Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-10-2009, 12:23 PM
Smith357's Avatar
Smith357 Smith357 is offline
Moderator
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 931
Liked 3,590 Times in 816 Posts
Default .45 acp Pet Loads

I'm about to start loading .45 acp after a few year hiatus and was wondering what were some of your favorite powder and bullet combos before I begin. The loads will be fired in wheelguns so SWC loads are just fine.
__________________
Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-10-2009, 12:50 PM
Jim Kalsem's Avatar
Jim Kalsem Jim Kalsem is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 150
Likes: 39
Liked 52 Times in 31 Posts
Default 45 acp

I love and shoot the 45 ACP allot. I have found I like the light "target" loads. I use the 230 gr. LRN on top of 4.3 grains of bullseye. This is the load I use in my Gold Cup Colts as well. It works good for me and my guns, accurate and clean. Have fun.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 07-10-2009, 12:53 PM
max's Avatar
max max is online now
US Veteran
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default

My standard is a 200 gr cast swc and 5.0 of 231.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 07-10-2009, 12:59 PM
epj's Avatar
epj epj is offline
US Veteran
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 227
Liked 2,397 Times in 1,081 Posts
Default

I load a 200 gr. cast SWC, similar to the "H&G" design over 3.8 gr of Clays. I have used other powders with this same bullet, which is sort of the "gold standard" with .45 ACP reloaders. None burn as clean or are as soft recoiling as the Clays. Some otheres do give more velocity however.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-10-2009, 01:25 PM
johngalt's Avatar
johngalt johngalt is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: St. Paul (smokey!) MN
Posts: 5,335
Likes: 1,443
Liked 6,647 Times in 2,564 Posts
Default

I have a few favorites I've settled on for bullseye:

185 gr LSWC + 3.9 Bullseye (this one was given to me by a local bullseye expert and camp perry shooter after testing lots of loads in a ransom rest).

I've also experimented with 230 gr hardball loads and like these (all are 230 gr Hornady FMJ, 1.26 AOL)

6.3 gr Unique
6.2 gr Universal
5.6 gr W231
5.0 gr Bullseye

I've discovered with FMJ, the best accuracy is close to full power loads, not the typical light target load.
__________________
Common sense isn't so common.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-10-2009, 02:08 PM
josephthreedogs's Avatar
josephthreedogs josephthreedogs is offline
US Veteran
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: las vegas, nevada
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

230G fmj
Fed. LP primer
4.1 grains of tite-group
Federal cases
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-10-2009, 03:33 PM
sjmjax's Avatar
sjmjax sjmjax is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 676
Likes: 54
Liked 360 Times in 114 Posts
Default

My favorites are similar to what others have already posted.

For general target practice and pleasant shooting:
200 grain LSWC w/alox treatment over 5.0 grains 231

For something a bit closer to factory performance and still very accurate:
230 grain LRN w/alox treatment or FMJ over 5.6 grains 231


I've found that it is worth the effort to treat commerical cast or swaged lead with a secondary coating of Alox. It has greatly reduced or in some cases eliminated leading issues in guns and loads otherwise prone to leading. However, it does smoke a bit!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 07-10-2009, 03:47 PM
pinkymingeo pinkymingeo is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Florida
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
Liked 42 Times in 23 Posts
Default

My personal defense load is 10.7 AA7 under a 200lswc. This is way under max, but gives me from 900fps in my 2" 625-10 to well over 1000 in the 5" 625-2 with low recoil and noise. For the field I use a 255lrnfp over 12.0 AA9 for 930fps in the 5" gun. This is a max published load but you can go much farther if there's something on your agenda that a 255 at 940 won't kill. Please share the photos of whatever it is.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 07-10-2009, 04:43 PM
mkk41 mkk41 is offline
Banned
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: South East , PA . USA
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 485
Liked 1,610 Times in 884 Posts
Default

W-231 has become a favorite in many auto-pistol rounds. I use 5.5grs with a commercial 200gr hard-cast SWC in my autos. I've run a few 'clips' thru my Colt and S&W 1917s with pretty good results.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 07-10-2009, 05:17 PM
8th SPS USAF 8th SPS USAF is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: NW Indiana
Posts: 525
Likes: 1
Liked 36 Times in 16 Posts
Default 45 acp pet loads

4.5 TG 185/200 LSWC SW MP 45 FS 11 yds 6 shot one hole group off hand

5/5.5 W 231 185/200 LSWC SW MP 45 FS

I have more 231 than TG now.

Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 07-10-2009, 05:35 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
Banned
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hoosier Land!
Posts: 4,379
Likes: 587
Liked 576 Times in 307 Posts
Cool Here we go again!

Quote:
Originally Posted by pinkymingeo View Post
if there's something on your agenda that a 255 at 940 won't kill. Please share the photos of whatever it is.
...I have some favorite loads for this caliber. The one that pinky mentioned with AA#9 is a favorite. My H&G #502 cast from wheel weights weighs right in there at 250gr and I have had it moving up to 1100fps out of a 4" tube. Let me tell you, that will rock your world for you! It is a published load, so don't anyone get put out by it! ....Here is a picture of some of them:....That being said, there are a few loads I would like to share with you that I personally like to shoot from both a 1911 and my M625JM.Indoor target: 4.7gr Bullseye or 5.2gr AA#2 under a 230gr plated bullet, either Berry's or Ranier's. This will get you right at 780fps out of a 5" auto or a 4" revolver. I also cast a bunch H&G #68, 200gr bullets along with a Lee copy of the same. Both shoot very well and are exceptionally accurate. Again, for target type of shooting or plinking, 4.0gr to 4.5gr Bullseye or 5.0gr of AA#2. Exceptionally accurate.I have used some loads for the 45AR in my 45ACP cases only with bullets that won't begin to chamber in the 1911. Let me show you a few of the bullets I like to load. One thing is for sure, the one on the right is a thumper @ 270gr! ......p.s. Paul, I do need some more of them! If you want, I'll take about 100 without the lube! Or I could babysit your mold for you for a while! ..

Last edited by Skip Sackett; 07-10-2009 at 05:39 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 07-10-2009, 06:37 PM
Littledragon777 Littledragon777 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Lightbulb

230 gr. Win. FMJ
4.4 gr. Titegroup
CCI primers

Very accurate in my PC945.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 07-11-2009, 01:19 PM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Default

I can't understand why guys still like Bullseye. I know, been around for centuries (seems like), but there are cleaner more accurate powders today. TG is another powder I just do not understand. Yes it uses a tiny amount, but you can barely see a powder charge in the not that big 45acp case. W231/HP38 is a good choice for target to std. vel. loads. I prefer WST instead. Clean burning, twice the loft as TG for the same wt. charge & the best accuracy & have ever seen in the 45acp w/ lead or jacketed bullets.
4.8gr under a 200grLSWC
4.6gr under a 230grLRN
4.7gr under a 230grFMJ
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Last edited by fredj338; 06-19-2016 at 09:08 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 07-11-2009, 01:30 PM
Smith357's Avatar
Smith357 Smith357 is offline
Moderator
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 931
Liked 3,590 Times in 816 Posts
Default

This is good stuff, I would like to thank you all for the help. I have a few of the powders listed so I can make up a few loads without having to buy any more supplies. I have plenty of Clays and Bullseye on hand and a few thousand 200 and 230 grain bullets. Win 231 seems popular, if I don't like either of the ones i make up I'll go get some 231 and give that a try.


Thanks again and keep those pet loads coming.
__________________
Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 07-11-2009, 02:55 PM
Gun 4 Fun Gun 4 Fun is offline
SWCA Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 6,027
Likes: 1,061
Liked 774 Times in 375 Posts
Default

If you want a +P load to try, I have been using 7.5 grains of Unique under a 200 gr. H&G SWC with a standard primer for about 22 or 23 years. I got it from a published source at the time, and I've never had a single problem in several different 1911's or in my S&W 4506's or 25-2. It will generally give between 1,000 and 1050 FPS from a 5" 1911 barrel. I have never strayed from it because it has been so accurate in every gun I have tried it in, usually cutting one ragged hole at 50-75 feet if you do your part.

I also have a source with an article from John Taffin with the same load data in it.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 07-11-2009, 03:09 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
Banned
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hoosier Land!
Posts: 4,379
Likes: 587
Liked 576 Times in 307 Posts
Cool Say WHAT?

