Smith & Wesson Forum

Advertise With Us Search
Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-19-2021, 10:48 AM
AJ's Avatar
AJ AJ is online now
US Veteran
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: East of Stick Marsh, Fla.
Posts: 9,548
Likes: 5,002
Liked 21,327 Times in 6,436 Posts
Default Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP

Thinking of doing the same for .45 ACP as I am doing for .38 Special ( Thinking of sticking to one loading........... ). I use a lot of 3.5 grains of Bullseye with a 185 grain SWC. What is your favorite load? Not looking for combat loads as I am just punching paper.
__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Last edited by AJ; 02-24-2021 at 08:26 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-19-2021, 11:10 AM
Ivan the Butcher Ivan the Butcher is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Harlem, Ohio
Posts: 14,436
Likes: 23,452
Liked 26,336 Times in 9,128 Posts
Default

My universal target and Cowboy load is:

Mixed brass

WLP primer, but any will do

200 RNFP cast bullet

5.5 gr of WW231.

It works great in The Marlin Camp 45, 3-Sig 220's, 5-1911's, 1917 S&W and the 5" 625. My brother uses it in his 4-1911's too, but I think that's because it is my ammo!

Ivan
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-19-2021, 11:13 AM
Ivan the Butcher Ivan the Butcher is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Harlem, Ohio
Posts: 14,436
Likes: 23,452
Liked 26,336 Times in 9,128 Posts
Default

I used the same charge in 45's loaded with Starr of Indianapolis' 185 SWC/HP, Until they went out of business!

Ivan
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-19-2021, 11:13 AM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: In The Woods Of S.C.
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 14,058
Liked 13,765 Times in 4,990 Posts
Default

My cast 230 gr bullets pushed by 5.2 grs of WW#231.......Use same load in auto rim cases with same bullets.
__________________
S&W Accumulator
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 02-19-2021, 11:18 AM
oysterer's Avatar
oysterer oysterer is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1,730
Liked 2,731 Times in 868 Posts
Default

coated
200 gr 4.8 gr w231
230 gr 4.3 gr w231
try at own risk , consult loading manual
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-19-2021, 11:19 AM
rockquarry rockquarry is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 4
Liked 8,930 Times in 4,139 Posts
Default

I've never gotten quite the accuracy with 231 that I have with Bullseye in the .45 ACP. I use only cast bullets. With the 200 grain SWC, I use either 3.7 Bullseye for target or 5 Bullseye for full power. Accuracy of the two is about equal but the 3.7 load is more comfortable to shoot.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 02-19-2021, 11:45 AM
boatbum101 boatbum101 is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Pensacola,FL
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 4,198
Liked 999 Times in 536 Posts
Default

45acp loads: 230 FMJ 5.4 - 5.7grs W231 , 4.6 - 5.0 Bullseye
200 LSWC 4.6 - 4.8grs W231 , 3.8 - 4.2grs Bullseye
185 JHP Nosler / Zero 4.5 - 4.8grs Bullseye

Never could get the Nosler 185 to shoot well with W 231 . 4.5 BE , 4.3 - 4.5 VVN 310 & 4.6 - 4.8 WST worked best in my wadguns @ 50yds . Used to shoot either 3.8 Bullseye or 4.6 W231 with the swaged Star or Zero 200 SWC , 3.6 - 3.7 VVN 310 also accurate . Cast H&G 68 200 4.2grs Bullseye @ 50yds , 3.5grs @ 25yds for T&R . Swaged 185's with 3.9 Bullseye or 4.2 WST . All these are 2700 paper punchin' loads , won't find 'em in no manual .
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-19-2021, 11:49 AM
smithra_66 smithra_66 is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 118
Liked 2,094 Times in 810 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AJ View Post
Thinking of doing the same for .45 ACP as I am doing for .38 Special ( Thinking of sticking to one loading........... ). I use a lot of 3.5 grains of Bullseye with a 185 grain SWC. What is your favorite load? Not looking for combat loads as I am just punching paper.
I use 4 grains of Bullseye under a 185 gr. Nosler JHP or Speer TMJ SWC as my dedicated load for 45 bullseye competition.

This load will not work in most stock 45s. My Gold Cup has the lightened slide and a 11 lb recoil spring.

Works well and low recoil/blast.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-19-2021, 11:50 AM
Bob L Bob L is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 2,127
Likes: 1,916
Liked 2,384 Times in 1,066 Posts
Default

I load just like Ivan with 3.5 gr of Bullseye with the Star 185 SWCHP. I am down to my last case of these so I need to find a replacement. Good Luck
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 02-19-2021, 12:07 PM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,298
Likes: 1,850
Liked 6,696 Times in 2,119 Posts
Default

I use 5.0 of 231 with a 200gr cast swc.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 02-19-2021, 12:18 PM
AJ's Avatar
AJ AJ is online now
US Veteran
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: East of Stick Marsh, Fla.
Posts: 9,548
Likes: 5,002
Liked 21,327 Times in 6,436 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by smithra_66 View Post
I use 4 grains of Bullseye under a 185 gr. Nosler JHP or Speer TMJ SWC as my dedicated load for 45 bullseye competition.

