Accuracy loads for .45 ACP

Powderman · May 18, 2004, 06:48 PM

Hi, all! Any input for a good accurate load using the 200 gr. LSWC in .45 ACP?

This load will be used in a revolver (625).

Minimal recoil desired.

Must be accurate (hopefully) out to 50 yards.

I'm already loading with Clays (3.5 grains) and Herco (5.5 grains). Any other powders worth taking a look at?

Powderman · May 18, 2004, 11:44 PM

Btt

StratfordHoldings · May 19, 2004, 12:15 AM

Here's a load that I use.

6 grains of TiteGroup
200 Grain SWC
Federal Primers.

The 6 grains is more than the recommended from Hodgdon and does have a kick. Before, I used to use 5.5 grains of powder.

At 25 yards, I can make 10 shots in a 10 inch target freehand. It's accurate enough for me. Haven't tried it bench rest.

gwalchmai · May 19, 2004, 12:31 AM

I use 4.0 - 4.4 gr of Titegroup under both lead and plated 200gr SWCs in a 1911.

6gr ? Sounds a bit scary. I think I'd go with another powder before going that high. Seems like pressure would be a bit much. I've had good results with 6.3gr of Win 231 under a Hornady 200gr XTP.

gyp_c2 · May 19, 2004, 12:41 AM

8.0 gr of WAP with an XTP is the most accurate load I have for full power 45. It can be reduced without losing much...
A lead swc @7.2gr is a 'puff load...

StratfordHoldings · May 19, 2004, 12:42 AM

I used to be in the 4 grain area but I found that it was more "dirty" and that it felt weak. 6 grains now feels about the same as my Triton loads, essentially making it a +P round. I dont' have a chronograph to measure it but I'm sure it's up there in FPS.

I read one book that used 5.9 grains of TiteGroup with 185 grains so I figured that 6 would be fine with 200. Plus I'm using it in a USP which is supposed to be able to "handle" +P loads.

gwalchmai · May 19, 2004, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by StratfordHoldings
I read one book that used 5.9 grains of TiteGroup with 185 grains so I figured that 6 would be fine with 200.

You may want to double check that. Most of the books I read suggest using lower powder charges with higher bullet weights.

Norm Lee · May 19, 2004, 09:15 AM

I can recommend V V N310 very highly for accurate, low recoil work. About 3.9 gr. under your favorite 200 LSWC will work very well to 50 yds. When I shoot the .45 it's my favorite load for plinking, paper and steel. Many guns will need a reduced power recoil spring. N320 makes up into a nice load, too, but you will need about 4.8 gr. and will feel a little more recoil.

Cheers,

Norm

tonyz · May 19, 2004, 09:16 AM

200Gr SWC from Pression Bullets

4.5gr Red Dot
WLP
Assorted headstamps

Makes for a very accurate low recoil round.

Quote:

Here is a link to Load Your Own.com there are lots of great recipes there

Tony Z

Quantrill · May 19, 2004, 12:28 PM

3.5gr 700X. Quantrill

JoeHatley · May 19, 2004, 01:32 PM

4.5 grains Bullseye powder
200 grain SWC cast or plated bullet
Federal 150 primer
Star-Line brass
OAL 1.25

Should be around 800 fps +-25, in your 625. As an added bonus, this load will work well in most 1911s also, using the standard 16# spring. Shoots well to the 50 yard line.

Good Luck...

Joe

WESHOOT2 · May 20, 2004, 08:31 PM

Try: Bullseye (best chance for great accuracy, normally)
Nitro 100 (meters for crap)
WST (most real-deal Bullseye powder)
AA2 Improved
700X (meters for crap, too)
W231
Power Pistol (most versatile 45 ACP powder)

My personal most-accurate-using-200g H&G 68-LSWC-powder is moot; "in your gun..." (but it utilizes Bullseye powder)

cocked&locked · May 21, 2004, 07:10 PM

I'm surprized nobody has mentioned Clays. I use Miester 200gr SWC with 3.8 Clays. Standard #16 spring, it shoots sub 2" @ 25yds all day long. Clean too.

Semper Paratus · May 21, 2004, 08:53 PM

What I use is about 8.0 of AA#5 for normal shooting. This is 850-900 fps out of my DW Patriot. When Pins are the target I use a tenth or so under Max for AA#% from the reloading manuals for 1000+. It sure kills the pins.

Khornet · May 28, 2004, 02:24 PM

I also find 8.0 of AA#5 excellent for 230 gr bullets.

