Duplicate the Remington 185gr .45 ACP UMC

[GT45]

I love this round, but they're over $0.40 each. Nice and punchy but not too hot and they're accurate. I need to replicate them. I'll be reloading .45 rimmed brass for use in an older but excellent condition S&W 25-2 N frame revolver, 4" barrel.

I have reloading experience and my Dad has decades of it (although he's getting older, memory isn't what it used to be and his reloading manuals are dated. I have a current manual ordered), so between the two of us we should have everything covered.

Is anyone familiar with this Remington round and how do I go about trying to replicate it's performance? Remington states 1015fps and 423ft/lb muzzle energy. What types of powders do I start to research to narrow it down quickly? Thanks in advance for any helpful info.

GT45

[Troystat]

My Speer #12 shows a 185 Grain Gold dot with a max load of 8.2 grains of Unique and a velocity of 1015, seems like a pretty stout load. Also shows the same bullet with 6.4 grains of Bulleye at 986 fps. Those are both max loads in that manual. Also those loads are on regular 45ACP cases, the Auto rim loads don't show that bullet weight in an Autorim case. I would not use those loads as a starting point for that case. Check out the powder company websites as well.

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO the only real way to replicate the factory ammo is to know exactly what velocity it is generating. That requires a chronograph.

There are many suitable powders for this round. IMO AA#5 is a good place to start. Maybe some if the newer powders like CFE-Pistol or AutoComp might work well but I have not tried them yet.

Velocity isn't the only consideration though. The felt recoil is important in a replica, both the amount and type of recoil. That can only be determined by you in your gun. I would also buy their bullets to load.

Good luck and keep us updated on your progress.

[GT45]

Good info so far, thank you. We're going to the range tomorrow afternoon (wonder if they have a crono) to test a few "work in progress" batches along with the Remington ammo. I want my Dad to feel what I feel when that round fires. Moderate recoil with an interesting rearward punch. It feels very different than any .45 factory ammo I've used, and I like it. Thanks for the powder\charge info, I'll research them this weekend.

[StakeOut]

What will these loads be used for.

The 1015fps and 423ft/lb muzzle energy is stout and not a target load so that leaves hunting and self defense.

A heavy plated 185gr SWC was the factory target round made for competitive bullseye target shooting but I don't see them offered any longer.

[Homie]

Please post your actual results chrongraphing that load out of the 4" revolver.
Also the 2016 HODGDON Manual had an .45 article you might be interested in.

[hdwhit]

When I load .45 ACP it is for an M1911 pistol with a 5 inch barrel, but I have very good luck with Blue Dot and 185 grain Jacketed Hollow Points. I use load data from an old 1980's-vintage Hercules brochure, but Lyman #49 has loads for Blue Dot with jacketed bullets.

[scooter123]

It just happens that I load a 185 grain Speer Gold Dot at 1050 fps. It is actually quite simple, get yourself a bottle of 4 of Accurate #5 and fill the case with 10.0 grains of # 5. BTW, this velocity is as checked with my chronograph using a 5 inch Ruger SR1911, with a shorter barrel I believe that a slight loss in velocity may be expected.

[GT45]

StakeOut:
For right now these are target rounds. Indoor at up to 25yds and (finally) outdoor at any distance at various "targets". I don't hunt and got home defense covered. Yeah, it's a stout round and that's why I like it, it's just fun to shoot.

I've closely inspected most of the 300 or so cases I've shot so far and they don't show any signs of fatigue, after sizing they looked great. If I can come close to duplicating this one, I'll be happy.

Homie:
Yeah, I'd love to put this one through a chronograph. Probably less than the rated speed in a 4" barrel. Here's that 4" revolver.

[tops]

If I was going to duplicate a load I would shoot it in my gun to find the feet per second. Reload using the same bullet and get a powder charge to match the fps. Works for me. Larry