Can I use the same load for 45 autorim that I use for 45 acp (5.4 grains W231 with 230 FMJ bullet)? Thanks for your help.

Unless there's a structural issue with the brass - no problem at all.

Brick,
It would help to know what you are going to be firing these out of.

There are some of the older M1917's that I may not want to shoot full powered stuff out of. That's just me though!

As for the pretense of your question, yes, for the most part, you can load 45AR at the exact same level as the standard 45ACP.

All of that being said, with the right firearm, you can get to the bottom of 45Colt Ruger Only type of loads too. That is a topic for another thread though, I am afraid!

The 1917 was designed for .45 ACP ball pressures, but that original load may not be what we get in factory cartridges today. The 1917 had the same metallurgy as the triple lock, but too much pressure probably isn't a good idea.

That isn't quite right Paul.


The Triple Lock for most of its production run ( 1907-1915) was not heat treated at all, but by about 1914 as S&W was starting to develope its heat treating process, the last two or so years of the TL had at least some heat treatment to them, and by the time the 1917 came out they had noticably improved their heat treating to the point that the N frame was safe with original spec hardball as you pointed out.

So . . . the question for "Brick' to answer is whether he plans on using the autorim in a modern revolver or a vintage one!

I shoot both a 1911a1 and a 1917. I have shot the stated load in both with no problem.

This may be a little off point but where can I get some 45 auto rim brass? Every place I look it's out of stock. Found some remington but from what I have read it is not that good, maybe just a couple reloadings. I shoot a SW 625 and use moon clips but I would like to try some auto rim as moon clips are a pain some times.
thanks

Home - Kempf Gun Shop

Called and they are out too. Rare, very rare. Middle of next week though. They usually have Star Line in stock. You can order directly from Star Line if memory serves me correctly.

'Course, there are a lot of times it doesn't!

Well, it's workin' just fine today Skip,

Unfortunately, they are on back order right now.

Starline Brass - Maker of America's Finest Handgun Brass

Starline is back ordered until 3/31/11 according to their website and only Starline and Remington offer brass for the autorim.

Yea that is what I am finding out. You would think someone esle would get in the game if they are back ordered for three months. Is what I hear about remington correct? lots of split cases after a few reloadings?

Check out Top Brass. I've found their 45AR brass to be every bit as good as Starline. I've really never heard anything good about Remington AR brass.

I checked Top Brass and did not find any 45 auto rim there? did I miss something?

The Remington .45 AR brass is just fine. I've reloaded them many, many, times for my 625. I don't know why or how this anti-Remington myth began, but, IMHO, it's just flat incorrect.

Ditto here also ,, I have both Rem and Starline brass and I feel the Starline might be a bit thicker I have had no problems with either one.

I don't shoot 45 A.R. from a S&W but I do from a Colt New Service and I find that I need to down load the A.R. ammunition slightly because the head spacing is slightly closer for the A.R. cases than with A.C.P. cases and clips. I'm still experimenting to find a solution. If you look in most load data manuals you will find that A.R. recommended data is slightly lower charges, all other factors being the same.