Need 45acp load for 5 inch 625

[HappyHunter]

Finally got all my small bullets loaded and converted my Dillon 650 to load 45's.

I have been looking forward to developing a load for my 5 inch 625 (model of 1989). I have done the trigger to just under 6lbs and have installed a fiber optic front sight and a new Weigand rear sight blade.

Now I need good load advice for Zero 230 gr round nose lead bullets. I have a lot of W-231 (HP38), also universl clays. But I have never been shy about trying some new powders. This gun will be used for target work only at the range. I prefer a light, accurate load.

Please share any advice and experience that you will.

Best Regards,

Fred

 

[Dale53]

Fred;
This is not exactly what you have asked for. However, for a light target load, a PREMIUM load is 4.0 grs of Bullseye (or equivalent) and a 200 gr H&G #68 SWC or the H&G # 130 SWC. I get these kinds of results on a pretty regular basis with my 625-6 (5" barrel) shooting standing at 25 yards:

Here is a picture of my gun with a Simmons 30mm Red Dot sight:

These are SUPERB revolvers and I am able to shoot them well with less effort than almost any other revolvers I own.

By the way, Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook shows the Lyman 452374 225 gr RN:

Win 231:
4.0 grs - 661 FPS with a max of 5.8 grs at 902 FPS. 231 works well with both the 225-230 gr bullets as well as the 200 gr SWC's in appropriate charges.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Wee Hooker]

4.8 gr W231 under a 230gr LRN used to be my "do all load". Of course w a 625, you can bring that down 10% and it will still perform well at shorter distances.
FWIW, my 625 really likes 200GR RNFP (Cowboy Bullets) over 3.8 gr of Clays. ( Not Universal clays!) I feel the lighter bullet produces less recoil and the RNFP profile makes a better hole in the paper yet still work great with moon clips for fast loading. I find clays to burn cleaner than 231 so have switched.
Also FWIW, I run this same load ( Sometimes boosted up to 4.0 gr) in my S&W 1911's & M&P. Same benefits and feeding is flawless.
hth

 

[HappyHunter]

Dale53, 98 is always a good sustained fire score, was that single or double action? How does that gun/load perform at the 50 yard line? Thanks for the load info and the look up in the Lyman manual. I have a couple thousand Zero 200 gr swc and will try your load for sure. My bullseye gun is a Clark heavy-long slide with a red dot on slide. (gun used to belong to Alan Fullford but that is another story).

Wee Hooker, I will be loading 230 gr bullets with W-231 today to determine an accurate load. It is good to hear that someone used this as a "go to load." Next PPC league starts Tuesday and I hope to have something put together by then.

Thanks guys,

Fred

 

[moxie]

230 RNL over 5.1 grs. Unique is a superb light target load. I've used it for years out of a 5" 625-3. The 1911s like it too.

 

[Dale53]

HappyHunter;
That was single action. Using a heavy slide PLUS a Red Dot sight, you might have to adjust the load upward to get reliable functioning. Just tailor it to your gun (recoil spring weight needs to be tailored to the load,also - as I suspect you already know).

I have shot .45 ACP's a LOT through the 1911 platform but have no experience with a heavy slide.

I use mostly revolvers these days as I hate chasing brass.

Dale53

 

[growr]

6.0 grains of Unique with 230 grn bullet either lead or fmj replicates factory loads and delivers great accuracy in all of my 45's. Might work well for you as well.
Randy