How much W231 with 45acp 230GR FMJ?

KeithB78 · December 25, 2007, 05:44 PM

I justed ordered 1000 Winchester 45acp 230GR FMJ from Midway

How much W2321 for target

What other powders work with this bullet?

The Hornady Reloading Manual says 5 gr for 700fps, 5.4 for 750 fps and 5.7 is their max at 800 fps

Thanks

Edit opps i meant FMJ

Art Eatman · December 25, 2007, 07:38 PM

With a 200-grain lead SWC, 5.8 was the old standard IPSC load, so I don't think much over 5.0 would be advisable with the heavier copper-jacketed bullet.

There was a recent thread of somebody not happy with 231 and the 230 FMJ, here or at THR. I disremember the outcome, other than the suggestion of a powder with a bit slower burning rate.

Art

joneb · December 25, 2007, 08:24 PM

I like AA#5 or Unique for 230gr jacketed bullets, for 185-200gr W-231 works very well for me, I'm not saying W-231 won't work as a target load with the 230gr I just prefer a slower powder for my 5" Colt Ser.70

Unregistered · December 25, 2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

There was a recent thread of somebody not happy with 231 and the 230 FMJ, here or at THR.

Yes, that was over on THR. I am not happy with Win 231 with 230g FMJs. I would have to go back and look at my records, but I believe I have loaded 5.2g of Win 231 with a 230 grain bullet, and only got about 700 fps. I believe somewhere close to 5.2 (it might be 5.4) is as high as you can go with W231 with a 230g FMJ.

I ended up switching to Unique, but am probably going to switch again to Bullseye instead.

KeithB78 · December 25, 2007, 09:27 PM

I found it, was a good thread, seems W231 does work for many, so i will try it

Doublestack · December 25, 2007, 09:42 PM

I have loaded 5 grs. of 231 under a 230gr. FMJ in a .45ACP cartridge with good results. As long as it feeds reliable, and accuracy is acceptable in your specific firearm. I have shot this cartridge loading through a Kimber Custom Royal, and found it to be both accurate and reliable. It is not a "major" load for IPSC or IDPA. Well, it wasn't back when I was shooting those disciplines. I have heard that they have lowered the major power factor some in IPSC. I do not know about current IDPA power factors. I haven't shot either in quite some time.
Good luck,
DS

Unregistered · December 25, 2007, 10:07 PM

Please chronograph your results and post the findings here. I doubt you will be able to break 800 fps, and its going to be tough to break 750.

buffdriver · December 25, 2007, 10:15 PM

Following are max loads for 230gr FMJ & W231:

Speer 6.2gr
Sierra 5.7gr
Rainier (TMJ) 6.3gr
Winchester 5.7gr

I personally ran the following loads and got the velocities indicated:

5.0 -> 759 fps
5.2 -> 779 fps
5.4 -> 786 fps
5.6 -> 803 fps
5.8 -> 815 fps
6.0 -> 842 fps
6.1 -> 859 fps
6.2 -> 873 fps

Velocities were measured about 12 ft from the muzzle and the temperature was a balmy 100°F. Firearm was a Springfield GI 45 1911-A1, 5 inch barrel. OAL was 1.262.

Hope this helps.

BuffDriver

Chief-7700 · December 25, 2007, 10:47 PM

I have seen so many questions about what load to use with bullets on this board GO BUY A RELODADING MANUAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In other words do your home work,,,,,,
Chief

KeithB78 · December 25, 2007, 11:08 PM

Chief you have been told before we have all the Manuals, but still like to discuss the information.

If you don't like these threads please don't click on them!

Chief-7700 · December 25, 2007, 11:31 PM

Did not mean you get you pissed off, however we have some folks on the board who DO NOT HAVE RELOADING MANUALS and are asked for loads. Sorry if I offened you.
Chief

KeithB78 · December 26, 2007, 08:54 AM

No problem chief, i agree everyone needs a loading manual or three

WESHOOT2 · December 26, 2007, 10:16 AM

5.0g --5.5g W231.

Can also recommend AA5 with jacketed.

ForneyRider · December 26, 2007, 04:38 PM

I have 2 reloading manuals.

I am on several forums sites.

Still looking for a place to start with .45ACP.

From what I have read, W231 is for light semi-auto pistol loads. Like for practice.

Unique, Bullseye, Clays, Red dot, Green dot, and lot of others are for 21,000+ pressure levels.

My Nosler (v.3) book showed data for 230gr .45ACP at speeds down to 570fps. I just got the Lee book, but I don't see velocity or pressure in the load data. Clays is what the Nosler book recommended.

Hodgdon data site has some data. I think the Winchester stuff is on there.

I have a Lee Loader, so I want to avoid flake powder. It has to measure well in powder measure.

This guy says "absolutely" do not go over his maximum loads.
But he doesn't provide velocity, accuracy info like Nosler does.

