45 acp heavier loads

I agree with Colt_saa said, You might want to get a few boxes of Buffalo Bore 45 SUPER and shoot it first to see if the recoil is managable for you.
It has the speed you're looking for.

p.s. if your gun comes apart post pics please;)
 

...as primarily hunting loads, intended for guns that can take the extra heat.

I don't know any books today that specify over 6 grains of Unique for a 125 grain jhp in .38 special. But the 1970s Sierra book states a full grain more. I started working up loads in my model 10 but stopped way before 7 grains because they were getting really raucous.

The original poster mentioned a 625. If the gun is in good condition, it is amply strong for the Sierra data, at least the starting to moderate loads and maybe even the maximum loads. And I wouldn't question the data.

Such data is far more reliable and safer than online data unless such data came from a known and reputable bullet or powder manufacturer/ distributor.

Regarding Sierra .38 Special loads (I haven't looked in my new book to see what they have), I called them several years ago before #6 came out and asked why they didn't list +P loads, only what appeared to be standard pressure loads with some possibly +P loads mixed in. Sierra's response at that time was that their data was safe for .38 Special revolvers in good condition.

I can't argue with the validity of that statement, but a handloader should have some background in handloading (developed by reading manuals written by true experts) and develop loads beginning at starting charge levels. There is still a certain degree of competency involved in the process that is not obtainable online.
 
I'm new, forgive me for posting this elsewhere. I'm in need of input re making 45 acp ammo, for model 625, that produces 950-1000 fps using 230 gr round nose. Should I use +p cases?
Thanks

Since the head of the case is fully supported in a revolver..unlike in a typical Colt 1911...There should not be a need for anything other than standard cases..You will be above normal .45 acp pressures with a 230 grain jacketed bullet at 1000 fps but it should be easily doable with Blue Dot, Power Pistol, Longshot and other powders in that burn rate range...1000 fps with a 230 grain bullet is kinda mid to upper range in .45 Super..I have no experience with the Mod 625 but there seems to be many that shoot Super in this gun with no issues...Caution and a chronograph will be your best friends working up the load...
 
Plain old 45 case and Silhouette. Standard loads are easily capable of 950+fps with a 230gn bullet. +P if you want 1000fps without worry.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dla
It seems to me like a person with a 625 that needs a few "bear loads" is better off buying a few boxes of BB .45Super or .45AR+P for that use.

I find this to be equal to the duffer that is not really a gun guy who owns a .38spl revolver for HD. He is probably better off with a coupla boxes of boutique ammo than a new .357 defense revolver or a hi-cap 9mm.

This is as always; JMHO-YMMV.........................
 
Warning if you shoot max loads from the revolver then switch to a 1911 you may need a stronger recoil spring in the 1911. I shot many hotter loads in my 1911 and both sights came loose. It hammered itself.
 
Thanks to all for the input and grace.
Before I proceed, I will reread all of the above and begin at the low end of the scale. My 625 is one of my favorites and I have no interest in damaging it for the sake of a little fun.
Blessings
 
45 Super & 460 Roland in 45 ACP brass

Since the head of the case is fully supported in a revolver..unlike in a typical Colt 1911...
There should not be a need for anything other than standard cases..

I agree, though while I've never had a reason to push the limits myself, it has been show in various articles.

Back in the day, Handload.com had an article on "Ruger Only 45ACP" loads (45ACP+P, 45 Super & 460 Rowland) in the Ruger New Model Blackhawk convertible with a 5-1/2" bbl.

Ultimately he worked up 45 Super & 460 Rowland loads using 200gr & 230gr jacketed bullets pushed by Longshot (12.0gr/1392mv & 10.0gr/1191mv respectively).

This loads ranged up to 34.3K CUP using load data from Hodgdon Reloading Data Center in once fired standard PMC 45 ACP brass with no brass failures in the fully supported revolver's chambers.

That said, I think it advisable, for accountability & safety reasons, to only assemble "higher pressure than normal for cartridge loads" in appropriately headstamped brass of like pressure ratings.

.
 
Last edited:
Plain old 45 case and Silhouette. Standard loads are easily capable of 950+fps with a 230gn bullet. +P if you want 1000fps without worry.
That is exactly where I would start. You can access the western powder reloaded manual online. The earshot and accurate powders are very underrated

Sent from my SM-T377V using Tapatalk
 
Warning if you shoot max loads from the revolver then switch to a 1911 you may need a stronger recoil spring in the 1911. I shot many hotter loads in my 1911 and both sights came loose. It hammered itself.
There is more needed to manage 45 Super in a 1911.

