AA#5 200LSWC 45ACP

[SW CQB 45]

My competition shooting season is about to end and I have been doing some digging with the upper competitors and noticed no one is shooting stock guns in autos.

I noticed the following
SW952
Springfield 9mil with a Nowlin Barrel
2G 1911
Para Custom with a Kart barrel
Wilson unk

I shot my 9mil PX9130LP Springfield Armory stock barrel this year and I have not found a load to settle on for best 25 yd accuracy if I do my part.

With that said, I want to pull out Custom Colt 5" for the last couple of matches.

My normal load for 200LSWC is usually around 5.0+ of 231 and while I still have 231, I have 5 bottles of AA#5 that came with a reloading gear purchase.

I have never loaded AA#5 and often thought about trading it but before I decide....is there a moderate target load that will achieve good accuracy similiar to the 5.0 - 5.5 range of 231 and not lead my barrel to the point of vulgar scrubbings. in my experience 5.7 of 231 will start leading my barrel.

I have read good things about WST and want to try it in 45acp, but I need to utilize this AA#5 first in the area of economy (I have it...I have alot....lets us it)

listed starting load for AA#5 is 7.8 grains at 902FPS out of a 5". any loads with data below this throw or is AA#2 better for this?

looking for a moderate target load in the mid 800FPS range. if AA#5 is not a good generator for this....I will try and push.

I also have a bottle of N310 I may try.

TIA

[ColColt]

I don't shoot cast bullets much anymore but I use to quiet a bit in a SA 1911 and in the 4506. Two of my pet loads using the 200 gr LSWC was 6.8 gr of Unique and 8.5 gr of AA#5. They both gave me better accuracy than I could ever use. I think AA#5 is a great powder for the 45 ACP...especially with cast bullets. Others will have their own pet loads but I liked these.

[Joni_Lynn]

I'd suggest that if you don't find the info you're looking for, give AA a call and ask their reloading experts about it. I've talked with them in the past and they were very helpful.

[Skip Sackett]

From experience; AA#5 is a great powder BUT doesn't, won't, no way shape nor form, work with reduced loads, period.

I had a stuck bullet in another caliber when I tried to load too light.

Keep the pressure up, no problem. Shines in the 40S&W and 9mm.

FWIW

[oldRoger]

I am using 8.9 grs AA-5 behind a H&G 68 style 200gr PbSWC as my standard practice load. I see little or no leading in various 1911s, a P220 and a 4566.
It is beyond a mild target load though.I think I would use AA 2 if I were trying to get the best accuracy at target speeds, but since you have AA 5 you should try a few at various charges, I have used 8.4grs with good success.

[SW CQB 45]

Dang.....looks like I need to trade or sell this #5.

thanks for the info.

better stick with what I know to end the season.

[ScottJ]

Originally Posted by SW CQB 45

Dang.....looks like I need to trade or sell this #5.

Wish you weren't in TX. I don't want to have to pay the hazmat.

I use 8.5gr underneath a cast 140gr SWC in .357. More accurate than I am. 12 rounds double-action form 10 yards.

[Engineer1911]

Data from AA website

No.5 155 LC SWC 9.0 1,046 10.0 1,189 18,500 1.240
No.5 170 MCB SWC 8.1 945 9.0 1,074 17,800 1.130
No.5 200 LC SWC 7.8 902 8.7 1,025 19,400 1.190

No.5 230 MCB RN BB 7.7 852 8.5 968 19,800 1.230

[ArchAngelCD]

AA#5 was specifically designed for use in the .45 Auto from what I've read so that has to tell you something. I agree AA#5 doesn't download well so only use it if you want upper end pressure ammo but considering you are using it in competition that won't bother you.

[shadowrider]

I agree with those that say it doesn't do well with lighter loads.

Where it shines is with a 230gr JHP loaded to absolute max. I doubt there is a better powder for that in 45ACP.

I shoot WST loads by the thousands. It's one of the best cast bullet powders I've found. Meters great, soft shooting, clean, cheap, available. What's more to want? Besides it will do exactly what you are wanting. It's great for milder loads.

[ColColt]

Originally Posted by shadowrider

Where it shines is with a 230gr JHP loaded to absolute max. I doubt there is a better powder for that in 45ACP.

Yep-it's called HS-6. Great powder, great groups and no FTF or FTE. I have and use AA#5 but with either 185 or 200 gr bullets. With the heavier ones there's something better...at least for me. Universal Clays is another oldie but goodie.