45acp

VaFisher · October 12, 2006, 07:12 AM

Anybody have any accurate loads for 45acp they would like to share. I havent purchased powder yet so am open to idea's.

xrmattaz · October 12, 2006, 08:18 AM

My standard for many years now.....

230gr. hardcast RN lead bullet.
5.3gr. Winchester 231.
CCI primer.
Winchester or Federal brass.

Seated 1.250" OAL.

rbwillnj · October 12, 2006, 08:33 AM

4.0 Grains Bullseye, 200 Grain Lead Semi Wadcutter, WLP Primer. 1" Group at 25 yards from my Kimber

JoeHatley · October 12, 2006, 10:40 AM

4.5 grains Bullseye
200 grain SWC cast or plated bullet
Federal 150 primer
Star-Line brass
OAL 1.25-ish
Should do right at 800 fps from most 5" barrels. Soft shooting load that will cycle most 1911's with standard recoil springs. Very accurate if you build them consistantly.

Good Luck...

Joe

Nephilim-777 · October 12, 2006, 10:57 AM

3.7g-3.8g of Clays (clean and soft)
200g LSWC
1.257"-1.26" OAL
.470"-.471" crimp
CCI #300 large primers
Mixed Brass

Shot through several 1911's.

caz223 · October 12, 2006, 11:52 AM

Depends on what you're looking for.
My favorite load is 7.0 grains of unique, a 200 grain XTP bullet, a starline case, and a CCI 300 primer.
It is a very mellow, accurate load, not cheap to shoot, but very accurate.
If you're looking for ultra clean or ultra low recoil, look elsewhere, this is an accuracy load.

arkie2 · October 12, 2006, 01:00 PM

Good range load.

200 grain LSWC
Federal LP primer
5.1 grains Titegroup

rwilson452 · October 12, 2006, 01:31 PM

200 gr LSWC
5.0gr 231
Winchester WLP primer
winchester brass

It also works with the tons of milsup brass I have.

I have from time to time gotten stuck with LSWC bullets that are a bit too soft and cause leading I didn't like. I would mix a 50-50 solution of Zippo lighter fluid and Lee's Liquid ALOX. Used as directed and it would stop almost all of the leading difficulties. I bought a cheap cookie sheet and a roll of wax paper after getting caught using stuff from the kitchen.

Scorch · October 12, 2006, 01:55 PM

My pet load for almost 30 years:
7.7 gr Unique
200 gr SWC or 185 gr JHP
WW large pistol primer

Good accuracy, minimal muzzle flash, flawless cycling, just one ragged hole on the paper at 25 yds.

flyinbrian · October 12, 2006, 04:14 PM

230 grain FMJ over 5.8 grains Unique with WLP in mixed brass. 1.26 OAL.

VaFisher · October 12, 2006, 04:20 PM

Thanks for all the help guy's. Now I have a different but better problem, which one to try first.

ledavatar · October 12, 2006, 06:16 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think 4.0gr of Bullseye was the military .45acp load? Mil-spec or commercial spec loads always help me decide which one to start with.

VaFisher · October 12, 2006, 06:27 PM

Just got back from getting powder, looks like they made my mind up for me because all they had was Unique, no Bullseye. Thats the only place that's close so will have to wait and try the Bullseye later.

Nephilim-777 · October 12, 2006, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think 4.0gr of Bullseye was the military .45acp load?

Yes, but I believe it was 5.0gr

lev83 · October 12, 2006, 07:52 PM

I have been very pleased with the following configuration:
Federal Case
Win. Lg. Pistol Primer
Hornady 230gr. XTP JHP
4.3gr. Hodgdon TiteGroup.

7.7gr. Unique has also been a favorite in the past.

JoeHatley · October 13, 2006, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think 4.0gr of Bullseye was the military .45acp load?

I think 5 grains Bullseye and a 230 grain FMJ is a pretty close match for standard "ball" ammo.

Joe

rbwillnj · October 14, 2006, 07:15 AM

4 Grains of Bullseye with a 200 Grain SWC is a Light but very accurate Target load. It's very comfortable to shoot, but still got enough umph to cycle a 1911 reliably without changing the recoil spring. Definately not a factory or military load.

SixForSure · October 14, 2006, 09:19 AM

Pick whatever bullet type fits your use and load it with an appropriate charge of Unique.

Ammo Junky · October 15, 2006, 10:43 AM

sfs

Great signiture.

