Newbie needs help with .45 ACP

[JJP161]

Hey everyone,

Have another few newbie questions. I have a Lee Classic Turret Press and I am loading my first sets of .45 ACP. After reading through the Lee Manual, Hornady Manual and reviewing the data on the Hodgdon website and watching a ton of youtube videos. This was the first load I came up with. Using mixed brass I have shot, mostly Blazer, Federal and PMC. Along with Berry's Plated Bullets 45 Cal 230gr RN and Hodgdon Longshot Powder. I reviewed the recipes from the Lee Manual, the Hodgdon Data Center and Hornady book.

Per Berry's
"We recommend using hard cast load data or start with mid-range jacketed data."

My initial recipe
Blazer/PMC/Federal Brass
CCI Large Pistol Primers (except Federal using CCI small Primers)
Berry's Plated Bullets 45 Cal 230gr RN
Hodgdon Longshot 6.1 Grains
COL: 1.230" Max Per Hornady 8th Edition
Min. OAL: 1.200" per Lee

Ok my questions or problem is with my finished cartridge overall length. I worked up a number of dummy rounds and they all came in at 1.230 and all cycled fine through my Ruger 1911 and all passed the "plunk test". Well as I cranked out my first rounds I am getting a lot of variance on the COL. Anywhere between 1.226 - 1.230. Is that an acceptable range and how do you stop that or get more consistent COL?

My plan is to make up about 15 rounds bumping up the grains as follows, and at least initially I have been weighing every singe round but thus far have found that the Lee Pro Auto Disk is usually spot on with the Longshot anways.

6.1
6.4
6.7
7.1

Lastly I have few rounds that seem to bulge out every so sleightly. As you can make out where in the case bullet is seated. I tried to get a good picture but you can't really see it in the picture. So anyways is that a problem?

Also any advice for when I do get my loads ready and head to the range?

Alright please share any constructive critisim you may have, I need all the help I can get. Thank-you all very much.

Joe

 

[black41]

I'm not 100% sure about longshot, I mostly load unique and bullseye, but usually the COL shouldn't be such a big deal unless it's way too long and won't chamber or way too short and causes a pressure spike. Your COL of 1.230 is about normal COL for a .45 ACP and the variance isn't too bad...if you can shoot a pistol to the upper limits of it's accuracy you might see a difference in groups, but minute of angle probably isn't gonna come from semi automatic a 5" barreled .45 acp. Some of these other guys probably have more experience with longshot, but unless i'm wrong, the classic .45 acp is usually 5.0 gr. of bullseye with a 230 gr. FMJ at about 1.230 Good luck with the loading!

 

[arjay]

I might screw the bullet seating stem in a bit to stay below the max oal,but that's only a concern if the bullet hangs up in the rifling when the slide goes forward (assuming it's a semi auto).
The bulge is normal with cast bullets,as long as they feed and chamber properly,you're good.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Sounds like you are on the right track, friend. All normal stuff and the .003" is no big deal. Thickness of wall from case to case can make that much difference. Check them by case brand. Also, try to load in length batches. This is a pain, but it will help. Case length that is.........

You are going to be surprised with the outcome of those rounds too. They are going to give you more velocity than any commercial stuff out there and with less pressure. Longshot is a good powder for that kind of stuff.

Only caution is to watch how that SR1911 handles the recoil internally. Check the guide rod for excessive wear on the barrel link side after shooting them. Might need a stiffer recoil spring.


Oh, and by the way, I KNEW that SOMEONE had to have a Ruger SR1911 because I have not even been able to put my hands on one yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UGH!

Enjoy and be safe!

 

[novalty]

For some reason 1.230" seems too short for loading 230gr RN, think my Lyman 49th list Max length at 1.275". If I remember correctly, I was loading Berry's Plated 230gr. RN at 1.265." They shot very well in my S&W 1911 (Government model) with 6.0 gr's of Unique and crimped at .471".