This load will not work in most stock 45s. My Gold Cup has the lightened slide and a 11 lb recoil spring.

Works well and low recoil/blast.
A long time ago with a Match Gun that I built from parts, I used 3.0 grains of Bullseye with the 185 grain SWC. No lightened slide, but I did have an 8 pound spring in it. That shot one hole groups for me. I was a lot younger then and could hold'em & squeeze'em!
__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-19-2021, 01:13 PM
gwpercle's Avatar
gwpercle gwpercle is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 6,874
Likes: 7,481
Liked 8,135 Times in 3,678 Posts
Default

45 ACP - 185 gr. cast SWC - pet target load

4.1 grs. Bullseye @ 730 fps

Gary
__________________
Certified Cajun
NRA Member
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-19-2021, 02:12 PM
mikld's Avatar
mikld mikld is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S. Orygun
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 1,963
Liked 1,827 Times in 987 Posts
Default

I have several 45 ACP loads with Bullseye and W231 with various size bullets and "needs". But my "Just in Case" ammo for my 45 ACPs is the classic 5.0 gr. Bullseye under a 230 gr FMJ. Depending on my gun, I get from 840-850 fps to just under 1,000 fps. This load performs quite well in my 3, 45 ACPs and I keep about 1,000-1,200 on hand, Just in Case...
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 02-19-2021, 02:30 PM
BE Mike's Avatar
BE Mike BE Mike is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Indiana
Posts: 3,586
Likes: 2,256
Liked 3,495 Times in 1,485 Posts
Default

My favorite load with the 185 gr. swaged SWCHP is 4.0 grains of Bullseye with a .470" crimp. My favorite 50 yard match load from an accurized 1911 is 4.5 gr. of Bullseye under a Nosler 185 gr. JHP. My favorite plinking load for my Springfield Armory Trophy Match is 4.6 gr. of Bullseye under a 200 gr. Precision coated SWC, with a .470" crimp.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 02-19-2021, 03:12 PM
Rambler42's Avatar
Rambler42 Rambler42 is offline
SWCA Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 257
Likes: 591
Liked 422 Times in 121 Posts
Default

I use 4.8 gr of Bullseye and a 230 gr Berry's plated LRN. Very accurate and doesn't kick too badly out of a 1917.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 02-19-2021, 06:43 PM
imakmst's Avatar
imakmst imakmst is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Northeast TN
Posts: 501
Likes: 1,605
Liked 332 Times in 157 Posts
Default

45 acp 200 lswc 4.0 bullseye
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 02-19-2021, 06:51 PM
Murdock Murdock is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Down East Maine
Posts: 997
Likes: 1,163
Liked 1,791 Times in 473 Posts
Default

200 LSWC 5.0 Bullseye mixed brass WW large primers
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 02-24-2021, 08:05 PM
Mightyheb's Avatar
Mightyheb Mightyheb is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Charlotte NC
Posts: 21
Likes: 27
Liked 12 Times in 9 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AJ View Post
Thinking of doing the same for .45 ACP as I am doing for .38 Special ( Thinking of sticking to one loading........... ). I use a lot of 3.5 grains of Bullseye with a 185 grain SWC. What is your favorite load? Not looking for combat loads as I am just punching paper.
This is a great accuracy load at 25 yards. I used this in bullseye matches. You nailed it. I got this from a bullseye shooter

3.5 grains of Bullseye
OAL of 1.255
crimp .470
185 grain SWC

Last edited by Mightyheb; 02-24-2021 at 08:07 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 02-24-2021, 08:28 PM
AJ's Avatar
AJ AJ is online now
US Veteran
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: East of Stick Marsh, Fla.
Posts: 9,548
Likes: 5,002
Liked 21,327 Times in 6,436 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mightyheb View Post
This is a great accuracy load at 25 yards. I used this in bullseye matches. You nailed it. I got this from a bullseye shooter

3.5 grains of Bullseye
OAL of 1.255
crimp .470
185 grain SWC
Thanks. I just loaded 600 rounds of that particular load.
__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 02-24-2021, 11:00 PM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: for now ,Texas
Posts: 2,741
Likes: 186
Liked 3,300 Times in 1,525 Posts
Default

