.45 ACP Loads

[powerspc]

Definitely feeling a little lazy today, plus the search function brings up loads developed in 2007! Looking for load data for a nice, reliable, target/plinker round for .45 ACP for:

• 1911’s
• Polymer DA/SA’s
• Loads well on a progressive press

Right now I’m looking at:

• Hodgdon CFE PIstol
• Hornady 200gr HAP
• WLP
• Hornady or Starline +P brass

Anyone using the ACME SWC 200gr NLG coated? Or, 230gr as opposed to 200gr? Thanks in advance!

 

[Potsy]

I've been running 6.3 grains of H-Universal under a cast H&G 68 pattern SWC. Last I chronographed them, they were running about 960fps.

Theses are wheelweight or wheelweight/shot alloy, heat treated pretty hard. It's not really a "plinker " load, but it's a load that's recoils less than 230's, while sailing through both shoulders on a 150lb trapped hog at about 12'. It shoots as well as I can out of my Kimber and the SWC's cut a REALLY clean hole in paper (and hide, coming and going).

It's stout enough to cycle fine. I would work up in Starline +P brass as it likely has less capacity than the CCI brass I clocked that load with.

I'd also verify my weights with different powders on my progressive vs. my scale. Universal meters better than Unique, but it still shows some difference between charges. Might just be my old Uniflow. I'm going to look into this a bit deeper on the next batch I load.

 

[Steel head]

200 SWC and 4.2-4.6 of WST.
your welcome.

 

[Odysseus1911]

Zero 185 JHP
4.3 grains Vihtavuori N310
WLP
1.220" COAL
.469" taper crimp

Around 775 fps in my 1911,
Best accuracy, very low recoil

 

[Bantam1]

I'm running 4.7 of WST with 230 FMJ's. I think they run about 800fps in the 1911 if my memory is correct. I load them on my Hornady progressive.

They run in my 1911 and my USP with no issues, accurate enough and seem to be pretty clean. I could probably push them harder but there is no need.

 

[Notevenonpaper]

4.0 of Clays with 230gr FMJs. A little smoky if your indoors, but cheap and easy to find. Cycles my 1911 and my friends various polymer guns. The only pistol that didn't like it was a P227, it wouldn't lock the slide back on an empty magazine. But it cycled every round.

 

[rweaver00geo]

I use the same load as Potsy, that powder works great in a lot of calibers. I would however steer you towards a ball powder like others have suggested for 45 only. The 200g weight projectiles work great for plinking, I use the Missouri Bullet Co LSWC and IDP#4-XD

 

[SigSauerkraut]

4.2-4.6 of Titegroup under a Zero 230 hardball.

4.8 of Titegroup under a MO bullet 200 lswc.

 

[MC56]

230gr ibejihead RN
5.0gr HP-38
Fiocchi SPP
1.24 OAL

760ish FPS avg out of a 5" 1911. Accurate enough for USPSA.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

185 JHP Zero or Nosler
5.4 grains of Green Dot

Around 775 FPS, works with standard recoil spring.