VaFisher · October 15, 2006, 07:21 PM

Just finished loading some, I ended up using the unique as that's what was recomended and available. The load ended up being 7.7gr unique and 185gr XTP horady bullets along with Winchester large pistol primer's again because thats what I could get. Thanks again for all the ideas and help.

**Unclenick** · October 16, 2006, 01:34 PM

Be careful. Loads given for lead bullets are not going to produce equivalent pressures with jacketed bullets of the same weight. In particular, any difference in seating depth or case brand can significantly affect pressure, especially in short, straight-wall cases. 7.7 grains of Unique with the 185 grain XTP isn't leaving a lot of pressure margin. It is always better to knock 10% off a load recommendation and work up slowly in your gun.

Nick

**44 AMP** · October 18, 2006, 03:56 PM

I used to load 7.7gr Unique behind the 200gr Speer "flying ashtray". HOT load! clocked 998fps out of a 4.25in Browning BDA (early Sig P 220). Worked ok, accutrate, ejection was "snappy". Friend shot a mag through his 1911A1 pin gun, and it cratered primers badly. BAck off a bit if you are shooting a 1911!

VaFisher · October 18, 2006, 05:05 PM

I know good advise when I hear it. I am going to back down to 7.0gr.

Plastic Cowboy · October 19, 2006, 10:44 AM

Since each firearm is unique (even same make and model) to get the best accuracy you need to experiment with several different load configurations and find one that works best in your specific gun.

Fortunately the .45ACP is nearly 100 years old and there is mountains of load data available for it.

Scorch · October 19, 2006, 01:33 PM

44AMP-
The 200 gr JHP has a max load of 7.0 gr of Unique. 7.7 gr is 10% overloaded. That would explain the cratered primers.

The 185 gr JHP has a max load of 8.5 gr of unique, so 7.7 gr is 10% below max load.

Remember to read the reloading manuals, guys. Keep it safe!

October 12, 2006, 07:12 AM	#1
VaFisher Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2006 Posts: 596	45acp Anybody have any accurate loads for 45acp they would like to share. I havent purchased powder yet so am open to idea's.

October 12, 2006, 10:40 AM	#4
JoeHatley Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 1999 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,135	4.5 grains Bullseye 200 grain SWC cast or plated bullet Federal 150 primer Star-Line brass OAL 1.25-ish Should do right at 800 fps from most 5" barrels. Soft shooting load that will cycle most 1911's with standard recoil springs. Very accurate if you build them consistantly. Good Luck... Joe __________________ Go NRA

October 12, 2006, 11:52 AM	#6
caz223 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,429	Depends on what you're looking for. My favorite load is 7.0 grains of unique, a 200 grain XTP bullet, a starline case, and a CCI 300 primer. It is a very mellow, accurate load, not cheap to shoot, but very accurate. If you're looking for ultra clean or ultra low recoil, look elsewhere, this is an accuracy load. __________________ I'm not just a gun. I'm YOUR gun. (Hold me.)

October 12, 2006, 01:31 PM	#8
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	45ACP load 200 gr LSWC 5.0gr 231 Winchester WLP primer winchester brass It also works with the tons of milsup brass I have. I have from time to time gotten stuck with LSWC bullets that are a bit too soft and cause leading I didn't like. I would mix a 50-50 solution of Zippo lighter fluid and Lee's Liquid ALOX. Used as directed and it would stop almost all of the leading difficulties. I bought a cheap cookie sheet and a roll of wax paper after getting caught using stuff from the kitchen.

October 12, 2006, 01:55 PM	#9
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	My pet load for almost 30 years: 7.7 gr Unique 200 gr SWC or 185 gr JHP WW large pistol primer Good accuracy, minimal muzzle flash, flawless cycling, just one ragged hole on the paper at 25 yds. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

October 12, 2006, 08:18 AM	#2
xrmattaz Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2006 Location: lovely Prescott, AZ Posts: 205	My standard for many years now..... 230gr. hardcast RN lead bullet. 5.3gr. Winchester 231. CCI primer. Winchester or Federal brass. Seated 1.250" OAL.

October 12, 2006, 08:33 AM	#3
rbwillnj Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northwest NJ Posts: 38	4.0 Grains Bullseye, 200 Grain Lead Semi Wadcutter, WLP Primer. 1" Group at 25 yards from my Kimber

October 12, 2006, 10:57 AM	#5
Nephilim-777 Member Join Date: October 10, 2006 Location: A nation in distress Posts: 79	3.7g-3.8g of Clays (clean and soft) 200g LSWC 1.257"-1.26" OAL .470"-.471" crimp CCI #300 large primers Mixed Brass Shot through several 1911's.

