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February 7, 2007, 01:58 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: February 2, 2007
Posts: 16
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Target/Defense Bullet for .45 ACP?
I reload now for a few rifle calibers, and I'm now rounding up the stuff to reload for my Para-Ordnance P13 in .45 ACP so that I can afford to shoot it as much as I would like to. So here's what I'm wondering:
Which type of bullet would provide the best combination of - a) Cost effectiveness, i.e., cheap to shoot! This is the highest priority. b) Decent accuracy. Doesn't have to be match quality, bit I don' want to be chucking marbles, either. c) Some viability as a defense round. The number one reason for this round would be target practice. I have a few boxes of Federal 230 gr. Hydra-Shok around for defense purposes. But I would like to load up several hundred rounds of the target load, and would like to feel like I wasn't handicapped too bad if worse came to worst. So what do ya think? Round nose, flat nose, SWC? Copper, lead? Heavy, light? Thanks. James |
February 7, 2007, 02:28 PM | #2 |
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Cast lead 200 grain semi-wadcutter of the usual H&G 68 style bullet shape over 5.0 grains of Bullseye will function the gun with full power recoil springs, will reduce your recoil a little, will have the same muzzle energy as military ball ammo and is known to be a good stopper with slightly less penetration than 230 grain bullets, but more than a 9 mm.
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February 7, 2007, 03:08 PM | #3 |
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I really like the coated 200 gr SWC from Bear Creek Supply. In my .45ACP pistols. I prefer to load W231 or HP38 for powder. I hesitate to give you a powder charge or OAL as your firearm may like something different. A moderate powder charge and a SAMMI spec OAL should get you started. With the coated bullets leading is not an issue. It is my understanding a 200gr bullet is what JMB had in mind for the .45ACP until the army insisted on a heavier bullet. These bullets do expand nicely when that hit something solid and punch nice neat holes in paper. Some .45s don't like to feed SWC bullets but I have had no difficulty with these.
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February 8, 2007, 12:14 PM | #4 |
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Hey, thanks guys. When you say H&G 68 bullet shape, I assume this is what you are talking about - correct?
It sounds like the only issue that MAY crop up is reliable feeding. Probably depends on the individual pistol. I think maybe I'll run a small batch and see how they do. If any problems pop-up, then maybe I'll look at one of the two below, to ease any loading issues. |
February 9, 2007, 05:01 PM | #5 |
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I use these from Midway.
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February 9, 2007, 08:42 PM | #6 |
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Question on Laser Cast Bullets
Do the Laser Cast Bullets that are made of an alloy, lead up the barrell on the 45?
Al |
February 10, 2007, 09:34 AM | #7 |
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In my personal opinion you should NEVER use a hand load for a defense load, too much potential for some BHL attorney to be able to probe you on if worst came to worst.......
As far as a "practice" load, I use the plated bullets (Ranier or Berry's) from Midway in 185 grain (same as my carry loads) and load them with 5.1 gr of HP38. I get the same recoil impulse and the accuracy is far above average. I have one series 80 Colt that does 1.5" @ 25 yds and my carry 45 is about 2.5" @ 25 yards...... These are loaded in random cases and it doesn't seem to effect the accuracy.... |
February 10, 2007, 12:06 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
Maybe this is the wrong mindset and I hope it doesn't come off the wrong way, but if the event occured that was so terrible that I felt compelled to use my weapon, whether the rounds in my mag were reloads or not would not be first on my worry list. I just don't want to find myself in the position of protecting myself or my family from deadly harm and thinking "Crap, all I have is these practice rounds that won't stop a 'possum"! Back to the bullet - I have seen "Berry" pop up a few times now on some other threads, and now you mention it. I'm thinking maybe I'll give that one a try and see how it shoots in my pistol. Thanks for the load info. James Last edited by jkmola; February 10, 2007 at 12:10 PM. Reason: Added some text |
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February 10, 2007, 05:36 PM | #9 |
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It was Alsmith who said:
"Do the Laser Cast Bullets that are made of an alloy, lead up the barrell on the 45?" No, not with Bullseye they don't. I also shoot the Laser Cast .45 255 grainers outta my Blackhawk at > 1490 fps and outta my Rossi (LSI) lever .45 at > 1750 fps without gas checks and without leading. These are some HARD lead bullets. |
February 11, 2007, 02:58 AM | #10 |
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The H&G 68 is really a great bullet. With a decent taper crimp it'll feed in guns that wont feed ball regularly. Drive it fast enough and it works great on Whitetail or for other hunting.
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February 11, 2007, 09:13 PM | #11 | |
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Quote:
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