Quote:
Originally Posted by fredj338 View Post
I can't understand why guys still ike Bullseye. I know, been around for centuries (seems like), but there are cleaner more accurate powders today.
You know, I wonder what people smoke for breakfast. People use Bullseye for one reason and one reason only, IT WORKS! Seeing that the gooberment hasn't gotten into regulation of the powder market yet, the free market is still alive and well in that area.It's been around for such a long time because the people you don't understand buy it! DUH!As for more accurate powders, no, not for what it is designed to do. I agree that WST is a cleaner powder, hands down. It can be used in a ton of rounds too. It doesn't meter as well as Bullseye in small quantities and that is the reason I don't use it. I have, but choose not to.Most of my target loads today use Bullseye by choice, because I have tried others. It is the best for the loads I use it for. If you are one of those "Chevy's are better than Ford guys" and that is the reason you use any powder, you need help.To help you "understand" one of us Bullseye users just a little better. Like I said earlier, I use it because it works, period.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 07-11-2009, 05:03 PM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Wink

Quote:
Originally Posted by smith crazy View Post
You know, I wonder what people smoke for breakfast. People use Bullseye for one reason and one reason only, IT WORKS! Seeing that the gooberment hasn't gotten into regulation of the powder market yet, the free market is still alive and well in that area.It's been around for such a long time because the people you don't understand buy it! DUH!As for more accurate powders, no, not for what it is designed to do. I agree that WST is a cleaner powder, hands down. It can be used in a ton of rounds too. It doesn't meter as well as Bullseye in small quantities and that is the reason I don't use it. I have, but choose not to.Most of my target loads today use Bullseye by choice, because I have tried others. It is the best for the loads I use it for. If you are one of those "Chevy's are better than Ford guys" and that is the reason you use any powder, you need help.To help you "understand" one of us Bullseye users just a little better. Like I said earlier, I use it because it works, period.
Oooh, sound slike I struck a nerve. No really, there are other powders that work a bit better. I seldom shoot mousefart loads, so WST meters 100% in my Dillon as low as 3.0gr. Other powders come to mind like Solo, AA#2, etc. I think many reloaders that started w/ BE stay w/ it w/o trying anything new. "It was good enough for grandpa, it's good enough for me". I tried BE 20yrs ago & figured there had to be a better powder for my 45acp & I did eventually find it. I would even switch again. I have little brand loyalty. I'll admit to being old school, I still like Unique in many carts, but even there, WSF meters better, burns cleaner & gives sim. accuracy. COme on man, it's time to move into the 21st century.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Last edited by fredj338; 06-19-2016 at 09:10 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 07-11-2009, 05:18 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
Banned
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hoosier Land!
Posts: 4,379
Likes: 587
Liked 576 Times in 307 Posts
Question Generalizations drive me crazy..................

Quote:
Originally Posted by fredj338 View Post
Oooh, sound slike I struck a nerve.
No really, there are other powders that work a bit better. COme on man, it's time to move into the 21st century.
Well, you did strike a nerve just like any generalization does. If I had said that all WST users were ignorant, you would have taken offense too.Just like other generalizations, they fall a bit short. Since I am the first reloader in my family in any generations that I know of, there isn't any "tradition" going on here.I started off with it and have used it for many, many years. I have suggested that others use it too when they started reloading for punching holes in paper. As for the 21st century thing, I'm not aware of any powder that is better than Bullseye that has come onto the market since the year 2000. So, all of us, kinda, are still in the 20th century, it would seem!

Last edited by Skip Sackett; 07-11-2009 at 05:23 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 07-11-2009, 09:05 PM
johngalt's Avatar
johngalt johngalt is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: St. Paul (smokey!) MN
Posts: 5,335
Likes: 1,443
Liked 6,647 Times in 2,564 Posts
Default

I use bullseye because the local bullseye shooters here have tested many loads in a ransom rest, and they say bullseye is still the best. When it comes to accuracy, a bullseye shooter knows what he is talking about.
__________________
Common sense isn't so common.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 07-11-2009, 09:23 PM
imashooter2's Avatar
imashooter2 imashooter2 is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: PA
Posts: 1,215
Likes: 144
Liked 445 Times in 188 Posts
Default

A 200 grain H&G 68 clone over 4.2 grains of WST is a sweet shooting softball load. About 720 fps in a full size.

A 228 grain LRN over 4.2 grains of Bullseye makes major for me at 750 fps and is my USPSA load.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 07-11-2009, 10:03 PM
Emerson's Avatar
Emerson Emerson is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: KCMO
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Right now I'm shooting 5.0 gr of Titegroup with a 200gr SWC in my 1911. If you want a little lighter recoil go down to 4.5 gr but its not as clean with the lighter load.