 

[JJP161]

Hey everyone thank-you for all the great help and information. The COL is some what a relief as I can be a little anal about things like that and it was driving me crazy. With that said I do have a couple more questions.

What would be considered way too short that it would cause a dangerous pressure spike?

Probably a dumb question but how can you tell if a bullet will bill too long and hang up in the rifling?

Mr. Sackett, I just want to say thank-you very much for your service to our country. My dad was a retired marine sniper and I have the highest respect for you guys, so thank-you. Also I have to tell you the Ruger SR1911 is a great gun, actually one of my favorite without a doubt. I have a Springfield Range Officer and a Colt Mark IV Series 80 and I like the Ruger the best. Shoots very tight groups and as smooth as silk.

As a couple of you mentioned Unique I do just so happen to have some so I believe I will try the Berry's Plated 230gr. RN at 1.265." with 6.0 gr's of Unique and crimped at .471".

So the first time you go to the range with your loads are you sweating a little bit?

Thank-you again everyone, great help for a new guy, I certainly appreciate it.

Joe

 

[arjay]

Strip the gun and drop your longest round into the chamber,it should sit flush or a bit low.If it sticks up, the brass or the oal is too long.As far as too short,I'm cautious,If I can see it with the naked eye it worries me lol.

 

[scattershot]

As far as the bullet being too long and hanging up in the rifling, that's what the "plunk test" is for. Sounds like you're well on your way.

 

[blujax01]

...
So the first time you go to the range with your loads are you sweating a little bit?...

Joe

Savor it.

It is an experience few forget. I was quite sure I was going to blow up the whole range!

As far as your COAL, rather than disassemble my guns I buy Case gages. L.E. Wilson, Dillon, Lee, they're available a lot of places.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Probably a dumb question but how can you tell if a bullet will bill too long and hang up in the rifling?

Mr. Sackett, I just want to say thank-you very much for your service to our country. My dad was a retired marine sniper and I have the highest respect for you guys, so thank-you. Also I have to tell you the Ruger SR1911 is a great gun, actually one of my favorite without a doubt. I have a Springfield Range Officer and a Colt Mark IV Series 80 and I like the Ruger the best. Shoots very tight groups and as smooth as silk.

So the first time you go to the range with your loads are you sweating a little bit?

Thank-you again everyone, great help for a new guy, I certainly appreciate it.

Joe

Joe,
Here is a picture of how you can tell if the bullet is hitting the rifling:

And, in answer to your second question, yes, one tends to pucker up a bit when they touch off the first round. Closing the eyes or squinting is a normal thing at that point!

Kudos to your dad for his service as well. Those snipers..........wild folks!

Thanks for your comments about my service. While I am not all that proud of what I did when I was off duty as a US Marine, I am very proud of what I did as a US Marine! OORAH!

Oh, and, thanks for rubbing that in about the SR1911! I have heard nothing but good about it!

 

[novalty]

If you do use Unique, 6.0grs. does fill up a 45 case quite a ways so you'll be less likely to double charge, but you still want to be mindful of the charge you are throwing. I found 6.0grs. to be pretty close to factory in regards to recoil.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Since this is the only thread going about the 45ACP, I just want you all to know that I got my Tommy Gun back up and running today. Kids were in from Oklahoma the last couple of weeks and we HAD to go shooting. They really had to twist my arm! At any rate, the firing pin spring guide broke when my #2 son in law was shooting it and he felt really bad. Good thing is, I called Auto Ordinance and they sent parts out right away. This isn't that old of a gun, and I suppose I could have sent it back to them to repair, but, a MIM part, goes in in less than 10 seconds, and I got an extended charging handle too. THAT was a BIG plus!

At any rate, here it is:
(Yeah, I am a little obsessive when it comes to accuracy. This thing was a mile off with the standard sights, drove me nuts. As soon as I can afford it, E-OTech BABY!)

 

[arjay]

Very nice.Video?

