Heavy bullets for 45acp

[sjs]

I have a large number of Berrys Plated Bullets that are 250 grain flat nose that I got for a 45 Colt. I sold that revolver and would like to use them for plinking in my 1911.

I don't need accuracy, or velocity, just a safe round that will cycle a stock 1911. None of my manuals has a 45acp load for bullets that heavy. I looked on google and found loads but they were hot loads for hunting and required heavier recoil springs.

Request loads for safe, reliable plinking in a stock 1911. I have Bullseye,
HP 38 and Trail Boss, but can buy another powder (with difficulty).

[Wee Hooker]

I have loaded 225 gr flat nosed bullets ( marketed for the long colt) in 45 ACP. They actually shot very well. Very low recoil and good accuracy. I used a low dose of Clays but I would think other fast burning powders could be used to safely develop a load for a 250 gr . Be sure to start low enough and watch case volume.
I'm sure someone will come along with more detailed info though.

[rg1]

No experience with heavier than 230 gr. 45ACP loads. Here's one bit of data for 250 FN plated bullets to use only as added info:
http://cakesniffer.org/stuff/boom/RanierData.pdf

[rockquarry]

You'll have to search, but there is data available. Reliable magazine feeding and functioning may be a problem.

[Forrest r]

A link to the last "good" alliant reloading manual. It has 45acp loads up to 260gr bullets for the 45acp.
http://castpics.net/LoadData/Freebie...liant_2005.pdf

[rg1]

Midway's LoadMap series list 250 FP's, probably Rainiers, using Bullseye powder, RP 2 1/2, and RP cases. Just for info:
4.3 gr Bullseye---14800 psi---670 fps
4.5----------------15700-------697
4.7----------------16600-------724
4.9----------------17400-------750
They tested in a universal receiver and loaded to the max oal at 1.275" which could be too long for your chamber. Make sure they chamber in your pistol. They listed a little higher load levels but I would stay at or below the 4.9 level. Work up to make sure they are safe using your components.

[iouri]

Keep in mind 45 Colt is about 0.002" fatter: 0.454" vs 0.451-0.452"

[sjs]

Thank you very much guys.

For whatever reason these bullets are .452 even though sold as 45 Colt.

Any additional info is welcome.

[arjay]

I found some old data for 260 gr jacketed bullets using herco and worked from that.I had to shorten the overall length to get them to feed properly and the midrange loads were quite hot ( brass flew a long ways and the primers were quite flat) Start low and work up carefully

[fredj338]

The old Speer manual had 250-260gr data but not any of the newer powders today. Several gamers I know shoot 250-2555gr bullets @ sedate 650-675fps for just making power factor. I have tried such loads but do not find them much softer shooting, cost more though. I have loaded 250grLSWCH @ 800fps for my m625 with good results & ran some in my 1911 just because, all good.

[Gripgrabber]

Hello, I have a mold that’s 260gr, around nose flat point, I just size and lube for .452, works great!

[Just another 22 shooter]

Hodgdon #26 manual lists a 260 gr bullet load with HP38.
4.5 starting load for 696 fps
5.1 max load for 800 fps

[Rogeronimo]

I load Longshot behind 250gn XTPs ... WOW!

[roundgunner]

I use that bullet with 4.7 Unique for a bowling pin load in both 5" 1911 and 6" 25. In the summer the pins get pretty heavy before they split up so I have some hotter ones too, 5.0 it is still light but they clear pins well.

[Qc Pistolero]

Originally Posted by iouri

Keep in mind 45 Colt is about 0.002" fatter: 0.454" vs 0.451-0.452"

Used to be that.My Ruger Blackhawk is .452 and I think current S&W also are.
Slug your bore or if you know the manufacturing date of the gun,check with the manufacturer.

[Engineer1911]

Accurate Arms #5 Powder

Bullet Start ft/sec Max ft/sec pressure, psi OAL
250 (P) BERRY FP 6.0 718 7.1 838 20,489 1.20"

Start 6.0 grains_ _ velocity = 718 fps

Max 7.1 grains_ _ velocity = 838 ft/sec

Pressure = 20,489 PSI _ _ cartridge OAL = 1.200"

I've done a copy & paste from Accurate Arms Load Manual 6.0 for your Berry's bullet. Long ago in my foolish youth, I shot Lee 255 SWC bullets for bowling pin matches. I know a little about heavy bullets, a little about AA #5, and believe you will get the load you want with the starting charge. I was using Hodgdon HS6 powder. It was published data and quite brisk! ! !

You can Google "Accurate Arms Load Data" and find the entire PDF file. I downloaded it to my computer and have the paper manual 2nd Edition.