Zero 230 gr. JHP in 45 ACP

spawndn72 · June 2, 2014, 01:36 PM

I bought some Zero 230 gr JHP to load 45 ACP with.

For powder, I am going to use Hodgdon CFE Pistol.

Hodgdon shows using between 6.0 and 6.8 grains for a Hornady 230 gr FMJ FP with a OAL of 1.200

Can I use this same load for the Zero bullets?
Should I use the same OAL?

Mike / Tx · June 2, 2014, 07:26 PM

I'm sure someone else will chime in, but here goes.

You should work up from lowest listed charge weights slowly and deliberately checking for excessive pressure and function in your firearm.

You should also use the OAL that will allow the plunk test for your barrel. The bullet one company test with as far as weight is concerned can be longer or shorter on the bearing surface than the one you have. This is where things can get tricky. If it is longer it will protrude further into the case which can raise pressures. If seated out to far it can be jammed into the lands of the barrel and create the same effect. So when your loading something different you want to use your barrel to be sure it will drop right in with no resistance against the lands. To find this you adjust your seating plug a little at a time seating the bullet deeper ever so slowly until it fits.

This is an excellent link you should read and take notes from,
"The Plunk Test"

Hope that helps.

spawndn72 · June 24, 2014, 05:12 PM

I ended up using 5.9 grains of CFE pistol and they shoot great.

June 2, 2014, 01:36 PM	#1
spawndn72 Member Join Date: July 13, 2007 Posts: 95	Zero 230 gr. JHP in 45 ACP I bought some Zero 230 gr JHP to load 45 ACP with. For powder, I am going to use Hodgdon CFE Pistol. Hodgdon shows using between 6.0 and 6.8 grains for a Hornady 230 gr FMJ FP with a OAL of 1.200 Can I use this same load for the Zero bullets? Should I use the same OAL?

June 2, 2014, 07:26 PM	#2
Mike / Tx Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2000 Posts: 2,135	I'm sure someone else will chime in, but here goes. You should work up from lowest listed charge weights slowly and deliberately checking for excessive pressure and function in your firearm. You should also use the OAL that will allow the plunk test for your barrel. The bullet one company test with as far as weight is concerned can be longer or shorter on the bearing surface than the one you have. This is where things can get tricky. If it is longer it will protrude further into the case which can raise pressures. If seated out to far it can be jammed into the lands of the barrel and create the same effect. So when your loading something different you want to use your barrel to be sure it will drop right in with no resistance against the lands. To find this you adjust your seating plug a little at a time seating the bullet deeper ever so slowly until it fits. This is an excellent link you should read and take notes from, "The Plunk Test" Hope that helps. __________________ LAter, Mike / TX

June 24, 2014, 05:12 PM	#3
spawndn72 Member Join Date: July 13, 2007 Posts: 95	I ended up using 5.9 grains of CFE pistol and they shoot great.