.45 ACP reload for revolver

[KLNC]

I'm a new poster to the forum, although I've absorbed a ton of knowledge here for which I thank everyone.

I want to start reloading .45 ACP for a Model 22 (Model of 1917) revolver I just acquired. I'm very experienced with shotgun reloading, not so with metallic. Thought I'd try the Berry plated bullets friends use and recommend with 231. My question is whether the revolver would be better served by the 230 grain round nose, or the 200 gr. SWC? Both would be ok I guess, but wondered if anyone has experience and prefers one or the other. Thanks in advance for any opinions. These would be for range use on paper--just casual shooting.

 

[Dan-the-man]

I load for a Colt 1917 in 45 ACP. The 1917's are great for target shooting at the range. Either bullet you mentioned should work well. My advice is not to crimp the rounds too heavy. Sometimes it interferes with the chambering (at least in my Colt).

I use AA#2. It's clean burning and a little powder goes a long way. I just use the starting loads and find them accurate enough for my informal plinking.

Dan

 

[M29since14]

Since the 22 is a fixed-sight gun, it might be best to try the 230-gr bullet first. That is likely what the gun is regulated for according to "factory specs." Chances are either bullet will shoot just fine, but since you're getting started, minimize the chances for annoyance.

 

[OKFC05]

If you're trying to match the POI to the sights, the 200gr hits lower than the 230gr, so you might want to try a few before making a final choice. As M29 said above, 230gr would be my first guess.

I've tried several powders, but I keep coming back to HP38/WIN 231 for medium .45 ACP loads (around 165-170 power factor).
Plated bullets stick slightly easier in the barrel than pure lead, so super light loads aren't a good idea.

 

[papajohn428]

The 200 SWC's have proven more accurate in the majority of my 45's, and my 625 absolutely dotes on them, but it also shoots the plated 200's very well. But as was said, try a few of each before you buy in quantity, to check the accuracy and the POI.

 

[ronnie gore]

45

i have the same gun you have and it hits on point of aim with 230 grain bullets. get some 45 auto rim shells they load better and you can crimp heavier.

 

[David Sinko]

If you do choose a short 200 gr. plated bullet make sure you don't apply too much crimp. It's very easy to crimp the bullet so much that it becomes slightly undersize and then it won't properly engage the rifling. Accuracy will be horrendous and/or the bullets will hit sideways. Load a few and try them at 25 yards. If they make nice round holes in the paper, then you can starting loading them in large quantity.

Dave Sinko

 

[Dave T]

My favored load for several 45 ACP revolvers is the Berry's 200g Plated RS (round shoulder) over 6g 231. My fixed sighted guns seem to shoot this closer to POA than my Ball duplicate handload (230g @ 830 fps).

Dave

 

[Murdock]

LSWCs in 200-grain weight have performed very well in every .45ACP handgun I own or have owned, pistol or revolver.

And they are pretty cheap and easy to load.

Go progressive early!

 

[ExMachina1]

I'm a new poster to the forum, although I've absorbed a ton of knowledge here for which I thank everyone.

I want to start reloading .45 ACP for a Model 22 (Model of 1917) revolver I just acquired. I'm very experienced with shotgun reloading, not so with metallic. Thought I'd try the Berry plated bullets friends use and recommend with 231. My question is whether the revolver would be better served by the 230 grain round nose, or the 200 gr. SWC? Both would be ok I guess, but wondered if anyone has experience and prefers one or the other. Thanks in advance for any opinions. These would be for range use on paper--just casual shooting.

I use SWC in all my revolvers b/c I can -- (love the crisp holes)

I've had good luck with 6.0gr Unique and a 200gr Berrys plated SWC. It's not a magnum load but it's more stout than standard ball which makes it good for practicing shot-to-shot recovery more on a par with "real" defensive loadings.

Scale back to 5.6 grains for a shoot-all-day loading.

 

[TSQUARED]

I have used 185 and 200 gr. LSWC, 230 gr.LRN, 185 gr. Berry's HBRN, 230 gr. Berry's & Rainier RN, 185 gr. JHP and 230 gr. FMJ bullets in my 45 ACP revolvers. With lead and plated bulets I use Trail Boss for light target loads.