But for accurate target shootinh with low recoil, you can't beat Bullseye, and I've gone as low as 3.5 gr in my Gold Cup with ligheter springs. In a revolver it shouldn't matter.

CastleBravo · May 28, 2004, 03:42 PM

My bullseye-shootin' friend gets best results with... Bullseye.

He's getting better results at >25 yard distances with 185gr SWC bullets, <= 25 yards he still likes the 200gr SWC.

JBA · May 30, 2004, 01:10 AM

I'm rinning 4.6 gr of HP38 wn the 200 gr LSWC from Roze bullets.
One of the most accurate loads in my 1911.

rick_reno · May 30, 2004, 09:35 AM

I recently got a new 1911 (Les Baer) with the 1.5" accuracy package. I shoot 200 gr. SWC's from Laser Cast with W231 and Win brass. I loaded 5 rounds of each powder weight, starting with 4.9 grs. up to 5.8 grs. - hand weighing each charge on a Pact scale. When I got done I had 50 rounds to test with. I shot them off a bench and was amazed what a difference .1 of a grain of powder makes in a 5 inch pistol. If you want to find an accurate load for your gun, I recommend you try this using whatever powder, brass and bullets you like. My gun shot great groups at 25 yds using 5.5 grs of W231.
I've loaded some more of the two powder weights that grouped best (5.1 and 5.5), I want to verify my results - but haven't had a chance to test them yet.

whofan · June 3, 2004, 12:41 PM

200 grain LSWC bullet (Precison Bullets "black" bullets are the cleanest)
5.2 grains of Accurate Arms #2 Powder
Win Large Pistol primers
Mixed cases

John Hunter · June 10, 2004, 07:40 PM

5 grains Bullseye powder
200 grain SWC cast
Federal 150 primer
Mixed Headstamp Brass

also

5 grains PB
200 grain SWC cast
WLP primer
Mixed Brass

May 19, 2004, 09:15 AM	#8
Norm Lee Member Join Date: January 3, 2001 Location: Nassau Bay Posts: 81	45 ACP target load I can recommend V V N310 very highly for accurate, low recoil work. About 3.9 gr. under your favorite 200 LSWC will work very well to 50 yds. When I shoot the .45 it's my favorite load for plinking, paper and steel. Many guns will need a reduced power recoil spring. N320 makes up into a nice load, too, but you will need about 4.8 gr. and will feel a little more recoil. Cheers, Norm

May 19, 2004, 01:32 PM	#11
JoeHatley Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 1999 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,135	4.5 grains Bullseye powder 200 grain SWC cast or plated bullet Federal 150 primer Star-Line brass OAL 1.25 Should be around 800 fps +-25, in your 625. As an added bonus, this load will work well in most 1911s also, using the standard 16# spring. Shoots well to the 50 yard line. Good Luck... Joe __________________ Go NRA

May 20, 2004, 08:31 PM	#12
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Bullseye tips Try: Bullseye (best chance for great accuracy, normally) Nitro 100 (meters for crap) WST (most real-deal Bullseye powder) AA2 Improved 700X (meters for crap, too) W231 Power Pistol (most versatile 45 ACP powder) My personal most-accurate-using-200g H&G 68-LSWC-powder is moot; "in your gun..." (but it utilizes Bullseye powder) __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

May 21, 2004, 07:10 PM	#13
cocked&locked Junior Member Join Date: May 21, 2004 Posts: 3	I'm surprized nobody has mentioned Clays. I use Miester 200gr SWC with 3.8 Clays. Standard #16 spring, it shoots sub 2" @ 25yds all day long. Clean too. __________________ I spent most of my money on new guns, young women and old whisky. The rest I just wasted. Last edited by cocked&locked; May 21, 2004 at 07:11 PM.

May 28, 2004, 02:24 PM	#15
Khornet Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2001 Location: NH Posts: 585	Semper, I also find 8.0 of AA#5 excellent for 230 gr bullets. But for accurate target shootinh with low recoil, you can't beat Bullseye, and I've gone as low as 3.5 gr in my Gold Cup with ligheter springs. In a revolver it shouldn't matter. __________________ The M1 does MY talking!

May 18, 2004, 06:48 PM	#1
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	Accuracy loads for .45 ACP Hi, all! Any input for a good accurate load using the 200 gr. LSWC in .45 ACP? This load will be used in a revolver (625). Minimal recoil desired. Must be accurate (hopefully) out to 50 yards. I'm already loading with Clays (3.5 grains) and Herco (5.5 grains). Any other powders worth taking a look at? __________________ Hiding in plain sight...