From: http://stevespages.com/451_1_230.html

AA-5 From 7.7 grains to 8.2 grains
CCI-300 Primer
Blue Dot From 8.5 grains to 10.2 grains
CCI-300 Primer
SR-4756 From 6.0 grains to 7.3 grains
CCI-300 Primer
Unique From 5.5 grains to 6.8 grains
CCI-300 Primer

I am looking at the AA-5, AA-7, and Unique. But still shopping.

Walipala · December 26, 2007, 11:02 PM

The problem with reading the available manuals is that they don't all agree with one another---I'd go as far as to say none of them agree 100% on anything as far as I've seen---so that's gonna put questions in the mind of us folks wanting to try something new. That's why people feel compelled to ask questions of fellow reloaders, "What have you found that works?"

For what it's worth, my buddy loads 6.0gr of Unique under 230gr FMJs. He's sworn by that load for years, and I've seen him shoot 1.5" groups (5 shot) @ 10 yds with his G30 on many occasion. I plan to try it in my Springfield Mil-Spec when my factory stuff is finally exhausted.

KeithB78 · December 26, 2007, 11:07 PM

Well it's one thing to read what the manual, but nice to ask your freinds what works for them

**Shane Tuttle** · December 27, 2007, 09:05 PM

Keith,

I've come to the conclusion that 5.0gr of HP38 (same as Win231) in 230grFMJ works absolutely beautiful for target plinking purposes.

The guns used for this load is a Springer Loaded 5in. and XD45ACP service model (4" bbl). YMMV with your firearm, but this load provided reliable cycling, clean and complete burning, and relatively accurate results.

If you're loading for extreme accuracy, then I think higher SAFE loads or another powder may be in store. However, this load was golden for the handgun course I took of Randy Cain's. If you knew how brutal of a course it is, you'd understand my statement rings "tried and true". My humble opinion, of course.

Other powders that I've found to be very positive on results were Hodgdon's HS6, and AA#5. I just bought Alliant's Power Pistol to try out, too.

Hope this helps...Now, all you need to do is get your Dillon fired up and go to town!

Slamfire · December 27, 2007, 09:17 PM

In my Kimber Custom Classic I have found that a load of 5.5 grains W231 with a 230 gr GI FMJ will give an average velocity between 780 and 800 fps, depending on the day.

This load has worked very well in a number of M1911's.

230 FMJ (GI) 5.5 grs W231 Mixed Brass WLP
18-Mar-07 T = 62 °F OAL 1.265" taper crimp .469"
Ave Vel = 780.5
Std Dev = 14.17
ES = 51.66
High = 798.7
Low = 747
N = 23

December 25, 2007, 05:44 PM	#1
KeithB78 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Posts: 156	How much W231 with 45acp 230GR FMJ? I justed ordered 1000 Winchester 45acp 230GR FMJ from Midway How much W2321 for target What other powders work with this bullet? The Hornady Reloading Manual says 5 gr for 700fps, 5.4 for 750 fps and 5.7 is their max at 800 fps Thanks Edit opps i meant FMJ

December 25, 2007, 09:42 PM	#6
Doublestack Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2007 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 295	I have loaded 5 grs. of 231 under a 230gr. FMJ in a .45ACP cartridge with good results. As long as it feeds reliable, and accuracy is acceptable in your specific firearm. I have shot this cartridge loading through a Kimber Custom Royal, and found it to be both accurate and reliable. It is not a "major" load for IPSC or IDPA. Well, it wasn't back when I was shooting those disciplines. I have heard that they have lowered the major power factor some in IPSC. I do not know about current IDPA power factors. I haven't shot either in quite some time. Good luck, DS __________________ The 2nd Amendment is the original Homeland Security.

December 25, 2007, 10:47 PM	#9
Chief-7700 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Location: Carmel Valley, CA Posts: 112	I have seen so many questions about what load to use with bullets on this board GO BUY A RELODADING MANUAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In other words do your home work,,,,,, Chief __________________ COLT M-1911 DOB 1918 and more a XL-650 to feed them

December 25, 2007, 11:31 PM	#11
Chief-7700 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Location: Carmel Valley, CA Posts: 112	Did not mean you get you pissed off, however we have some folks on the board who DO NOT HAVE RELOADING MANUALS and are asked for loads. Sorry if I offened you. Chief __________________ COLT M-1911 DOB 1918 and more a XL-650 to feed them

December 26, 2007, 10:16 AM	#13
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	manually tested 5.0g --5.5g W231. Can also recommend AA5 with jacketed. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

December 25, 2007, 07:38 PM	#2
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	With a 200-grain lead SWC, 5.8 was the old standard IPSC load, so I don't think much over 5.0 would be advisable with the heavier copper-jacketed bullet. There was a recent thread of somebody not happy with 231 and the 230 FMJ, here or at THR. I disremember the outcome, other than the suggestion of a powder with a bit slower burning rate. Art

December 25, 2007, 08:24 PM	#3
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	I like AA#5 or Unique for 230gr jacketed bullets, for 185-200gr W-231 works very well for me, I'm not saying W-231 won't work as a target load with the 230gr I just prefer a slower powder for my 5" Colt Ser.70

December 25, 2007, 09:27 PM	#5
KeithB78 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Posts: 156	I found it, was a good thread, seems W231 does work for many, so i will try it

December 25, 2007, 10:07 PM	#7
Unregistered Junior member Join Date: May 9, 2005 Posts: 1,802	Please chronograph your results and post the findings here. I doubt you will be able to break 800 fps, and its going to be tough to break 750.

