185gr JHP in 45ACP-1000fps impossible

[Charlie 1]

Went to the range about a week ago and over a chronograph shot 5 rounds of 185gr JHP in 45 ACP seated 1.175 COAL under 4.6grs Bullseye powder lit by Federal Match primer resulted in 763fps. I was optimistic so I loaded 5 rounds each at 4.8grs, 5.0grs and 5.2 grs then went yesterday again and over a chronograph the results were disappointing. 4.8grs=786fps, 5.0grs=800fps and 5.2grs=816. Heck it would seem in order to get anywhere near 950-1000fps I'd have to be running around 7grs of bullseye and IMO that would be unsafe.

Question: Is bullseye not a wise choice for pushing higher velocities or am I doing something wrong...Any recommendations on a powder/s that would push a 185gr JHP into the 950's fps ?

 

[JJEH]

First off, I'm not a re-loader. I just can't see myself producing a better product than Buffalo Bore.

With that being said, I don't know what Buffalo Bore uses but their products 45-185 and 45-185LF are pushing 1,100+ fps.

 

[Arm]

Viht N 320 @6.0-6.2 should produce around 930fps, using a JHP 185 gr bullet. This is from a SW 625 PC revolver. Not sure of results for a 1911.

 

[4barrel]

A Rowland kit from Clark Custom will get you there.

 

[Fishinfool]

Get a good reloading manual or three, and look for proven high velocity loads with the 185 grain jacketed bullet. I don't load the 185, but Bullseye is probably too fast for what you are looking for. It can spike pressures quickly when loaded to max. Something in the Unique burning range would be better. I don't want to give specific loads, but I safely get 950+ fps with hard cast 240 grain SWC's out of a 1911. Barrel length also plays a part. What length are you using? A heavier recoil spring, and 45 Super cases (slightly thicker web) are also a good idea when loading a 45 acp to max in a semi auto pistol. You are on the right track by using a chronograph.

Larry

 

[Weimar]

I haven't reloaded in years, but just like size doesn't always matter, the fastest speed of your projectile is not always good

 

[Pisgah]

Alliant gives 6.4 gr. of Bullseye for 986 fps with a 185 gr. Speer GDHP. I would guess that's from a 5" barrel. What length barrel are you using?

BTW, they put the powder UNDER the bullet, not the other way around as you state, and that might work better for you, too. ;-)

 

[much ado]

185gr/1000 fps

Charlie,
The favored powders for higher velocity in a 185gr 45ACP are PowerPistol, AA5,HS6,Titegroup, and probably the newer BE86. It appears you must not have loading manuals(you should). In the absence of manuals most of the the powder companies have data available on line and you can look at their recipes. You should probably re-check the Bullseye loads you mention.

 

[Walkingwolf]

I load for 800 fps with either 200 grain RNFP, or 230 grain round nose. That is sufficient as far as I am concerned. 45acp has a very thin walled case, and most have an unsupported chamber. I try to stick to the pressures that JMB intended for the round.

 

[Charlie 1]

Charlie,
The favored powders for higher velocity in a 185gr 45ACP are PowerPistol, AA5,HS6,Titegroup, and probably the newer BE86. It appears you must not have loading manuals(you should). In the absence of manuals most of the the powder companies have data available on line and you can look at their recipes. You should probably re-check the Bullseye loads you mention.

Have several manuals sierra max load 5.6grs bullseye=950fps, Lyman 6.0grs=976....that's why I'm asking the question about powder choice or am I doing something wrong ? Barrel is 5 inch in Springfield 1911 shooting Evergladesammo bullets.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

Bullseye burns too quickly;go to a slower burning powder like some already mentionned.Bullseye like Red Dot,Promo 700X and a few others spikes real quickly.It is easier to go over safe pressures when playing with such ''nervous''powders.

 

[Colonel]

I am not a reloaded, but I always see factory 185 grain - 45's at 1,000 fps regularly when looking for ammo. I can't think getting your 1,000 fps will be a problem.
I don't think you said what the pistol and barrel length was??
If it's 3" barrel, I don't think you will meet your objective, but a 5" + barrel will.

 

[bigggbbruce]

185gr JHP in 45 ACP4.6grs Bullseye powder lit by Federal Match primer resulted in 763fps. the results were disappointing. 4.8grs=786fps, 5.0grs=800fps and 5.2grs=816. Heck it would seem in order to get anywhere near 950-1000fps I'd have to be running around 7grs of bullseye and IMO that would be unsafe.

Any recommendations on a powder/s that would push a 185gr JHP into the 950's fps ?

Alliant gives 6.4 gr. of Bullseye for 986 fps with a 185 gr. Speer GDHP.

I read the same data as Pisgah on Alliant's site.

My recommendation is more powder.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

From the data enclosed, there is a problem! Your barrel is bulged or you powder measuring is way off, or your chronograph is off. The barrel is easy to inspect, the scales have check weights available, I have no idea how to check a chronograph, let alone adjust one. There could be other problems, but until you figure this out, I sujust you put this project on hold.

Ivan

 

[Charlie 1]

I read the same data as Pisgah on Alliant's site.

My recommendation is more powder.

Based on incremental velocity gains in my first post and if they hold true at 6.4grs I'd be at 912fps so in order to get to 950's+ I'd be exceeding significantly any max loads I've researched. I'm thinking that maybe going with a slower burning powder as mentioned in previous posts might...maybe be the answer. I am kinda shooting in the dark since I'm using Evergladeammo bullets and there really isn't any reloading data on them.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

1. The velocity on the box IS NOT what you will necessarily get in your gun.

2. Two identical guns will give different velocities with the same load.

3. You will only achieve that velocity with a 5" barrel and probably a different powder.

 

[Charlie 1]

From the data enclosed, there is a problem! Your barrel is bulged or you powder measuring is way off, or your chronograph is off. The barrel is easy to inspect, the scales have check weights available, I have no idea how to check a chronograph, let alone adjust one. There could be other problems, but until you figure this out, I sujust you put this project on hold.

Ivan

I've eliminated barrel and chronograph by firing factory ammo and fps are very close to ammo manufacturer spec's/fps. I do this on a regular basis whenever I'm working up loads just to make sure chronograph-Oehler 35 is good. I have to scales, redding beam scale and Gem-pro 250 along with check weights and I measure each charge on both scales.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

Gee, I don't know. Seems to me that I shot a lot of Remington 185 grain JHP +P back in the day, and I know that stuff was rated at 1,100 fps out of a 5-inch barrel. Checking the interwebs I see that Remington is still selling something like it, now called the Remington Golden Saber 185-Grain +P JHP, still generating a muzzle velocity of 1,100 fps out of a 5-inch barrel. If Remington can do it, it strikes me that at least one of the handloading mavens around here has got a recipe that works just as well.

 

[OU 812]

You could take a look at the Hodgdon reloading Data Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading

It shows Longshot going just over 1000fps and CFE Pistol reaching 1100 fps.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Based on incremental velocity gains in my first post and if they hold true at 6.4grs I'd be at 912fps so in order to get to 950's+ I'd be exceeding significantly any max loads I've researched. I'm thinking that maybe going with a slower burning powder as mentioned in previous posts might...maybe be the answer.

But based on your testing that you listed, you haven't tried max recommended load. So it just may get the results you desire.

I have Hodgdon 800X slow powder and published max load of 7.9gr at 991fps..

or H6 with a max load of 9.5gr listed at 996fps.. just need max cajones.