May 18, 2004, 11:44 PM	#2
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	Btt __________________ Hiding in plain sight...

May 19, 2004, 12:15 AM	#3
StratfordHoldings Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2001 Location: Provo, UT Posts: 116	Here's a load that I use. 6 grains of TiteGroup 200 Grain SWC Federal Primers. The 6 grains is more than the recommended from Hodgdon and does have a kick. Before, I used to use 5.5 grains of powder. At 25 yards, I can make 10 shots in a 10 inch target freehand. It's accurate enough for me. Haven't tried it bench rest.

May 19, 2004, 12:31 AM	#4
gwalchmai Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2001 Location: outside the perimeter Posts: 333	I use 4.0 - 4.4 gr of Titegroup under both lead and plated 200gr SWCs in a 1911. 6gr ? Sounds a bit scary. I think I'd go with another powder before going that high. Seems like pressure would be a bit much. I've had good results with 6.3gr of Win 231 under a Hornady 200gr XTP.

May 19, 2004, 12:41 AM	#5
gyp_c2 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2000 Location: Colorado...Louisiana Posts: 387	8.0 gr of WAP with an XTP is the most accurate load I have for full power 45. It can be reduced without losing much... A lead swc @7.2gr is a 'puff load... __________________ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>g2<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< AVERT

May 19, 2004, 12:42 AM	#6
StratfordHoldings Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2001 Location: Provo, UT Posts: 116	I used to be in the 4 grain area but I found that it was more "dirty" and that it felt weak. 6 grains now feels about the same as my Triton loads, essentially making it a +P round. I dont' have a chronograph to measure it but I'm sure it's up there in FPS. I read one book that used 5.9 grains of TiteGroup with 185 grains so I figured that 6 would be fine with 200. Plus I'm using it in a USP which is supposed to be able to "handle" +P loads.

May 19, 2004, 12:28 PM	#10
Quantrill Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 1999 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 725	3.5gr 700X. Quantrill

May 21, 2004, 08:53 PM	#14
Semper Paratus Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2004 Location: Tidewater, VA Posts: 155	What I use is about 8.0 of AA#5 for normal shooting. This is 850-900 fps out of my DW Patriot. When Pins are the target I use a tenth or so under Max for AA#% from the reloading manuals for 1000+. It sure kills the pins.

May 28, 2004, 03:42 PM	#16
CastleBravo Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 1999 Posts: 2,144	My bullseye-shootin' friend gets best results with... Bullseye. He's getting better results at >25 yard distances with 185gr SWC bullets, <= 25 yards he still likes the 200gr SWC.

May 30, 2004, 01:10 AM	#17
JBA Member Join Date: May 28, 2004 Location: East TN Posts: 51	I'm rinning 4.6 gr of HP38 wn the 200 gr LSWC from Roze bullets. One of the most accurate loads in my 1911.

May 30, 2004, 09:35 AM	#18
rick_reno Junior member Join Date: May 28, 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 917	accuracy loads for 45 acp I recently got a new 1911 (Les Baer) with the 1.5" accuracy package. I shoot 200 gr. SWC's from Laser Cast with W231 and Win brass. I loaded 5 rounds of each powder weight, starting with 4.9 grs. up to 5.8 grs. - hand weighing each charge on a Pact scale. When I got done I had 50 rounds to test with. I shot them off a bench and was amazed what a difference .1 of a grain of powder makes in a 5 inch pistol. If you want to find an accurate load for your gun, I recommend you try this using whatever powder, brass and bullets you like. My gun shot great groups at 25 yds using 5.5 grs of W231. I've loaded some more of the two powder weights that grouped best (5.1 and 5.5), I want to verify my results - but haven't had a chance to test them yet.

June 3, 2004, 12:41 PM	#19
whofan Registration in progress Join Date: June 3, 2004 Location: Missouri Ozarks Posts: 16	200 grain LSWC bullet (Precison Bullets "black" bullets are the cleanest) 5.2 grains of Accurate Arms #2 Powder Win Large Pistol primers Mixed cases

June 10, 2004, 07:40 PM	#20
John Hunter Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 1999 Location: Lake Station, IN USA Posts: 107	5 grains Bullseye powder 200 grain SWC cast Federal 150 primer Mixed Headstamp Brass also 5 grains PB 200 grain SWC cast WLP primer Mixed Brass __________________ John - NRA - Lifer Visit The Good, The Bad and The Ugly a Conservative News Board

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