1. A new firing pin spring to resist the increased thrust of the slide upon return to battery,

2. A square-bottom firing pin retainer and a stronger mainspring to absorb slide recoil,

3. And the stronger recoil spring mentioned.
 
The OP asked about some .45acp loads for 230gr at 1,000fps for use in a 625 revolver. He can fire .45Super in a stock 625. Meanwhile I'm not sure he needs input for .45Super and .460Rowland in auto pistols. I don't think the 625 has a recoil spring but I could be wrong.
 
1- Input please re making 45 acp ammo, for model 625, that produces 950-1000 fps using 230 gr. round nose.

2- Should I use +p cases?

3- My 625 is one of my favorites and I have no interest in damaging it for the sake of a little fun.

1- 230gr round nose: lead or jacketed?

2- Not necessary

3- Loads in the range you mentioned will not hurt your 625 if it's already in good repair.

.

I've seen 8.5 gains Power Pistol under Speer Gold Dot or Hornady XTP 230 grain bullets for 1,011 to 1,032 fps in Handloader magazine some years ago.

Good recollection.

In Handloader #310 Brian Pearce listed P-P@ 8.2gr with 230gr jacketed bullets at 992 & 1005 fps from a 5" 1911 & they are standard pressure loads in 45ACP brass.

In Handloader #306 Brian Pearce listed P-P@ 8.5gr with 230gr jacketed bullets at 1018 & 1032 fps from a 6-1/2" M1955 Target & they are (+P) pressure loads in 45 Auto Rim brass.

A lead 230gr bullet can reach roughly those later velocities with just 7.7gr/P-P.

.

These should meet your criteria provided you have the components.

.
 
Years ago I worked with some heavy hot loads in a first issue 625. I won't share any data as I personally feel that is a very irresponsible practice telling fellow shooters how to jump the safety fence. Anyway I/we always used auto rim brass as it's heavier where necessary and loaded LBT hard cast bullets. 1000 fps was doable but 900 fps is easier and ballistically will do the same. Surprised nobody has mentioned Auto Rim brass or maybe I missed it.
 
Years ago I worked with some heavy hot loads in a first issue 625. I won't share any data as I personally feel that is a very irresponsible practice telling fellow shooters how to jump the safety fence. Anyway I/we always used auto rim brass as it's heavier where necessary and loaded LBT hard cast bullets. 1000 fps was doable but 900 fps is easier and ballistically will do the same. Surprised nobody has mentioned Auto Rim brass or maybe I missed it.

I much prefer Auto Rim brass for all revolver use, but it's internal capacity and that of .45 ACP should be close enough that loads are interchangeable. I doubt one is any stronger than the other. Perhaps Auto Rim brass is heavier than ACP brass because of the thickness of the rim.
 
IMHO the only difference between Plus P and regular cases is the marking.

This is what Starline told me, there is no difference in THEIRS except for the marking.
There was a seller on GB about a year ago, just when this madness hit who had 10K new Starline +P marked 45ACP cases for sale for $10 per 100, I bought 2,000 of them. But no, no difference. I use them for 185, 200 and 230gr rounds, hot and not, work just the same.
 
Heavier 45 ACP loads in revolvers are ok

45 ACP revolvers support the case better and do not cycle an action. But 45 ACP bullets are made for 45 ACP velocities. If you use .451/.452 that are meant for 45 Colt loads you'll find different weights, and HPs that are constructed for higher impact velocities.

In my 45 ACP autos and revolvers, and in my 45 Colt revolvers and Rossi lever action I use the same 225 gn copper-plated flat nose or 230 gn FMJ. Depending on the gun, they're loaded at 775 fps to 1750 fps. They hit the metal silhouette from 15 yards to 200 yards with authority.
 
The Keith-style Lyman 452423 is the cat's meow for cast bullets at 238-243 grains. It's been out of production quite a while, but was designed for the Auto Rim. I've loaded these in ACP cases with the front driving band flush with case mouth - they fed perfectly in my 1911s and were more accurate than RN jacketed or lead at any speed.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Back
Top