October 12, 2006, 01:00 PM	#7
arkie2 Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2006 Posts: 475	Good range load. 200 grain LSWC Federal LP primer 5.1 grains Titegroup

October 12, 2006, 04:14 PM	#10
flyinbrian Junior Member Join Date: June 22, 2006 Posts: 10	230 grain FMJ over 5.8 grains Unique with WLP in mixed brass. 1.26 OAL.

October 12, 2006, 04:20 PM	#11
VaFisher Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2006 Posts: 596	Thanks for all the help guy's. Now I have a different but better problem, which one to try first.

October 12, 2006, 06:16 PM	#12
ledavatar Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2006 Posts: 147	Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think 4.0gr of Bullseye was the military .45acp load? Mil-spec or commercial spec loads always help me decide which one to start with.

October 12, 2006, 06:27 PM	#13
VaFisher Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2006 Posts: 596	Just got back from getting powder, looks like they made my mind up for me because all they had was Unique, no Bullseye. Thats the only place that's close so will have to wait and try the Bullseye later.

October 12, 2006, 07:52 PM	#15
lev83 Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2005 Posts: 130	I have been very pleased with the following configuration: Federal Case Win. Lg. Pistol Primer Hornady 230gr. XTP JHP 4.3gr. Hodgdon TiteGroup. 7.7gr. Unique has also been a favorite in the past.

October 14, 2006, 07:15 AM	#17
rbwillnj Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northwest NJ Posts: 38	4 Grains of Bullseye with a 200 Grain SWC is a Light but very accurate Target load. It's very comfortable to shoot, but still got enough umph to cycle a 1911 reliably without changing the recoil spring. Definately not a factory or military load.

October 14, 2006, 09:19 AM	#18
SixForSure Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2005 Location: South Dakota Posts: 263	Pick whatever bullet type fits your use and load it with an appropriate charge of Unique. __________________ Real guns are steel..............and have cylinders I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

October 15, 2006, 10:43 AM	#19
Ammo Junky Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: IL Posts: 537	sfs Great signiture. __________________ Will work for brass. I apologise in advance for spelling errors.

October 15, 2006, 07:21 PM	#20
VaFisher Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2006 Posts: 596	Just finished loading some, I ended up using the unique as that's what was recomended and available. The load ended up being 7.7gr unique and 185gr XTP horady bullets along with Winchester large pistol primer's again because thats what I could get. Thanks again for all the ideas and help.

October 16, 2006, 01:34 PM	#21
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	Be careful. Loads given for lead bullets are not going to produce equivalent pressures with jacketed bullets of the same weight. In particular, any difference in seating depth or case brand can significantly affect pressure, especially in short, straight-wall cases. 7.7 grains of Unique with the 185 grain XTP isn't leaving a lot of pressure margin. It is always better to knock 10% off a load recommendation and work up slowly in your gun. Nick __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

October 18, 2006, 03:56 PM	#22
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,817	7.7gr Unique I used to load 7.7gr Unique behind the 200gr Speer "flying ashtray". HOT load! clocked 998fps out of a 4.25in Browning BDA (early Sig P 220). Worked ok, accutrate, ejection was "snappy". Friend shot a mag through his 1911A1 pin gun, and it cratered primers badly. BAck off a bit if you are shooting a 1911! __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

October 18, 2006, 05:05 PM	#23
VaFisher Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2006 Posts: 596	I know good advise when I hear it. I am going to back down to 7.0gr.

October 19, 2006, 10:44 AM	#24
Plastic Cowboy Junior Member Join Date: September 21, 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 9	Since each firearm is unique (even same make and model) to get the best accuracy you need to experiment with several different load configurations and find one that works best in your specific gun. Fortunately the .45ACP is nearly 100 years old and there is mountains of load data available for it.

October 19, 2006, 01:33 PM	#25
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	44AMP- The 200 gr JHP has a max load of 7.0 gr of Unique. 7.7 gr is 10% overloaded. That would explain the cratered primers. The 185 gr JHP has a max load of 8.5 gr of unique, so 7.7 gr is 10% below max load. Remember to read the reloading manuals, guys. Keep it safe! __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services