If I could find some Bullseye I'd be shooting that, but I can't find any.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 07-11-2009, 10:24 PM
dennis40x dennis40x is offline
Banned
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times in 10 Posts
Default

I never asked the Marine Corps what powder was used in the ammunition issued. Qualified with what they gave me. Bullseye is a good powder certainly has its advocates. My preferences are Unique and W231. That changed recently when inadvertently W231 was dumped into a container of Unique. The mixture ended up as fertilizer in the garden. Now I use exclusively W231. It’s simpler that way. Other powders maybe wonderful also but I’ve never tried them. I have this comfort level with W231 its effective in the 45ACP and the 9mm Luger. With forty plus years of shooting the 1911 I have my opinions which may or may not be valid. There is a triad shooter, firearm, and ammunition. No matter how good the ammunition is if the shooter or firearm isn’t up to the task you may get by at the 25yd line but at the 50yd line you’ll fall flat on your face. Some of us spend too much time in details which results a paralysis of analysis. With in reason there are various powders that maybe employed that are acceptable for accuracy. Find a powder that meets your requirements. Don’t worry about what the other person is doing or using their not going to shoot for you. You’re going to shoot for yourself. Use what works best for you. That’s not to say you can’t learn from others but at some point you got to stand up and shoot.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #23  
Old 07-12-2009, 08:38 PM
David Sinko David Sinko is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,089
Likes: 0
Liked 376 Times in 217 Posts
Default

I have found that 231 is an excellent powder with 255 gr. bullets, but I use these only in my 625s. Very accurate with the cast SWC, and very clean burning too. But reduced loads with 231 are not worth a damn.

I like the faster Vihta Vuori powders for the more serious applications. They produce very little muzzle flash and even N320 will push 230 gr. jacketed bullets beyond 900 FPS in both the 3" 625 and the Glock 21 with factory barrel.

And of course the old standby for USPSA competition at Major Power Factor is Hodgdon Clays with the 230 gr. bullets. You can't go wrong starting with 4.0 grs. for either cast, jacketed or plated bullets, and then adjust accordingly after a session with the chronograph.

Dave Sinko
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 07-12-2009, 10:10 PM
jp zanoya jp zanoya is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The Cheese Belt
Posts: 77
Likes: 8
Liked 16 Times in 6 Posts
Default

I couldn't tell you how many thousands of rounds I've fired using HG 68 200gr cast bullets. For over 20 years I used 231 exclusively (5 grains for practice, 5.8gr for competition).
Lately I have been experimenting with Titegroup and American Select with good results.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 07-13-2009, 06:08 AM
Noah Zark's Avatar
Noah Zark Noah Zark is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: PA
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
Liked 60 Times in 21 Posts
Default

5.2 gr of W231 under a 230 gr plated FMJ, either Rainier or Berrys

OR:

5.6 gr of Unique under the same bullet.

Noah
__________________
Nicht mehr als 30 Zeichen
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 06-19-2016, 10:52 AM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is online now
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: for now ,Texas
Posts: 2,739
Likes: 185
Liked 3,297 Times in 1,523 Posts
Default

We know that there are many many great powders and load combo's the the 45acp, as you have just witnessed from above . You could probably take the first 35 powders on any burn rate chart and given a little time time find enough reloaders that would recommend all of them .
I have had much success with the old std military load (so I've been told )of 5 grs. of Bullseye under a 230 gr fmg. I would like to include 2 of my favorites now . 6 grs. of IMR 7625 is fantastic . Though the powder has been discontinued by Hodgdons it is still sitting on shelves at some stores.
I also have found great favor with Ramshot True Blue . I don't at this moment remember the exact load other than it was the max listed , seems like 7.2 grs. if memory serves me right . All the above combos were with a 230 gr either lead or fmj. The latter two powders, Ramshot True Blue and IMR 7625 are my most used . I use a S&W M&P or a Sig 1911.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #27  
Old 06-19-2016, 12:30 PM
johnnyflake's Avatar
johnnyflake johnnyflake is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Henderson, Nevada
Posts: 483
Likes: 325
Liked 560 Times in 220 Posts
Default

I only use 230gn Barry's Copper Plated FMJ bullets for my reloads.
4.6gn - Tite-Group
5.5gn - W231
5.0gn - Bullseye

The most accurate in my guns is the 4.6gn of Tite-Group. The 5.5gn of W231 is right there as well. I have plenty of Tite-Group and Bullseye, but very little W231 and I cannot find any!
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 06-19-2016, 03:13 PM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

