Question for reloaders on the 45 FS

[SharkByte]

Finally going to start reloading some 45s for my M&P 45 FS and was just wondering if any of you reloaders out there crank out anything with Winchester 231 (only powder I could find) and the Hornady 185 XTPs (free bullets from my dies, not something I would buy, though). I don't have an assortment of powders or bullet types to work with yet, for obvious reasons.

I've found some load data on-line ranging from 4.6 to 5.1 grains for JHP, but nothing specific for the XTPs.

And just to save you guys some typing, I'm aware of the start low and build up process, so you don't have to type all the extra "be careful...as with any load, use caution..." disclaimers . Just looking for a good starting and max load that I can work with using this specific combo. Probably just use these for range practice since I much prefer the 230 grains.

 

[Rastoff]

The weight of the bullet is the critical dimension. The shape and coating is secondary. While shape has an impact on the load, it's not critical.

Here is what I found with a quick search: Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading That link will take you to the pistol reloading data. Just fill in the components and you'll see that 231 is recommended to start at 5.0gr and go to 5.9gr.

 

[Cpo1944]

If you don`t have a digital caliper , I suggest you invest in one right away. Harbor Freight has them cheap, but serviceable. The recommended max length must be measured and observed and stayed under, other wise you will have big problems feeding and extracting as well as loading the magazines. It`s surprising how little it takes to mess up. I just did a batch of.45 ACP and they were just a hair too long. I caught the mistake and it only took a few minuets to correct my die adjustment and run them thru again, now that they are correct they feed just fine.

 

[Bkreutz]

Where did you find 231, I haven't seen any for 6 months. If you got it at a local (to you store), could you give me the name and I'll contact them and see if I can talk them into shipping. I just ran out of 231 and am on "plan B" (alternate backup powder - Autocomp). You also might get more response on this question in the "Reloading" section of this forum, but maybe the moderators will move it.

 

[78Staff]

I haven't reloaded in some time, years actually - in fact I was thinking about getting back into it - but anyway 45's with 231 was a mainstay for me at the time, as all I owned were 45's.

I mostly stayed in the 5-5.5 range with 231 - 5.3 with 185gr wadcutters, and a softer load for my m1917 - 5.2 with 200gr rainers. Another popular load for 185's is 4.5 of Bullseye, if you run across some. None of these are tack driving loads, but solid training loads suitable for extended range time.

Wow, Mark, you remembered all that from years ago you are probably thinking... alas, no - but I still have several boxes stashed away for a rainy day - and of course detailed labeling is a must . I also echo the comments above about calipers and max case length on the 45's. Even moreso if shooting a milspec-ish or non-throated barrel setup.

 

[SharkByte]

Rastoff
That was something I looked at while doing my research. I saw that it referenced JSWC and not XTP or JHC. Just wasn't sure if the bullet type also had an impact on powder weight.

Jack Oconnor
I absolutely have a digital caliper, along with diagrams of all my cartridges so that I know what min and max COAL should be.

Bkreutz
Actually, the 231 was a Christmas gift from my father-in-law who purchased it, along with other powders and primers, at a local gun show. I think him and his buddy knew someone there. Gonna have to find out if I can get more.

78Staff
Thanks for the info. Range loads are primarily what I'm looking for any way, not tack drivers. That's what my .41 Mag is for

I thought about posting this in the reloading forum at first, but decided to start here since I'm talking about reloading for an M&P FS and not a 1911, SD, or other model of 45. Sometimes, the model can make as much a difference as the barrel length and other factors.

Thanks

 

[Rastoff]

Sometimes, the model can make as much a difference as the barrel length and other factors.

Thanks

This is a very good point. I don't frequent the reloading forum much and wouldn't have seen this if it was posted elsewhere.

I reload because I have to. If I didn't, I'd never be able to shoot as much as I do. Consequently, I don't get as specific about my loads. So, I load for my 1911. I'll use my loads in other guns, but I work on the load for my 1911. If I were to use my M&P .45 in competition, I would probably work up a more specific load for that.