.45 ACP cast target loads

[rockquarry]

It seems like I intermittently work on trying to improve my .45 ACP cast target loads. Each venture into this realm often turns into several weeks of load development and shooting. For a long time, my favorite was the SAECO/Redding #069 200 grain SWC, a copy of the H&G #68. I had a real #68 at one time, but the SAECO shot ever so slightly more accurately. I used 3.5 grs. Bullseye for a long time. It's been a popular load for decades. Muzzle velocity is about 675 fps. A very pleasant load to shoot.

I've worked recently with 4.4 grains WST (MV=800) and 4.2 grains Titegroup (MV=770) using the same bullet. Both loads show much promise as to accuracy. Preliminary testing show both will equal or slightly exceed the accuracy of the Bullseye load. Most of my work has been at 25 yards but I began doing some 50 yard work yesterday. Looks like the drawback of the Bullseye load at 50 yards is its lower velocity, but that's a suspicion which will require more work to confirm. I test my loads in two Clark-accurized Gold Cups and a Les Baer.

I guess my biggest pursuit in shooting nowadays is to be able to shoot well at 50 yards with an open-sighted handgun. I have a very long way to go, just hope I live that long.

 

[zeke]

Am partial to 5.0 gns hp-38 under that style bullet, at approximately 800 fps. And If circumstances permit, seating the bullet long enough to headspace on the bullet. While am enjoying the longer ranges , am not getting any better at it (too many drugs)

 

[rockquarry]

Am partial to 5.0 gns hp-38 under that style bullet, at approximately 800 fps. And If circumstances permit, seating the bullet long enough to headspace on the bullet. While am enjoying the longer ranges , am not getting any better at it (too many drugs)

I have a notation in my handloading records showing 5 grs. HP-38/ 231 at 810 fps as not being particularly accurate with the #069 bullet, but that's only for me based on my results. Too many changeable factors to really compare notes, but if it works well for you, that's what's important. We all have such loads.

 

[Lance Boyle]

I like 4.3 of Clays with a MP mold clone #68.

 

[Eddietruett]

3.2gr Bullseye with 230gr
3.7gr Bullseye with 200gr

 

[gwpercle]

Bump your standard 3.5 gr. Bullseye load
up ... to 3.7 grs. Bullseye with that 200 gr. cast SWC bullet ...
and test for accuracy ... at 25 and 50 yards ...
That might do the trick . Hard to outdo Bullseye ...
I've tried for years !
Gary

 

[gym cat]

3.8 gr. of N310 with a 200 gr. SWC coated.

 

[Law-dog]

I have been loading cast for the 45 acp since about 1974. Along the way, I added single action cowboy guns with the 45 acp cylinder which are cheaper than 45 Colt and just as well for targets and cowboy action. About 5 years ago, I added the SW Governor which I can shoot fast and reload using moon clips. I have about 200 rounds in my range box, on moon clips, so I am always good to go for a fun range trip.

Usually shooting at steel gongs at 25 yards they are a hoot. Just like shooting a model 25, but with a short sight radius, it makes for fast shooting and a fun time.

My goal is 800 fps but with the short barrel, anything in the 750 fps range is great. 6.5 grains of Unique and a 200 grain bullet gives 798 fps, good for the range and with JHP, good for carry. These are the same loads I have loaded since 1986 in my Colt Officer's Model with the old flying ashtray bullet. There is no reason to load them much slower than that, none at all.

The Governor is 29.5 ounces, the recoil is mild and not offensive to anyone, no need to load them down.

Load em and shoot em. Simple, safe, and fun.

 

[500hunter]

It seems like I intermittently work on trying to improve my .45 ACP cast target loads. Each venture into this realm often turns into several weeks of load development and shooting. For a long time, my favorite was the SAECO/Redding #069 200 grain SWC, a copy of the H&G #68. I had a real #68 at one time, but the SAECO shot ever so slightly more accurately. I used 3.5 grs. Bullseye for a long time. It's been a popular load for decades. Muzzle velocity is about 675 fps. A very pleasant load to shoot.

I've worked recently with 4.4 grains WST (MV=800) and 4.2 grains Titegroup (MV=770) using the same bullet. Both loads show much promise as to accuracy. Preliminary testing show both will equal or slightly exceed the accuracy of the Bullseye load. Most of my work has been at 25 yards but I began doing some 50 yard work yesterday. Looks like the drawback of the Bullseye load at 50 yards is its lower velocity, but that's a suspicion which will require more work to confirm. I test my loads in two Clark-accurized Gold Cups and a Les Baer.

