Finally found my perfect .45 ACP load.

DaveInPA · April 7, 2008, 09:26 AM

After a lot of trial and error, and asking for tons of advice on these forums, I've come up with my perfect .45 ACP target/steel plate load. I'm getting no leading after 200 rounds and superb accuracy.

The load:
185gr LSWC
5.3gr W231
1.265" OAL
Winchester WLP Primer

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all your help recently!

MaineColt · April 7, 2008, 10:04 AM

Good to hear that you had some luck with that. Have fun, 45ACP is a blast.

Kev

**Unclenick** · April 7, 2008, 07:13 PM

Dave,

I'm surprised to see a LSWC seated out that far. You must have tried the headspace-on-the-bullet trick? Whose bullet is it?

Nick

**Shane Tuttle** · April 7, 2008, 07:16 PM

Forgot Dave,

What gun are you using for that load? Did you by chance use HP38 in your experiments? I've come across that HP38 and Win231 is the same. If your store of choice is out of Win231, you can switch to the HP38 without much of a hitch. Obviously, since it will be made from a different lot/batch, try out a few practice rounds to assure the right combo. But, thought I'd tell you "my" findings...

DaveInPA · April 7, 2008, 07:47 PM

These are going through a Para Ordnance 5" 1911. Yeah, they're headspacing on the bullet. This is the best way for me since I'm getting great accuracy and NO LEADING, which was my biggest issue seating the bullet to a shorter OAL. These bullets are from Missouri Bullet Company.

**Shane Tuttle** · April 7, 2008, 08:38 PM

Well, if that OAL is working for you safely, by all means...

1.265" has mostly been too long for my taste in my guns. However, most of my bullets are 230 grainers and just because the OAL doesn't agree with my guns, doesn't mean it won't with yours...

maldos · April 8, 2008, 05:03 PM

1.265 OAL? My gun would never feed SWC at that length. 1.250 is perfect for me.

Marlin444 · January 7, 2009, 09:48 PM

I'm surprised to see so many questions on the 1.265 OAL. The max OAL by the book is 1.275 ...ya, 265 is cutting it close , but that is the proper , and really the only lenth thats good for most the 185 LSWC's.

My perfect load ...for 30 yrs has been 185 LSWC ..I now use 5.0 of unique with a reduced recoil spring of 11lbs usually needed. Best steel plate load ...just like 5.3 of W231. Chrono at 700 fps from a 4" and gives 129 PF ...120 is min for the plates I shoot.

saltydog452 · January 8, 2009, 01:42 PM

At less than supersonic + velocities, I understand a dirty bore with grease and maybe Bullseye powder residue.

Where is the lead coming from?

The bullet isn't moving fast enough to melt on its way down the bore.

No disrespect, just trying to understand.

From an ex Outdoor Pistol BE competitor and .357 revolver reloader.

Thanks,

salty

April 7, 2008, 09:26 AM	#1
DaveInPA Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Berks County, PA Posts: 1,106	Finally found my perfect .45 ACP load. After a lot of trial and error, and asking for tons of advice on these forums, I've come up with my perfect .45 ACP target/steel plate load. I'm getting no leading after 200 rounds and superb accuracy. The load: 185gr LSWC 5.3gr W231 1.265" OAL Winchester WLP Primer I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all your help recently!

April 7, 2008, 07:13 PM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	Dave, I'm surprised to see a LSWC seated out that far. You must have tried the headspace-on-the-bullet trick? Whose bullet is it? Nick __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

April 7, 2008, 07:16 PM	#4
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	Forgot Dave, What gun are you using for that load? Did you by chance use HP38 in your experiments? I've come across that HP38 and Win231 is the same. If your store of choice is out of Win231, you can switch to the HP38 without much of a hitch. Obviously, since it will be made from a different lot/batch, try out a few practice rounds to assure the right combo. But, thought I'd tell you "my" findings... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

April 7, 2008, 08:38 PM	#6
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	Well, if that OAL is working for you safely, by all means... 1.265" has mostly been too long for my taste in my guns. However, most of my bullets are 230 grainers and just because the OAL doesn't agree with my guns, doesn't mean it won't with yours... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

January 7, 2009, 09:48 PM	#8
Marlin444 Junior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 9	45 Acp Oal I'm surprised to see so many questions on the 1.265 OAL. The max OAL by the book is 1.275 ...ya, 265 is cutting it close , but that is the proper , and really the only lenth thats good for most the 185 LSWC's. My perfect load ...for 30 yrs has been 185 LSWC ..I now use 5.0 of unique with a reduced recoil spring of 11lbs usually needed. Best steel plate load ...just like 5.3 of W231. Chrono at 700 fps from a 4" and gives 129 PF ...120 is min for the plates I shoot.

April 7, 2008, 10:04 AM	#2
MaineColt Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Maine Posts: 222	Good to hear that you had some luck with that. Have fun, 45ACP is a blast. Kev

April 7, 2008, 07:47 PM	#5
DaveInPA Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Berks County, PA Posts: 1,106	These are going through a Para Ordnance 5" 1911. Yeah, they're headspacing on the bullet. This is the best way for me since I'm getting great accuracy and NO LEADING, which was my biggest issue seating the bullet to a shorter OAL. These bullets are from Missouri Bullet Company.

April 8, 2008, 05:03 PM	#7
maldos Junior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Posts: 10	1.265 OAL? My gun would never feed SWC at that length. 1.250 is perfect for me.

January 8, 2009, 01:42 PM	#9
saltydog452 Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 2004 Posts: 516	Rookie asking a question...no dispespect, but... At less than supersonic + velocities, I understand a dirty bore with grease and maybe Bullseye powder residue. Where is the lead coming from? The bullet isn't moving fast enough to melt on its way down the bore. No disrespect, just trying to understand. From an ex Outdoor Pistol BE competitor and .357 revolver reloader. Thanks, salty