I use 5.4 of Clays International (still have around 12 lbs to use up) under a 230 MC and load to 1.24-1.25 with a Lee carbide taper crimper (0.469 crimp OD), Works in every 45 I have (645; 745 (2x); Norinco 1911A; Walther/SW 99 and Glock 21). Clean and accurate. One of these days I will chronograph it but it should run around 800 fps. Dave_n
Looking for some 45 ACP loads...
- Thread starter acl864
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peppercorn
Member
I've seen this posted more than once.
I am currently loading for a new to me Dan Wesson 1911 and have been gathering data, or trying to at least.
I am loading 230gr Oregon Trail laser cast bullets and have data that shows a max chrge of HP38 to be 5.3 grains?
Is it safe to assume older data showed the max at 5.5 or?
Also, If I seat the bullet at 1.260, Oregon Trails data, it won't chamber every time but if it is seated at 1.255 it chambers no problem.
Will seating to this depth dramatically change the pressure?
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Much of that data including the Hodgdon data using a 230gr bullet lists a Max charge of 5.3gr HP-38/W231 but with an OAL of only 1.200". Like you I can't load a bullet that deep for my pistols and I get the best results with an OAL of between 1.255" and 1.270". With an OAL of that length I'm sure the pressures are the same or lower with a charge of 5.5gr HP-38/W231 than with the 1.200" OAL and a charge of 5.3gr HP-38/W231...
If you look at the CURRENT Lyman load data for the 230gr FMJ .45 Auto they list a Max charge of 5.8gr W231 using an OAL of 1.275". They are reporting only 16,200 CUP pressures which is FAR less than the 21,000 PSI limits for that caliber... They also list a Max charge of 5.8gr W231 with a 225gr Lead bullet.
peppercorn
Member
OK, great information, thank you.
I am new to this caliber, have been loading for revolvers up until now, so the whole length/charge/pressure/powder and will it chamber combo is giving me a headache. Especially when things get jammed.
It sounds like 5.5 gr of HP38 at a length of between 1.250 and 1.255 will be well within spec.
I do have another question related to data.
Is it ok to use FMJ data when I am loading hard cast lead?
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In general yes. Not only should the weight match but the bearing surface of the bullet also. Begin at Starting loads naturally and chrono or compare case expansion.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Generally you need less powder to generate the same velocity from a lead bullet than a jacketed bullet. It's not always safe to use FMJ data with lead bullets although in the 45 Auto with heavier bullets there is very little to no difference in charge weights.
In some calibers and powders the Max charge weight for a lead bullet will be the starting charge weight for the same weight FMJ bullet. (like W231 in a 158gr .38 Special)
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forestswin
Member
I just started a different thread asking for opinions on WST powder for reloading 45 acp with LSWC's and replies all came back very positive. On this thread no one mentions WST. What's up?
I really am enjoying this new hobby of mine - but its these inconsistencies that make it all a little confusing.
I really am enjoying this new hobby of mine - but its these inconsistencies that make it all a little confusing.
Frank46
US Veteran
Forestswin, just saw your post here. Wst is great for 230 grain round nosed bullets. Which one of the posters had showed at the beginning of this thread. When I first started shooting the 45 a good shooting buddy donated a bunch of loaded ammo, about a 1000 230 grain hard cast bullets some primers. I started with his load which if memory serves was 4.2 gr wst. 17 years later still shooting the same powder charge and the 230 grain round nosed bullet. Just as JMB would have wanted. Frank
fredj338
Member
Not a fan of ALox lubed bullets, especially w/ HP38 or BE, pretty smokey & leaves lots of crud behind. With 5.2-5.3gr of HP38, you'll get ball equiv loads. A better powder IMO, is WST. Less smoke, better volume per wt & tremendous accuracy w/ any bullet type.
FWIW, using jacketed data for lead bullets will give you a higher pressure load, so always load lead bulelts using lead bullet data or at least use STARTING jacketed data & work it up.
FWIW, using jacketed data for lead bullets will give you a higher pressure load, so always load lead bulelts using lead bullet data or at least use STARTING jacketed data & work it up.
peppercorn
Member
I settled on three loads for my first 45ACP trial.
5.5 grs Unique
5.5 grs HP38
5.1 grs HP 38
This was all loaded over a 230 gr Oregon Trail Lead hardcast round nose bullet.
The gun was a new out of the box Dan Wesson Valor 1911.
Loaded to 1.275 the bullets would not chamber. As a result I keprt pushing till they chambered reliably.
Final COAL ended up at 1.255.
All 150 rounds chambered and fired without incident.
The 5.5 grs of HP 38 and 5.5 grs of Unique had the same POI and very sinilar kick which was mild.
The 5.1grs of HP 38 seemed almost too mild for my taste and feedback likes.
Accuracy was top notch with all of these loads. Since the gun is new it to me, as is the caliber, I couldn't have asked for any better outcome.
Thanks to everyone and, ArchAngel especially, for posting that 5.5 grns of HP 38 more than one time for myself and others to ponder.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I'm glad I could help. I'm also glad you got good results, enjoy shooting and be safe!
