getting ready to start loading for a 45ACP

[Montana Griz]

Briefly looked at some of the posts re using Win WST for loading 200gr LSWC and JSWC & possibly JHP. Most posts reference guns w/ a 5 inch barrel.

Since mine is 4.2 inches, will Win "WST" still be a highly recommended powder for use with the 200gr bullets??

I want to use "WST" due to it's reputation for clean burning and a somewhat "soft-recoil". This gun weighs 29.5 oz.,....and my wrists aren't as strong as they were when I started reloading back in 1960. (primarly for rifles back then), but did load quite a few "home-made" "shot cartridges for my COLT SAA. Carried that gun on every elk hunt (pack-in horse back style). Got many a Grouse with it on the way into camp.
Damn good eating

Thanks for your responses about the barrel length & using "WST".

 

[Granddad]

Don't worry. WST is still a good choice for shooting through Commander length barrels.

 

[PDL]

I know you said you wanted WST, but you might want to try W231 as well. I used it for most all .45 ACP as well as others for lead target rounds.

 

[amazingflapjack]

I like Unique with a RNFP or LSWC and a Win Large Pistol Primer, both revolver and pistol of all length barrels, 4 to 8 3/8's.

 

[RussellD]

you will be fine with a 200 grain bullet, wst and commander length slide. My experience has been that WST burns a little cleaner and recoils less than 231. They are very close on the burn rate.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Why does this happen in every thread? The OP asks specifically about a powder and right a way posts are made telling him to use something other than what he likes. Why? He didn't ask for recommendations, he asked about WST!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/members/205186-montana-griz.htmlMontana Griz,
Sorry I can't help you on this one but I have never tried WST.

 

[tlen]

ArchAngelCD.........
My biggest gripe is an OP not stating his SPECIFIC concern or question in the post title. Why couldn't this post title been "Using Win WST for .45 ACP ?" to clearly identify the topic ? I guess at least having "45 ACP" is better than simply "question", "help" or "New to Reloading".........
I've never used WST either and had I known that was the actual topic I would not have read the post let alone provided this comment.
Montana Griz....... a 29.5 oz .45 ACP is upward to 20% lighter than a standard 5" 1911 and recoil with standard load will be noticeably higher. Not a lot can do about it. Reducing your loads will help but your ballistic will suffer more aside from the shorter barrel and if you add weight [with a mag well] you compromise the light weigh carry properties. I carry a light weight commander 1911 and have a full size 1911 for range and target practice.

 

[H Richard]

I have loaded 5.3 gr WST behind a 200 gr. cast lead SWC for quite a long time. It is a great load, very accurate. It may be a little softer in recoil, but I really didn't notice much difference. It is cleaner burning than 231, (unless you really crank up the 231 load which burns cleaner the hotter the load is it seems to me). You would not be unhappy with WST and barrel length does not seem to matter. I use it in my 5" as well as my 3.5" 1911's.

 

[Moonman]

Winchester loading data lists:

45ACP DATA:

200 Grain LSWC (cast)

4.4 grains W.S.T. starting charge

5.1 grains W.S.T. MAXIMUM LOAD

1.225.C.O.L.

HANDLOADS.COM LISTS: 45 ACP loads
WST start 4.5 grains
WST MAX 5.1 grains for the 200 grain SWC bullet.

 

[TheNakedGunFighter]

I'm curious as to why very few list the seating depth as well as the load. I very rarely see that information. Seems to me it should go hand-in-hand with the charge weight.

 

[Coastie762]

Seating depth will vary between different bullet weights and shapes. Individual pistol chambers will also vary in depth. The pistols magazines may also affect the loaded cartridge length (too long and the rounds don't fit).

The individual handloader should establish the cartridge overall length for his individual pistol. What works for my 1911 may not for yours. For example, a 200 grain cast SWC may fit my pistol with an OAL of 1.250". Due to differences in how the chamber is cut, the same bullet may require to be seated deeper to fit your barrel. Or, it may allow the bullet to be seated out a bit longer. Only you can determine that.

As the .45 ACP is considered a low pressure cartridge with relatively large case volume to charge weight, small differences in cartridge OAL will probably not make a lot of difference, pressure-wise. High pressure rounds like the 9mm/.40/.357 Sig, that's another matter. As a general rule, seat the bullet out to as long an overall length as possible that permits proper feeding and function.

 

[BigBill]

Just some tips that may help you out.

I get all my leadcast bullets from sns casting he is on the net and very reasonable price wise and his bullets are a high quality.

I use the LEE case length sizer with a portable battery powered drill.
I was given for free a LEE Pro 1000 set up for 45acp. I run the brass thru the tumbler with the corn cob media first then I resize & decap my brass, clean the primer pocket and then run it again thru the tumbler with the walnut media and brass polish for the final time. I use the progressive press to charge and assemble the 45acp rounds. I find it very quick doing it this way. I run between 3k to 5k of 45acp at a time.

I still like to clean the primer pocket by hand rather than not cleaning it and just running it completely thru the progressive press. I'm very fussy about reloading ammo it has to be perfect.

 

[TheNakedGunFighter]

Seating depth will vary between different bullet weights and shapes. Individual pistol chambers will also vary in depth. The pistols magazines may also affect the loaded cartridge length (too long and the rounds don't fit).

The individual handloader should establish the cartridge overall length for his individual pistol. What works for my 1911 may not for yours. For example, a 200 grain cast SWC may fit my pistol with an OAL of 1.250". Due to differences in how the chamber is cut, the same bullet may require to be seated deeper to fit your barrel. Or, it may allow the bullet to be seated out a bit longer. Only you can determine that.

As the .45 ACP is considered a low pressure cartridge with relatively large case volume to charge weight, small differences in cartridge OAL will probably not make a lot of difference, pressure-wise. High pressure rounds like the 9mm/.40/.357 Sig, that's another matter. As a general rule, seat the bullet out to as long an overall length as possible that permits proper feeding and function.

That makes perfect sense and would explain the dearth of seating depth info. Thanks for the insight on seating depth.