Is this a good load?

DaveInPA · February 24, 2008, 12:13 AM

I'm about ready to start charging cases and seating bullets in my first batch of .45 ACP reloads. My powder measure is throwing consistent charges of 4.8 - 4.9 grains of Winchester 231. This is behind a 230gr FMJ bullet. OAL is right around 1.263

Thanks!

Sevens · February 24, 2008, 12:33 AM

It's a safe load.

Is it a good load? You'll have to let US know!

Thirties · February 24, 2008, 12:37 AM

Dave, make some with a slightly shorter COL, say 1.255, and see the difference in feeding. also, your charge of W231 seems a bit low. Check your loading manual again re COL and W231 weight.

DaveInPA · February 24, 2008, 02:09 AM

The only thing my books list is MINIMUM COL, not different powder charges for different lengths.

DaveInPA · February 24, 2008, 02:12 AM

Here's the real question? What's the worst that could happen if my charge of 4.8 grains is too low? It shouldn't be low enough to cause a dangerous squib (bullet staying barrel and being stuck by next one), should it?

While firing these rounds at the range tomorrow, how should I go about determining if its an adequate powder charge?

Thanks
Dave

rwilson452 · February 24, 2008, 04:33 AM

You may find that charge is too light to function the slide. I wouldn't go above 5.8gr of W231. This assumes a jacketed bullet not a plated bullet. I took a load of 5.2gr to get my 1991A1 to function with a new recoil spring. I make my loads as long as I can and still fit the chamber. I make a dummy round very long. I then remove the barrel from my pistol and drop the cartridge into the chamber with the barrel in a muzzle down position. I shorten it progressively until it fits correctly without needing to push it in. If you have more than one pistol chambered for .45ACP you can make loads that are built for each one or make loads that are short enough to fit all of them.

My suggestion is you make 10 rounds of each progressing for 4.9 to 5.8 gr. in about .3 gr steps. then test fire you will learn how light you can go and still function then you can either go for the lightest load that is possible or the most accurate. sometimes if your lucky they are the same but it's not likely. I don't know how much you have fired your .45 but I can feel it when the load gets hot enough to start battering the slide.

Quote:

Is this a good load?
I'm about ready to start charging cases and seating bullets in my first batch of .45 ACP reloads. My powder measure is throwing consistent charges of 4.8 - 4.9 grains of Winchester 231. This is behind a 230gr FMJ bullet. OAL is right around 1.263

Sevens · February 24, 2008, 07:55 AM

You'e got it-- your load is not light enough to squib and lodge a bullet. Not nearly light enough. You are in good shape. If it's too light, it might not operate the slide properly with each shot. There's no other possible pitfall.

RWilson and I do it the same way. I build 10-15 at one load and then 10 or 15 more at a higher load and see how they perform.

imdarren · February 25, 2008, 02:01 AM

You will be in good shape.
Usually, and I say again, usually you will see problems with the slide not cycling properly or getting stove pipes before you can squib a round.
45 ACP is one of the most forgiving rounds there are to reload.

RNG · February 25, 2008, 05:19 AM

I initially worked up loads using 230gr Rainer plated bullets and w231 for plinking. 4.3gr - 5.3gr. 5.1 seemed to shoot the best out of my Kimber 4" Tactical Pro II and doesn't beat up the aluminum frame. OAL=1.260

Regards,
Richard

February 24, 2008, 12:13 AM	#1
DaveInPA Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Berks County, PA Posts: 1,106	Is this a good load? I'm about ready to start charging cases and seating bullets in my first batch of .45 ACP reloads. My powder measure is throwing consistent charges of 4.8 - 4.9 grains of Winchester 231. This is behind a 230gr FMJ bullet. OAL is right around 1.263 Thanks!

February 24, 2008, 12:33 AM	#2
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,775	It's a safe load. Is it a good load? You'll have to let US know! __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

February 24, 2008, 07:55 AM	#7
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,775	You'e got it-- your load is not light enough to squib and lodge a bullet. Not nearly light enough. You are in good shape. If it's too light, it might not operate the slide properly with each shot. There's no other possible pitfall. RWilson and I do it the same way. I build 10-15 at one load and then 10 or 15 more at a higher load and see how they perform. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

February 24, 2008, 12:37 AM	#3
Thirties Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2001 Location: Where the Red Sox meet the Black Bears Posts: 561	Dave, make some with a slightly shorter COL, say 1.255, and see the difference in feeding. also, your charge of W231 seems a bit low. Check your loading manual again re COL and W231 weight.

February 24, 2008, 02:09 AM	#4
DaveInPA Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Berks County, PA Posts: 1,106	The only thing my books list is MINIMUM COL, not different powder charges for different lengths.

February 24, 2008, 02:12 AM	#5
DaveInPA Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Berks County, PA Posts: 1,106	Here's the real question? What's the worst that could happen if my charge of 4.8 grains is too low? It shouldn't be low enough to cause a dangerous squib (bullet staying barrel and being stuck by next one), should it? While firing these rounds at the range tomorrow, how should I go about determining if its an adequate powder charge? Thanks Dave

February 25, 2008, 02:01 AM	#8
imdarren Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2005 Location: Washington State Posts: 164	You will be in good shape. Usually, and I say again, usually you will see problems with the slide not cycling properly or getting stove pipes before you can squib a round. 45 ACP is one of the most forgiving rounds there are to reload.

February 25, 2008, 05:19 AM	#9
RNG Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 120	I initially worked up loads using 230gr Rainer plated bullets and w231 for plinking. 4.3gr - 5.3gr. 5.1 seemed to shoot the best out of my Kimber 4" Tactical Pro II and doesn't beat up the aluminum frame. OAL=1.260 Regards, Richard