I'm fairly sure the OP figured out what to load long ago since this thread is 7 years old... Talk about bringing back a thread from the Abyss!
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #29  
Old 06-19-2016, 05:38 PM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is online now
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: for now ,Texas
Posts: 2,739
Likes: 185
Liked 3,297 Times in 1,523 Posts
Default

Sometimes we have new people to reloading that read a post , no matter how old it is for the information and help they can gather . I don't feel the forums is just for or about " one person asking a question ' . I feel the subject is what is most important , not the age .
If you look at my forum signature , I am " all that " . I never worked by the clock or the sun . Time means nothing to those of us that have truly worked cattle for as many years as I did for a living .
If you find my late postings an irritation to you then simply pass them over . To those that enjoy new postings and updates and share your finds as well and feel the same as I , then thanks for the support . Cowboy4evr
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 06-19-2016, 09:13 PM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Skip Sackett View Post
Well, you did strike a nerve just like any generalization does. If I had said that all WST users were ignorant, you would have taken offense too.Just like other generalizations, they fall a bit short. Since I am the first reloader in my family in any generations that I know of, there isn't any "tradition" going on here.I started off with it and have used it for many, many years. I have suggested that others use it too when they started reloading for punching holes in paper. As for the 21st century thing, I'm not aware of any powder that is better than Bullseye that has come onto the market since the year 2000. So, all of us, kinda, are still in the 20th century, it would seem!
I merely asked the question, inferred nothing. I tried BE 35 some years ago. Sure, found it accurate, but filthy to shoot, so I moved on. Glad you are still happy with it, guys like TG too, just not me. So many good choices today, hard to go wrong.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Last edited by fredj338; 06-19-2016 at 09:17 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 06-19-2016, 09:40 PM
medic15al's Avatar
medic15al medic15al is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Pell City, AL
Posts: 882
Likes: 3,865
Liked 752 Times in 316 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by fredj338 View Post
I can't understand why guys still like Bullseye. I know, been around for centuries (seems like), but there are cleaner more accurate powders today. TG is another powder I just do not understand. Yes it uses a tiny amount, but you can barely see a powder charge in the not that big 45acp case. W231/HP38 is a good choice for target to std. vel. loads. I prefer WST instead. Clean burning, twice the loft as TG for the same wt. charge & the best accuracy & have ever seen in the 45acp w/ lead or jacketed bullets.
4.8gr under a 200grLSWC
4.6gr under a 230grLRN
4.7gr under a 230grFMJ
Because in my guns (.45 LW Commander and .38 4in M-15) I cannot get the tight grouping with Clays, WST, or TiteGroup. Bullseye is more consistent and gives me better accuracy than the others with my bullet choices in 148 HBWC and 200 grn SWC.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 06-19-2016, 09:48 PM
medic15al's Avatar
medic15al medic15al is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Pell City, AL
Posts: 882
Likes: 3,865
Liked 752 Times in 316 Posts
Default

My pet loads are in .45 ACP: 4.6 grains of Bullseye under a 200 grn SWC. one hole groups from my 80's era LWT Enhanced Commander

In .38 spl, I have two. For the 148 grn HBWC it is 2.7 grn Bullseye

And the 158grn LSWC 3.2 grns Bullseye.
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 06-20-2016, 12:31 AM
LostintheOzone's Avatar
LostintheOzone LostintheOzone is offline
US Veteran
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: WA.
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 4,490
Liked 4,461 Times in 2,182 Posts
Default

I tried Bullseye. Great powder, just a might too dirty for me. I didn't see it mentioned here so I'll post it up.

230 grn Berry's or Acme Hi Tec coated.
5.0 grains of American Select.
CCI LPP.

Bullseye is still very hard to find. Actually there are about 8 or 10 powders that will work just fine. I had an 8 lb. jug of American Select and someone here posted that Jerry Miculec used it for his 45 ACP loads so I tried it. Works great.
__________________
That's just somebody talkin.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 06-20-2016, 01:43 AM
Calliope Calliope is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: On the Mississippi.
Posts: 380
Likes: 117
Liked 157 Times in 94 Posts
Default

4.2 Bullseye under a Blue Bullets 200 grain coated SWC @ 1.250" is my current pet and is pretty clean in my book.

Clays and N310 are slightly cleaner, but Bullseye is more plentiful, so it gets used more.