I have only one 45 acp , a 1911 Sig Saueer , my sweetheart bought for me as a bday present . I shoot only 230 gr bullets and use either 5.0 grs of Bullseye or 4.9 grs of WST . They shoot very accurately so I don't need to fix what isn't broken . Those are my 2 loads . Regards Paul
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 02-24-2021, 11:18 PM
AJ's Avatar
AJ AJ is online now
US Veteran
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: East of Stick Marsh, Fla.
Posts: 9,548
Likes: 5,002
Liked 21,327 Times in 6,436 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cowboy4evr View Post
I have only one 45 acp , a 1911 Sig Saueer , my sweetheart bought for me as a bday present . I shoot only 230 gr bullets and use either 5.0 grs of Bullseye or 4.9 grs of WST . They shoot very accurately so I don't need to fix what isn't broken . Those are my 2 loads . Regards Paul
If it works for you, then go with it.
__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 02-25-2021, 11:02 AM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,802
Likes: 18,549
Liked 22,420 Times in 8,275 Posts
Default

I have used the 200 gr (H&G68) cast lead SWC over 4.3 gr 231 for over 30 years. I originally developed this in my Gold Cup strictly for paper punching and it was the most accurate of many I tried. About 6-7 years ago I decided to re-test this, and shot about a dozen different combinations of loads and the 4.3 gr behind the 200 gr SWC was still the best load (from a Ransom Rest at 25 yards). It is mild, and about 650 to 700 fps.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 02-25-2021, 01:12 PM
AJ's Avatar
AJ AJ is online now
US Veteran
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: East of Stick Marsh, Fla.
Posts: 9,548
Likes: 5,002
Liked 21,327 Times in 6,436 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by H Richard View Post
I have used the 200 gr (H&G68) cast lead SWC over 4.3 gr 231 for over 30 years. I originally developed this in my Gold Cup strictly for paper punching and it was the most accurate of many I tried. About 6-7 years ago I decided to re-test this, and shot about a dozen different combinations of loads and the 4.3 gr behind the 200 gr SWC was still the best load (from a Ransom Rest at 25 yards). It is mild, and about 650 to 700 fps.
According to Quickload the velocity is 679 FPS.
__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 02-25-2021, 01:37 PM
SMSgt's Avatar
SMSgt SMSgt is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,619
Likes: 3,397
Liked 9,287 Times in 3,487 Posts
Default

I load 230-grain MBC LRNs on top of 5.2 grains of HP-38 for my Glock 30. They function fine for range fodder. I tried 200-grain SWCs, but the G30 just won't feed them.

My 4566, on the other hand, would feed and shoot rocks powered by Mattel Stick-on caps. The G30 loads work well in it.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 02-25-2021, 01:52 PM
AJ's Avatar
AJ AJ is online now
US Veteran
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: East of Stick Marsh, Fla.
Posts: 9,548
Likes: 5,002
Liked 21,327 Times in 6,436 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SMSgt View Post
I load 230-grain MBC LRNs on top of 5.2 grains of HP-38 for my Glock 30. They function fine for range fodder. I tried 200-grain SWCs, but the G30 just won't feed them.

My 4566, on the other hand, would feed and shoot rocks powered by Mattel Stick-on caps. The G30 loads work well in it.
IIRC, it is/was Greenie Stick-um Caps. I used them in a Hubley Colt .45, still have the pair my Parents gave me in 1958.
__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 02-25-2021, 01:58 PM
dave1918a2's Avatar
dave1918a2 dave1918a2 is offline
US Veteran
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Black Hills of SD
Posts: 2,797
Likes: 2,181
Liked 4,219 Times in 1,810 Posts
Default

H & G 200 gr SWC with 5.7 WW231. Makes major and I have shot this load since 1976. Very accurate in all My 1911s.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 02-25-2021, 02:06 PM
mikld's Avatar
mikld mikld is offline
Member
Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP Favorite Bullseye/231 load for .45 ACP  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S. Orygun
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 1,963
Liked 1,827 Times in 987 Posts
Default

I have reloaded several thousand 45 ACPs for 3 different guns using the "classic" 45 ACP load; 5.0 gr. of Bullseye under a 230 gr FMJ. My second 45 ACP load is a 200 gr. SWC over 5.9-6.3 gr. of Universal for some very accurate loads. I have also used Dave's W231 load above and it was also a very good load in my 1911s...

Last edited by mikld; 02-25-2021 at 02:09 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply


Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
NRA Bullseye load for 185gr JHP (using Bullseye powder) Lou_NC Reloading 10 08-26-2017 02:37 AM
Bullseye Load Data Please sjs Reloading 25 12-11-2016 10:58 AM
Titegroup or Bullseye for .45 bullseye load? Wayne02 Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting 22 02-03-2013 10:05 PM
9mm bullseye load with 124 JHPs Glennp Reloading 5 05-10-2010 09:46 AM
Bullseye Competition load for 9mm, is there such a beast?? THREEDFLYER Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting 19 04-12-2010 08:20 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:39 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)