.45acp Reload

[jimmyj]

225 grain cast RN with 7.0 grains Unique


Is this a "Defense' load ?

Thanks,
Jimmy

 

[M29since14]

Sure it is! But it’s pretty stout. I’d rather have something with a flat nose, going 850 FPS, if using plain lead bullets. That Unique load is likely considerably faster.

 

[growr]

Casing should be nearly full....maybe even compressed. I have used 6 grains of Unique for many years with great results.
Randy

 

[LoboGunLeather]

My Lyman handbook shows 7.3 grains Unique as maximum with the 225-grain cast LRN (905FPS @ 16500 CUP). You are pretty close to the upper limits, depending on seating depth and other factors.

I like the 230-grain TC cast bullet (broad flat point, good profile for feeding nicely) and have used it quite a lot. Recently started casting a 200-grain RN-HP that feeds perfectly and provides a higher velocity without going to the top of the loading charts (which I avoid).

 

[dr. mordo]

I don't use Unique, but 7 gr seems pretty dang hot. Besides that, RN is not optimal. A SWC would be preferable as the flat nose damages tissue as it passes more than a round nose, and of course a JHP should be even better if it is moving fast enough to expand.

Either way, I wouldn't want to get shot with it!

 

[kenjen]

I think anything comming out of a 45 is a defense round...

 

[alwslate]

Your load of 7.0 grs should exceed factory hardball velocity so it surely
must be good enough for a defense load.

 

[gwpercle]

It sure could be.... a lot of men have expired to a similar load , 230 grain Jacketed RN , since 1911 . That load will get the job done.
Gary

 

[Nevada Ed]

Per post #4;

Even though near max. for the lead bullet, that load does have LESS
pressure than the w231 powder with that weight bullet.

Carry on.

 

[fredj338]

225 grain cast RN with 7.0 grains Unique


Is this a "Defense' load ?

Thanks,
Jimmy

Certainly would work but a RN anything is never my first choice. FWIW, you gain little by pushing a solid faster. so I would back that down to 6gr, easier to shoot & it is still likely to over penetrate an avg size torso.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
The 45acp [231gr fmj rn at 830 =-20 fps] from a 1911 could drop a horse.
The original loading was a 200 gr at about 900fps.
The army increased the weight for Cav use [ aka horses they call them
horse pistols for a reason you know]
The 230gr in a flat nose or a 200 gr flat nose [like the Lawman load]
Would do just fine .
Heaver just slows things down.[non +p]

 

[jimmyj]

Range trip yesterday with this .45acp load of 7.0 grains Unique with a RN 225 gain cast bullet.
1. accuracy in standing position at 3, 7, 15, and 25 yards very good and printed to POA.
2. Recoil was stout but controllable
3. ejection was positive.
4. firing with the S&W M457 was all D.A.

5. exam of fired cases revealed slightly flat primers.

 

[WR Moore]

With the 230 gr FMJ, 6.5 gr Unique was considered ball equivalent for decades. I'd find a better bullet shape for actual use and bear in mind that while it may be a great practice round, a box of factory JHP to keep in the gun and spare mags would last you a long time and not raise red flags in court (depending upon the political stance of your prosecutor, which may be subject to change depending upon the prevailing winds).

You could pick up a box of Berry's HHP bullets to test feed reliability on JHPs.

 

[Jimmy4570]

I've always loaded cast lead, either 200 gr SWC or 230 RN or FP with 5.5 gr of Super Target and never cared to load anything else.

 

[cowboy4evr]

Super Target is my powder of choice as well shooting a 230 gr RN cast bullet in 45 acp . The load I use is 4.5 grs . 5.5 is over spec for the powder using that bulet . regards, Paul

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would shoot 225/230gr SWC over 6.5gr Unique instead.

 

[jimbo728]

Jimmy, If your .45 load shoots POA at the ranges you tested it at, sounds like you have a winner.
Jim

 

[Murdock]

When I shoot Unique at that level of power I find my accuracy improves with ear plugs under my muffs. YMMV.

 

[Univibe]

Try 8.0 grains AA#5 pushing 230 grain hardcast RN. Meters better, burns cleaner than Unique.

 

[stansdds]

A 225 grain cast lead RN over 7 grains of Unique is certainly a stout load. I'm not a fan of round nose bullets for defense, they tend to make small diameter holes. I'm also not a fan of handloaded ammo for defense. If you must handload your defense ammo, I would first suggest a premium brand hollow point bullet, but if you insist on cast lead, then I would suggest a semi-wadcutter or truncated cone style bullet. These types of bullets will make a little bigger hole and sometimes size does matter.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

7 gr of Unique sure'll get the attention both on giving and receiving end;more so the second than the first though!

 

[max503]

My Dillon is set up for the Lee 200 grain semi-wadcutter and 6.4 grains of Unique. I've been thinking of backing that off to 6.0 grains of Unique. The 6.4 seems very powerful. I'm sure it would make a good defense load.

 

[jimmyj]

Tested the cast RN 225 grain bullet with 6.0 grain Unique this P.M.

Recoil was ok and POI was a few inches higher than the 7.0 grain Unique.

I plan on testing 6.5 grain Unique with the same 225 grain cast RN

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

I loaded some 185 gr HP's in 45, with 6.6 gr Unique , they shot and functioned well, but due to operator error, I couldn't hit the side of a barn with them.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[fredj338]

I've always loaded cast lead, either 200 gr SWC or 230 RN or FP with 5.5 gr of Super Target and never cared to load anything else.

With either bullet wt, 5.5gr of WST is over pressure, for the 230gr for sure. WST is about all I shoot in my 45acp since it was called 452AA. Maybe you mean Super Field (WSF)???
Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading

 

[fredj338]

Super Target is my powder of choice as well shooting a 230 gr RN cast bullet in 45 acp . That 5.5 gr load is within current load data and works very well . regards, Paul

Where are you finding current load data that says 5.5gr is within pressure specs for a lead bullet??

 

[fredj338]

Tested the cast RN 225 grain bullet with 6.0 grain Unique this P.M.

Recoil was ok and POI was a few inches higher than the 7.0 grain Unique.

I plan on testing 6.5 grain Unique with the same 225 grain cast RN

The POI diff doesn't make sense, but certainly the recoil would be less.

 

[Toolfreak]

That is stout, I use 6.3 to 6.5 with Speer 230 CPRN for plinking and Hornady XTP for SD. I have never ventured that far and wasnt sure if my Shield 45 would handle that, what are you shooting?

 

[cowboy4evr]

My bad, it was a typo . I meant to say 4.5 grs . I corrected my post . Thanks FredJ338 . cheap whiskey has got to go . Regards, Paul

 

[alwslate]

All this trepidation over jimmyj's "stout" load of 7.0 grs of Unique with
a 225 gr cast RN bullet Lyman lists 7.3 grs at 16,500 CUP which is less
than the pressure of several other loads with different powders.