December 25, 2007, 10:15 PM	#8
buffdriver Member Join Date: December 5, 2007 Posts: 24	Following are max loads for 230gr FMJ & W231: Speer 6.2gr Sierra 5.7gr Rainier (TMJ) 6.3gr Winchester 5.7gr I personally ran the following loads and got the velocities indicated: 5.0 -> 759 fps 5.2 -> 779 fps 5.4 -> 786 fps 5.6 -> 803 fps 5.8 -> 815 fps 6.0 -> 842 fps 6.1 -> 859 fps 6.2 -> 873 fps Velocities were measured about 12 ft from the muzzle and the temperature was a balmy 100°F. Firearm was a Springfield GI 45 1911-A1, 5 inch barrel. OAL was 1.262. Hope this helps. BuffDriver

December 25, 2007, 11:08 PM	#10
KeithB78 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Posts: 156	Chief you have been told before we have all the Manuals, but still like to discuss the information. If you don't like these threads please don't click on them!

December 26, 2007, 08:54 AM	#12
KeithB78 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Posts: 156	No problem chief, i agree everyone needs a loading manual or three

December 26, 2007, 04:38 PM	#14
ForneyRider Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2007 Location: Forney, TX Posts: 725	I have 2 reloading manuals. I am on several forums sites. Still looking for a place to start with .45ACP. From what I have read, W231 is for light semi-auto pistol loads. Like for practice. Unique, Bullseye, Clays, Red dot, Green dot, and lot of others are for 21,000+ pressure levels. My Nosler (v.3) book showed data for 230gr .45ACP at speeds down to 570fps. I just got the Lee book, but I don't see velocity or pressure in the load data. Clays is what the Nosler book recommended. Hodgdon data site has some data. I think the Winchester stuff is on there. I have a Lee Loader, so I want to avoid flake powder. It has to measure well in powder measure. This guy says "absolutely" do not go over his maximum loads. But he doesn't provide velocity, accuracy info like Nosler does. From: http://stevespages.com/451_1_230.html AA-5 From 7.7 grains to 8.2 grains CCI-300 Primer Blue Dot From 8.5 grains to 10.2 grains CCI-300 Primer SR-4756 From 6.0 grains to 7.3 grains CCI-300 Primer Unique From 5.5 grains to 6.8 grains CCI-300 Primer I am looking at the AA-5, AA-7, and Unique. But still shopping. __________________ When all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done.

December 26, 2007, 11:02 PM	#15
Walipala Member Join Date: September 24, 2007 Posts: 49	The problem with reading the available manuals is that they don't all agree with one another---I'd go as far as to say none of them agree 100% on anything as far as I've seen---so that's gonna put questions in the mind of us folks wanting to try something new. That's why people feel compelled to ask questions of fellow reloaders, "What have you found that works?" For what it's worth, my buddy loads 6.0gr of Unique under 230gr FMJs. He's sworn by that load for years, and I've seen him shoot 1.5" groups (5 shot) @ 10 yds with his G30 on many occasion. I plan to try it in my Springfield Mil-Spec when my factory stuff is finally exhausted. Last edited by Walipala; December 27, 2007 at 10:50 AM.

December 26, 2007, 11:07 PM	#16
KeithB78 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Posts: 156	Well it's one thing to read what the manual, but nice to ask your freinds what works for them

December 27, 2007, 09:05 PM	#17
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	Keith, I've come to the conclusion that 5.0gr of HP38 (same as Win231) in 230grFMJ works absolutely beautiful for target plinking purposes. The guns used for this load is a Springer Loaded 5in. and XD45ACP service model (4" bbl). YMMV with your firearm, but this load provided reliable cycling, clean and complete burning, and relatively accurate results. If you're loading for extreme accuracy, then I think higher SAFE loads or another powder may be in store. However, this load was golden for the handgun course I took of Randy Cain's. If you knew how brutal of a course it is, you'd understand my statement rings "tried and true". My humble opinion, of course. Other powders that I've found to be very positive on results were Hodgdon's HS6, and AA#5. I just bought Alliant's Power Pistol to try out, too. Hope this helps...Now, all you need to do is get your Dillon fired up and go to town! __________________ 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

December 27, 2007, 09:17 PM	#18
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	In my Kimber Custom Classic I have found that a load of 5.5 grains W231 with a 230 gr GI FMJ will give an average velocity between 780 and 800 fps, depending on the day. This load has worked very well in a number of M1911's. 230 FMJ (GI) 5.5 grs W231 Mixed Brass WLP 18-Mar-07 T = 62 °F OAL 1.265" taper crimp .469" Ave Vel = 780.5 Std Dev = 14.17 ES = 51.66 High = 798.7 Low = 747 N = 23