Reloading for PCC

chris in va · January 28, 2014, 05:16 AM

There's a decent chance I will be getting a CX4 in a few months, maybe a 45.

I see load data for 9mm in my Lyman manual, but not 45. I suspect a slower powder works best with the long 16" barrel, but wanted to get input from those that have done this. BTW I'll be using lead almost exclusively.

As with my CZ, I don't want to beat myself up with recoil so maybe a 185gr mold is called for?

jtmckinney · January 28, 2014, 08:54 AM

I have a Hi-Point Carbine in 45ACP with the same barrel length. I shoot some loads in it that I would not shoot in a 1911 or any other pistol. It does shoot the same ammo as my 1911 very well, it all depends on how much thump you want. Even with the loads I talk about below recoil is not punishing on the shooter but maybe the CX4 is lighter.

The only 185 grain bullets I have tried were Berry"s plated hollow base and was definately over driving them using 800X. Accuracy was poor and very jagged holes in the target. I suspect the base of the bullet was not holding shape. I probably could have lowered the power charge and improved the accuracy. This was not the bullets fault as I suspect the velocity was well above what Berry's says to stay below. A solid base bullet made with hard cast lead might have been ok.

The load I developed to hunt javelinas with is 230 grain jacketed hollow points either HP/XTP or Sierra Sports Masters and AA#9. Accuracy is good, ejected brass looks good and doesn't feel like I am abbusing the gun. Average velocity is 1380 fps. I use small pistol primer brass and magnum primers. Shooting hanging steel plates with it is pretty impressive.

Good luck finding what works for you. My Hi-Point is ugly, heavy and chuncky but what a hoot to shoot.

Have a great day!
James

Jim243 · January 28, 2014, 10:04 AM

Quote:

I suspect a slower powder works best with the long 16" barrel,

No it doesn't. I don't know much about the CX4 but the Kel-Tec and Hi-Point are blow back systems.

I use standard 40 S&W reloads for my Hi-Point 4095TS and they work great.

Jim

g.willikers · January 28, 2014, 10:20 AM

Will you be using your .45acp loads in a pistol, too, or only in the rifle?
If it's only for the rifle, and the goal is to try to make the .45acp shoot like something else, then experimentation is necessary.
Generally, the .45acp doesn't gain as much velocity out of a rifle as other calibers.

chris in va · January 28, 2014, 02:55 PM

No, just rifle only loads. I suspect my powderpuff CZ loads at 650fps probably wouldn't cycle the blowback action.

January 28, 2014, 05:16 AM	#1
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Reloading for PCC There's a decent chance I will be getting a CX4 in a few months, maybe a 45. I see load data for 9mm in my Lyman manual, but not 45. I suspect a slower powder works best with the long 16" barrel, but wanted to get input from those that have done this. BTW I'll be using lead almost exclusively. As with my CZ, I don't want to beat myself up with recoil so maybe a 185gr mold is called for?

January 28, 2014, 08:54 AM	#2
jtmckinney Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 490	I have a Hi-Point Carbine in 45ACP with the same barrel length. I shoot some loads in it that I would not shoot in a 1911 or any other pistol. It does shoot the same ammo as my 1911 very well, it all depends on how much thump you want. Even with the loads I talk about below recoil is not punishing on the shooter but maybe the CX4 is lighter. The only 185 grain bullets I have tried were Berry"s plated hollow base and was definately over driving them using 800X. Accuracy was poor and very jagged holes in the target. I suspect the base of the bullet was not holding shape. I probably could have lowered the power charge and improved the accuracy. This was not the bullets fault as I suspect the velocity was well above what Berry's says to stay below. A solid base bullet made with hard cast lead might have been ok. The load I developed to hunt javelinas with is 230 grain jacketed hollow points either HP/XTP or Sierra Sports Masters and AA#9. Accuracy is good, ejected brass looks good and doesn't feel like I am abbusing the gun. Average velocity is 1380 fps. I use small pistol primer brass and magnum primers. Shooting hanging steel plates with it is pretty impressive. Good luck finding what works for you. My Hi-Point is ugly, heavy and chuncky but what a hoot to shoot. Have a great day! James __________________ “Government does few things well but it does them at great expense” Cal Thomas “When Government Can’t Be Trusted” 6/11/2013 When I am weaker than you, I ask you for freedom because that is according to your principles; When I am stronger than you, I take away your freedoms because that is according to my principles. Frank Herbert "Children of Dune"

January 28, 2014, 10:20 AM	#4
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Will you be using your .45acp loads in a pistol, too, or only in the rifle? If it's only for the rifle, and the goal is to try to make the .45acp shoot like something else, then experimentation is necessary. Generally, the .45acp doesn't gain as much velocity out of a rifle as other calibers. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

January 28, 2014, 02:55 PM	#5
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	No, just rifle only loads. I suspect my powderpuff CZ loads at 650fps probably wouldn't cycle the blowback action.