I guess my biggest pursuit in shooting nowadays is to be able to shoot well at 50 yards with an open-sighted handgun. I have a very long way to go, just hope I live that long.

3.5 gr Bullseye for 185 gr @ 25 yds, 3.8 of Bullseye for 200 gr at 50 yds.

 

[rockquarry]

3.5 gr Bullseye for 185 gr @ 25 yds, 3.8 of Bullseye for 200 gr at 50 yds.

Thanks for the loads, but I prefer to use the same load and same bullet for both distances, at least for now. I have no doubt what you suggested is in the spirit of fine tuning a load for a specific distance, but I don't shoot well enough to appreciate the difference.

 

[Mongo Safari]

Watching. I want to develop a cast 185 gr SWC load for my S&W 625, 45 ACP.
Target shooting to 50 yards, non-competition, just my amusement.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I figure if you can put it on paper at 50 yards off hand. Self defense at closer range is a done deal.

 

[Mongo Safari]

I figure if you can put it on paper at 50 yards off hand. Self defense at closer range is a done deal.

Sure, I used to shoot PPC 1500 Police matches, in the expert class. About 30 years as a FLETC trained Firearms Instructor. I'm getting older, retired, but still shoot 2-3 times a week.

 

[rockquarry]

I figure if you can put it on paper at 50 yards off hand. Self defense at closer range is a done deal.

Yes, not only greatly improves shooting skills but makes shooting up close much easier.

 

[cowboy94916]

I have used WW 231 for 40+ years, 5.6 231 230 gr RN cast lead, 5.8 grs 231 for 200 LSWC,. also use the 5.8 231 for 185 JHP. Round nose for 625 and 200 swc for 1911.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

It's reassuring to hear the "old standards", WIN 231, Bullseye & UNIQUE all seem to still work as designed...!

Cheers!

 

[muzzlestuffer2012]

It seems like I intermittently work on trying to improve my .45 ACP cast target loads. Each venture into this realm often turns into several weeks of load development and shooting. For a long time, my favorite was the SAECO/Redding #069 200 grain SWC, a copy of the H&G #68. I had a real #68 at one time, but the SAECO shot ever so slightly more accurately. I used 3.5 grs. Bullseye for a long time. It's been a popular load for decades. Muzzle velocity is about 675 fps. A very pleasant load to shoot.

I've worked recently with 4.4 grains WST (MV=800) and 4.2 grains Titegroup (MV=770) using the same bullet. Both loads show much promise as to accuracy. Preliminary testing show both will equal or slightly exceed the accuracy of the Bullseye load. Most of my work has been at 25 yards but I began doing some 50 yard work yesterday. Looks like the drawback of the Bullseye load at 50 yards is its lower velocity, but that's a suspicion which will require more work to confirm. I test my loads in two Clark-accurized Gold Cups and a Les Baer.

I guess my biggest pursuit in shooting nowadays is to be able to shoot well at 50 yards with an open-sighted handgun. I have a very long way to go, just hope I live that long.

Are you shooting bullseye or just whatever? N310 is much cleaner than BE I switched to N310 for competition 4.6 grains under a 200 Chey-Cast coated SWC they make great bullets the weights and diameters are extremely accurate. It's a little spicy but with a Clark heavy longslide it's not too bad. If I want to wimp out I'll shoot 4.0 at 25 yards. Iv'e been doing a lot of ransom rest testing lately noticing when you have an excellent gun most loads shoot well.

 

[rockquarry]

Are you shooting bullseye or just whatever? N310 is much cleaner than BE I switched to N310 for competition 4.6 grains under a 200 Chey-Cast coated SWC they make great bullets the weights and diameters are extremely accurate. It's a little spicy but with a Clark heavy longslide it's not too bad. If I want to wimp out I'll shoot 4.0 at 25 yards. Iv'e been doing a lot of ransom rest testing lately noticing when you have an excellent gun most loads shoot well.

I stated in my post the powders I'm using. Yes, Bullseye is one of them.

 

[muzzlestuffer2012]

I stated in my post the powders I'm using. Yes, Bullseye is one of them.

I meant the type of shooting not what powder.

 

[Chuckt52]

3.8 gr. of N310 with a 200 gr. SWC coated.

Is this load for 25 yds?