.45acp Light Bullet ??

[Cobbler]

Hey Guys,
I finally came back to the 1911 world with a 3-1/5" Canadian Para-Ordnance Carry12 and back into the reloading scene after many years off. On a whim I purchased a 50pk. of these 160gr. HP C.O.P. (Copper Only Projectile) bullets from Midway. I figured I'd run the full gambit of bullet weights with this short barrel. My last 1911 was a Colt GCNM so the small barrel is new to me. I have not been able to locate starting load data for this bullet and was wondering if anyone out there has played with them. They seem to be made by RAREAMMO, but when I go tho their site they just have complete rounds available and no individual bullets, so no load data from them. Midway just has a "data available soon" note on their product page, likr for the last two months. I have this 45 ACP Load Data - Handloads.Com and was thinking of starting with 5.0gr of Bullseye and working my way up from there. I'm not sure if you go by LEAD or JACKETED data. Think I'm safe there? Any help is appreciated. Thanks All

 

[Bruce51]

Tell us what is the OAL of this all copper bullet.

I shoot 185 grain Rainier bullets with 4.5 grains of BE.

I also use 5 grains of BE for the 230 grain FMJ.

So unless this bullet is really long due to copper being lighter than lead

You are probably starting in the right load range.

Please let us know how well these C O P bullets work out for you.

Bruce

 

[Squarebutt]

That sounds like a lot of Bullseye for a starting load. I've loaded 155 lead grain semi-wadcutters with as little as 2.7 BE for plinking. Works fine in two Colts and a Star PD. Just for laughs I loaded lower and lower until I got failures to eject with 2.3 grains. YMMV as every pistol is different. Have fun and let us know what works in your gun.

 

[colt_saa]

I have loaded many of RareAmmo's projectiles in various calibers. Playing with a 1800FPS 357SIG load right now.

Newly designed projectiles in new weights with new materials always require experimentation. Then data comes out. . . . eventually

Staying within 45ACP pressure and using Bullseye I would think a max would be around 7.2-7.5 grains. This should bring you over 1200 FPS from a 5" 1911.

 

[Wee Hooker]

FWIW, I had problems with two short barreled 45's shooting low with light bullets. One was a Parra P10. These short barrels seem to need longer barrel time than I could get with anything less than 230 gr.

 

[Cobbler]

Update

Okay, here's the latest. 1.250" OAL seems to be what clears the magazine with a little room to spare. Given that, these bullets give .312" bearing surface in the brass, Berry 230RN give .289", and Hornady 185Critical Defense give .235", I knocked one apart to measure it. (Case length+bullet length- OAL= Bearing measurement, that's how I did it....seems right.

A fully loaded round with 5.5 BE will have approximately .158" cavity between the bullet base and top of the powder charge. ( I measured fro the top of the charge and subtracted this # from the bearing surface #, tough to measure top of a charge so that's why I stated approx.)

So far this bullet is interesting. It has a good bearing surface and gives you a full case. Since it has a fuller case I think I'll back down my initial stated charge. Sorry, I don't have access to a chronograph so from here it's trial and read the primer for pressure. I'm not a speed merchant, I look for group size, slow 10 beats a fast 9 every time. I'll load some today and try them tomorrow evening at the range and keep you posted. Range is closed today so stay tuned.

 

[Cobbler]

Tell us what is the OAL of this all copper bullet.
The bullet OAL measures .677"
Berry 230RN= .644"
Hornady 185gr CD= .580"

 

[Cobbler]

Update

Hey Guys, Here's the latest from last night at the range with the 160gr C.O.P. HP's
COAL 1.250, Federal Champion Primer, R-P Nickle Case, Bullet Length .677, Hercules Bulls Eye Powder (older lot, not Alliant)
I loaded from 4.2gr thru 5.8gr @ .2gr increments, 5-shot groups, Pistol Para Ordnance Carry12 3.5Bbl LDA Stainless (Canadian Made)
I did not shoot with a rest of any kind at 25', two hand hold w/Merit Optical aperture, NO alcohol so I may have been shaking a bit.
Anyway, my best groups were at 4.4gr (3.70") and 5.4. (3.90) Started showing pressure @5.6. The Load @ 5.8 showed higher pressure but grouped really good (actually the best @ 2.725") but too hot and had damaged cases on extraction.
So there you have it and I have to conclude that at the 4.2~5.0gr range it was a real pleasure to shoot with regards to recoil, very smooth and fast recovery, as expected. Also at 5.0gr my first three shots were 1.925"), next two flew.....no alcohol remember, so that may be THE load. All in all the C.O.P. bullet are not bad but they do vary a bit with regard to OAL, not like measuring a Sierra or Hornady, but I think the have potential for a good light load....wish I could chronograph them.
I hope this was some help and now I'm off to play with my new Missouri 200gr LSWC Target#1's. Stay in touch