Help loading .45 auto rim

[csdmann]

I have a model 625 from the Performance Center. I'm tired of the moon clips. I just ordered some Auto Rim brass. Can I load from the .45 auto pages in my manual or do I have to stick to the Auto Rim page only in my Hornady manual?

 

[ronnie gore]

45 auto rim

as long as you use the same bullet weights listed in the 45 acp data you should be fine.
I load auto rim with 250 grain cast bullets.
also I have the clips but never use them when just plinking as the shells most time will just fall out and when they don't just a flick of the fingernail and out they come.
I carry some in full moon or half moon clips for a reload.

 

[moxie]

You load AR EXACTLY the same as ACP. The only difference is the shell plate. Taper crimp and all. PERIOD.

You might, later, get into loading heavy loads with heavy (250gr.+) bullets and might THEN consider roll crimp. But for now refer to first paragraph above.

 

[Alk8944]

For years there was no .45 AR data. When it was recognized at all the books listed data for .45 ACP/.45AR. It is the same cartridge except for the rim.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

45AR loads

Yes, you can use any 45ACP or 45 AR data in your Auto Rim (what brand did you order?) cases. Most manuals have lighter AR data than ACP, but Sierra's manual has an additional section for 45ACP revolvers that are higher than for automatics. You can use this data in your AR cases too. Starline's AR case are as strong as their 45 Super cases, if you that's your fancy. S-L's ACP & AR cases have the same capacity (1.77cc) but the Super case has a little less (1.74cc), otherwise no problem.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Nothing left here to do, yep, both use the same exact load data...

 

[csdmann]

Thanks again guys for all of your input. I am waiting for my brass to arrive. I also ordered the shell holder for my press. Looking forward to loading some AR!

 

[Rick_A]

Look into Rimz polymer moon clips. They make 45ACP more tolerable for practice.

I plan on using AR for heavy loads only.

 

[elpac3]

When it come time to drop the round into the cylinder, if oyu are tired of half moon clips, try a safariland comp 1 speedloader in 44 mag. It works fine with the 45 AR.

 

[df06]

The 45 AR is a fun cartridge. My 625 uses 200 grain SWC cast and unique powder.

 

[ddixie884]

When loading heavier cast bullets to longer OAL .45AR data is a little different. The good thing is they can't be loaded into a magazine, even if loaded into ACP brass.

 

[Coastie762]

For some odd reason, the SAAMI specs for .45 ACP and .45 AR are different. Speer #14 lists the max pressure for .45 ACP as 21000 PSI, while the .45 AR is listed to have a max pressure of 15000 Copper Units of Pressure (CUP). Obviously these are two different systems and don't exactly cross over.

The #14 also noted that their .45 AR data was loaded to a 21,000 PSI level.

In the Speer #10, .45 ACP was listed at 19,900 CUP and the .45 AR at 15,000 CUP. Why a cartridge designed to be fired in a firearm chambered for a higher pressure cartridge is a mystery.

Bottom line, I use .45 ACP data in my .45 AR loads with no issues.

 

[mwtdvm]

I have never understood the difference either

Bottom line, I use .45 ACP data in my .45 AR loads with no issues.

I also use the 45 ACP data interchangeably, but I only load the standard 230gr FMJ or the semi wad cutters. I wonder if it goes back to the WWI revolvers, but they were shooting the standard mil spec ammo.

Sometimes false information just takes on a life of it's own and reverberates through the years, especially on the internet!..

 

[rockquarry]

.45 AR published data may show lesser charges because of the many WWI-era revolvers that are still in use. While relatively strong handguns, they're pretty old.

 

[ddixie884]

This is just my "OPINION".I believe since standard .45acp 230 ball is jacketed, loaded with something like 5.0gr Bullseye for 825fps. .45AR was originally loaded with a 230gr swaged rn with a shallow hollow base. This was loaded to approximately 800fps. When SAAMI established specs they used these two different loads and the specs were very different. JMHO-YMMV........

 

[BLUEDOT37]

The 1917 revolvers were designed to shoot the 45ACP & it's higher pressure. Peters (Remington) brought out the 45AR in 1920. From what I read (Handloader #254), it was loaded for a time with a 250gr lead bullet. The lower AR pressure was to reduce gas cutting with swaged bullets. Also, revolvers fully enclose the case head, unlike the auto. Of course the 45ACP 1911s came out 9 yrs earlier. So in actuality, there's really no good reason for the AR's lower pressure. In any sound gun, they can be loaded to the same SAAMI ACP max. pressure.

 

[Boxhead]

I load the 250 gr Keith (RCBS 429421) in my 25-2 with AR brass running ACP pressures. I do not have my data with me down here but it came from John Taffin so a search may find it.

 

[bmcgilvray]

I wish the Auto Rim cartridge was more popular. I've struggled to build a supply large enough to suit me. It's a great idea.

My WWI Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers love 250 grain semi-wadcutter handloads as well as most .45 ACP handloading recipes I've tried.

 

[csdmann]

Just received my AR Brass and I'm going to work up a batch with Hornady 185gr HPs with Unique. Cant wait to shoot them.

 

[Bearstopper]

I load the 250 gr Keith (RCBS 429421) in my 25-2 with AR brass running ACP pressures. I do not have my data with me down here but it came from John Taffin so a search may find it.

429421 is a Lyman .44 bullet.

 

[Engieman]

All good advice above, use the same data for AR as published for ACP. An 'old timer' convinced me to get AR's for my 625, and that's about all I shoot now. Really like 'em, don't miss the moon-clips although I still use them on occasion.

I've mostly favored Clays, Bullseye and Red Dot over the years, but recently have been using some AA2 and really like it. May be my go-to powder. I always shoot lead.... 180, 185 (HG 130) or 200(HG 68).