Last edited by Calliope; 06-20-2016 at 01:46 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 06-20-2016, 12:52 PM
Groo01's Avatar
Groo01 Groo01 is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: central ohio
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 949
Liked 826 Times in 488 Posts
Default

Groo here
5gr Bullseye ............
With 230gr jackets, WW2 mill spec load.
With 200gr jackets , JMB original speed 45acp load.
With 180gr target loads. [my go to load with most weights.]
In an S&W 25/325/625 revolver you can go lighter, or heaver with no feed or functions issues.
[Groo like]
As the S&W will shoot 45 super and has been converted to 460 roland
I don't worry about heavy 45acp or 45 +p loadings...

Last edited by Groo01; 06-21-2016 at 05:14 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #36  
Old 06-20-2016, 01:54 PM
Wise_A Wise_A is offline
Banned
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 2,661
Liked 4,324 Times in 1,793 Posts
Default

Bullseye is still regarded as one of the most accurate fast powders available by the competitive precision pistol crowd. Titegroup, Clays, and HP-38/WW-231 are all pretty close in popularity for the .45 ACP. Which one you use usually comes down to which one you can get locally.

Some people just don't care how dirty or clean a powder is.

I like 4.0 gr of BE under a 230 LRN. Or 4.3-4.5 for the Berry's HBRN (not that I'd bother with that bullet again--good, but nothing special). Unlike 700-X, it cycles everything at light loads, and meters much better.
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 06-20-2016, 02:48 PM
old&slow old&slow is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: central, Ohio
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 1,038
Liked 1,305 Times in 542 Posts
Default

FWIW,
A 200 gr. H&G 68 with Bullseye at one time was my main load when the USPSA major power factor was 175,000.

Then I switched to a 230 gr. with Hodgdon Trap 100. Made major ,, took off bowling pins better and had less felt recoil.
( they quit making Trap100 )

My favorite 45acp powders now are: W231 ,, Bullseye,, or HS-6

I don't care for the way Unique meters. Don't like Titegroup. WSF was OK but I prefer the others.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 06-20-2016, 06:25 PM
The Norseman's Avatar
The Norseman The Norseman is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Black Hills South Dakota
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 9,011
Liked 2,968 Times in 1,124 Posts
Default 45 ACP pet load

My favorite right now.


45ACP 230gr RN .452dia Berry's / 5.3grs Alliant Unique
CCI Large Pistol primer #300 / FPS 850? / Lee taper crimp
.468 mic'ed.

Very accurate out of my circa 2008 Ruger 191145 ACP
5" barrel slide pistol with 18 pound recoil spring and
Houge Black Rubber grips.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 06-20-2016, 06:40 PM
Vortec MAX Vortec MAX is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 447
Likes: 94
Liked 254 Times in 140 Posts
Default

5.1 gr Bullseye under a 230 GR plated RN ignited by a CCI 300 primer. I have shot thousands of those at bullseye targets and steel targets. That is still my favorite load, even after trying all the newfangled powders that are available.

Mike
__________________
NRA Certified Pistol Inst.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #40  
Old 06-20-2016, 06:48 PM
chaparrito chaparrito is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: 5 generations in N. AZ
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 1,942
Liked 3,434 Times in 1,364 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Kalsem View Post
I love and shoot the 45 ACP allot. I have found I like the light "target" loads. I use the 230 gr. LRN on top of 4.3 grains of bullseye. This is the load I use in my Gold Cup Colts as well. It works good for me and my guns, accurate and clean. Have fun.
Ditto. I've even ticked it down to 4.1gn and it's just as accurate out of my billboard 1911 for targets up to 25 yds. I use 230gn LSWCs.
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 06-20-2016, 06:56 PM
Squarebutt Squarebutt is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: MA
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 2,379
Liked 1,945 Times in 854 Posts
Default

IMR 700X has worked well for me in a number of .45 reloads. The burning rate is similar to Bullseye. There's plenty of data in the manuals and on the websites of the manufacturers.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 06-20-2016, 08:42 PM
Snoopz Snoopz is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 31
Likes: 6
Liked 19 Times in 12 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD View Post
I'm fairly sure the OP figured out what to load long ago since this thread is 7 years old... Talk about bringing back a thread from the Abyss!
I hope so...

The old stand by like others 231, almost the same charges, BE and once again almost the same charges.. H&G 68 mold, or MiHec brass molds, H&G clone, with all the pins..

