2
schmellba99 Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2008 Posts: 803	I've loaded and shot many a thousand cast lead through my .45's with no trouble. Just make sure any excess lube is wiped off, follow normal loading procedures and use good load data. Unfortunatley right now I'm at work and cannot give you my specific load data for my cast lead (Friendswood Bullet Company) loads. I've never used the AA, but have used plenty of Unique with good results. Here is Alliant's load data for Unique: http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...3&cartridge=35 They list a 5.8 grain charge - I want to say that my standard range/plinking/not breaking my wrist load for Unique is 5.6 or 5.4 grains. Interesting that Alliant's site does not give a range like most other sites do, so I cannot tell you if that is a median load, min or max load and what the charge weight spread acceptable limits are.

February 23, 2013, 12:39 PM	#4
Constrictor Member Join Date: February 19, 2013 Posts: 49	I've never shot anything but lead 230 bullets through my 45's My favorite load is 230 g lead rn from missouri bullet over 5.7 g unique.

February 23, 2013, 03:58 PM	#5
RickAZ Member Join Date: October 5, 2012 Posts: 17	Been loading 230 RN cast for my full size Colt 1911 (fitted with a light weight para ordinace frame kit) for more than 20 years. 6.1g Unique. Never had a problem and shoots very tight groups at 25 yds. Have even busted clay birds at 100 yds with these loads. My light weight Officer's model won't feed the 230 RN lead. Loaded 185g SWC lead with 5.7g Unique. It eats these up with no problem.

February 23, 2013, 06:48 PM	#6
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	LRN profiles (ogive) vary greatly between manufacturers. You'll want to make a couple dummy rounds (no powder or primer, seated bullet) to determine what OAL your gun likes. Make sure they pass the plunk test in the barrel.