Odd question

[chaparrito]

Semi-Newb here. It seems to me that for any two handguns in the same caliber, one a semi-auto and the other a revolver. The lightest load that will reliably cycle the semi-auto should always be safe to shoot in the revolver as well.

Am I mistaken?

 

[chief38]

I general the answer is yes. But that said, there is such a thing as too light - known as SQUIB LOADS. Squibs are loads that are so light they may get stuck in the barrel or explode due to the massive air volume left in the cartridge case. On the plus side, Squib Loads won't cycle an Auto Loader, so again in general terms, YES.

What I would recommend is that you look at a few different Re-loading manuals and just start off with the lightest of the loads and see of it will cycle your pistol. If so, no problemo in a revolver.

 

[colt_saa]

You are correct if we presume that the auto loader in this scenario is in good working order and is using the correct springs.

Other than a significantly over-sprung auto loading pistol, I can not see a case where the safe auto loader cartridge would be unsafe in a revolver that is in good working order.

But remember to double check that load against at least a manual or two.

 

[chaparrito]

Thanks. Reason I asked is I have a favorite very light target load for my SW billboard 1911 and am thinking about buying some iteration of a .45acp revolver just for grins. It'd be real nice to be able to shoot the same loads, at least in the beginning.

 

[chaparrito]

You are correct if we presume that the auto loader in this scenario is in good working order and is using the correct springs.

Other than a significantly over-sprung auto loading pistol, I can not see a case where the safe auto loader cartridge would be unsafe in a revolver that is in good working order.

But remember to double check that load against at least a manual or two.

I will. The auto loader is my 03 bone stock billboard 1911. I load 4gn. Bullseye under 185gn. LSWCs

 

[Bugkiller99]

It'd be real nice to be able to shoot the same loads, at least in the beginning.

But they most likely won't be the best load for your revolver.

Besides, working up the best load for each gun is half the fun!

 

[OKFC05]

It'd be real nice to be able to shoot the same loads, at least in the beginning.

Then you better get an adjustable sight .45 revolver, because your pet load will not shoot to point of aim in any fixed sight .45 revolver I ever shot.

 

[chaparrito]

Then you better get an adjustable sight .45 revolver, because your pet load will not shoot to point of aim in any fixed sight .45 revolver I ever shot.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[blujax01]

I will. The auto loader is my 03 bone stock billboard 1911. I load 4gn. Bullseye under 185gn. LSWCs

Being nosy here, but why so light a charge? Most folks will run that combination at about 5.5 to 6 grains.

 

[guncheese]

best target loads are that light or lighter
i run 3.6 to 3.8 gr BE in my 45 loads
think bullseye shooters, some of those guys run less than i do
speed is not the answer, consistent accuracy is
i loaded some .45 acp for my range buds Blackhawk convertible
3.2gr BE under a 200gr swc
shoots easy and awesome!

 

[mikld]

Nuttin' wrong with light loads. As long as your ammo cycles your semi-auto, and you like that particular load, ferget what most other folks do. It's your ammo and your guns. I have some "fun" loads for my 1911 (200 gr LSWC, light loads of Bullseye) that cycle nicely, deposit empties in the same zip code, and are accurate...

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I use a RNFP 200 at about 775 fps (5.5gr to 5.7gr WW231) as my all around load in Sig 220's, 1911's, S&W 4506 and my 1917 & 625. Out to 25 yards it shoots to all of their sights (These guns all shoot GI Ball to the sights also). I use Federal's Hydra-Shok 230 grain as my 45 SD round and all these 45 shot it to the sights, Only one 45 I've had in the last 25 years didn't, that was a Officers sized by Springfield Armory; it shot 185 grain Silver Tip Hollow Points to the sights and I never tried my target load in it and got rid of it.

When you get a 1917, find a load that works well in it then see if it isn't pretty good in the autos too. Ivan