-Snoopz
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 06-20-2016, 09:24 PM
plattincreek plattincreek is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Just south of St. Louis,
Posts: 55
Likes: 58
Liked 39 Times in 19 Posts
Default

5.0 grains of Bulls Eye with a cast 230 grain LRN has worked for me for years in both my Colt Government Model and New Service Revolver. I've tried other powders but settled on Bulls Eye because my guns like it and works.
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 06-21-2016, 12:29 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cowboy4evr View Post
Sometimes we have new people to reloading that read a post , no matter how old it is for the information and help they can gather . I don't feel the forums is just for or about " one person asking a question ' . I feel the subject is what is most important , not the age .
If you look at my forum signature , I am " all that " . I never worked by the clock or the sun . Time means nothing to those of us that have truly worked cattle for as many years as I did for a living .
If you find my late postings an irritation to you then simply pass them over . To those that enjoy new postings and updates and share your finds as well and feel the same as I , then thanks for the support . Cowboy4evr
You can chastise me if you want but I was not irritated by your post. Over the last 7 years there have been many new powders released and a few have been discontinued too. New bullets come along and we now have commercial casters producing coated bullets that were not common 7 years ago. If someone comes along and doesn't realize this thread is so old they may get inaccurate information. IMO it would be better to start a new thread and get current information instead of possibility outdated information. My favorite load from 7 years ago us not my current favorite.

Telling me to pass over your post won't fix any if that.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 06-21-2016, 01:20 AM
Wise_A Wise_A is offline
Banned
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 2,661
Liked 4,324 Times in 1,793 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by old&slow View Post
I don't care for the way Unique meters. Don't like Titegroup. WSF was OK but I prefer the others.
I didn't like Unique either, until I started dumping it into .44 Magnum cases. It meters much better at those huge volumes, and the starting-to-maximum velocities are nice and tight (I hate powders where a couple tenths of a grain translates to nearly 100 fps variations).
Reply With Quote
  #46  
Old 06-21-2016, 01:40 PM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

According to Alliant they fixed the poor metering of Unique and the excessive flash of Power Pistol. The fix is called BE86. I have not tried it yet but I think it might be the perfect 9mm powder, time will tell. (maybe the .38 Special +P too)
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 06-21-2016, 02:51 PM
jimbo728's Avatar
jimbo728 jimbo728 is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 8,671
Liked 3,497 Times in 1,342 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Noah Zark View Post
5.2 gr of W231 under a 230 gr plated FMJ, either Rainier or Berrys

OR:

5.6 gr of Unique under the same bullet.

Noah
5.2 of 231 is my go to load. I use a 230gr hardcast RN though. Very accurate and also economical.
Jim
Reply With Quote
  #48  
Old 06-21-2016, 02:53 PM
jimbo728's Avatar
jimbo728 jimbo728 is offline
Member
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 8,671
Liked 3,497 Times in 1,342 Posts
Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD View Post
I'm fairly sure the OP figured out what to load long ago since this thread is 7 years old... Talk about bringing back a thread from the Abyss!
What is the statute of limitations on .45 load threads?
Jim
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #49  
Old 06-21-2016, 07:51 PM
joeintexas's Avatar
joeintexas joeintexas is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Pensacola, Fl
Posts: 4,388
Likes: 9,733
Liked 7,187 Times in 2,603 Posts
Default

I've found several combinations of powder and bullet shape work well, my favorite is still 230 gr. round nose with 5.0 gr. Bullseye.
I am currently trying to get some 200 gr. swc to work in a couple of 1911s but they don't like every 9th or 10th round, you won't have that problem with the revolvers. My guess is you will find a good load/bullet combination.
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 06-22-2016, 05:11 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
.45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads .45 acp Pet Loads  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbo728 View Post
What is the statute of limitations on .45 load threads?
Jim
Read my post #44 before you try to make me look bad.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
1911, 4506, 45acp, 940, bullseye, chronograph, colt, commercial, glock, hornady, model 625, primer

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Are todays .38 +P loads closer to .357 loads? photoman Ammo 34 07-05-2016 11:07 PM
Recommendations? Easy 44 Special loads and Quality 22 LR loads dacoontz Ammo 19 05-30-2015 07:13 PM
645 loads power167 Reloading 0 01-06-2013 08:27 PM
300 loads CWH44300 Reloading 1 07-20-2010 01:42 AM
460 loads...440-460gr loads marine247 Reloading 1 01-15-2009 10:27 AM

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 11:28 AM.


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