 

[JJP161]

Mr. Sackett, that is a beautiful gun you have there. I have wanted a Tommy Gun forever so I definitely hope to add one to the collection some day. I guess I have a little 45 envy of yours as well.

I think I will also load some up with the Unique as well, maybe even try some with some AA #7 if I find a good load for it.

Anyone else with some good loads for Berry's Plated 230 Gr RN?

Thank-you everyone,
Joe

 

[Dmaxboy08]

Your overall length will walk around alittle. As long as its not a huge step below OAL, you will be ok. Some people have told me the OAL will walk around alittle when using mixed brass because each brass is different lengths. If it really bothers you, try trimming the cases to whatever length your manual says to trim to.
When I used to seat bullets with a Lee bullet seater I would sometimes get a bulge. At first it was because I wasnt expanding the mouth of the case enough and others it was because the bullet was starting not straight. After i switched to a RCBS comp. die, I havent had the problem. As long as it chambers easily, I believe you will be fine.
If I start a new batch of reloads that I used different powder or bullets, I will inspect a few spent cases after I shot them. I usually make sure the primer isnt bulged out, make sure the brass isnt cracked or split, and i look to see if there are any powder marks going down the side of the case.

 

[M29since14]

I think of Longshot as more for the high-pressure pistol rounds like 9mm, .38 Super, .40SW and 10mm, though I guess it will work OK in a .45. I am a little more accustomed to using faster burning powders - may or may not be a little easier on the gun. Opinions vary on that.

If you have the interest, give the more conventional powders a try and check the results (accuracy) in your 1911 against the Longshot loads. I like 231/HP38 in particular, but a lot of others work well, such as Bullseye, Red Dot, 700X, AA2 and AA5, WST, etc.

 

[JJP161]

Dmaxboy08 -
thank-you and I will have to play with the mouth expansion a little bit and see if I get better results and I will also try trimming some of the brass to see if that helps. I did measure a bunch of it and it did vary by about the same as the my OAL varied. So that does make sense now that you mention it.

M29since14
I have to admit I know very little about powders and there has been a very limited stock around here lately. With that said I have some Unique, Longshot and AA#7. Which powder would produce the most consistent and accurate results with the Berry's Plated 230 Gr RN. I only went with longshot because it was one of the recipes in my loading manual, but I am certainly open to suggestions with the powders I have or even other powders. I have been hearing alot about the Winchester 231 so I think that may be the next one I try.

Thank-you,
Joe

 

[Skip Sackett]

W231/HP-38 are the EXACT same powders so if one is not on the shelf, look for the other.

It is a GREAT choice for the 45ACP and I have shot against folks in competition that use it religiously. Who beats whom is dependent on the day rather than the load though!

I have a cast 230gr LRN that I use 5.0gr of HP-38 with and the maximum is 5.3gr. Although, the pressure for that loading is still a bit under the 20,000CUP rating for the round. I know folks that have gone to 5.5gr but honestly, it gains nothing.

Using Berry's plated, you can use the 230gr LRN data from the Hodgdon website and have good results.

Let us know what you endeavor to do. Also, AA#7 is a great powder but hates to be reduced as does AA#9 or AA#5 for that matter. They meter like water through a garden hose but hate to be downloaded at all. Middle to upper on those baby's!

If it were me, and I had Unique though, I would build a round around that powder first. While not the perfect powder for every caliber, it is quite useful in almost all calibers of the non-magnum variety.

Hope this helps too!

 

[Rule3]

Only caution is to watch how that SR1911 handles the recoil internally. Check the guide rod for excessive wear on the barrel link side after shooting them. Might need a stiffer recoil spring.


Oh, and by the way, I KNEW that SOMEONE had to have a Ruger SR1911 because I have not even been able to put my hands on one yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UGH!

Enjoy and be safe!

Oh, One of these??

 

[Skip Sackett]

Oh, One of these??

Is that yours?