45 ACP Load data help

[09cs]

I'm trying to load up some 185gr Hornady XTP under Unique powder, but came to a road block, my Lyman manual has a starting charge of 4.8, while my Lee manual has a 7.2 starting charge, and Hornady does not list Unique in theirs.

Should I just split the two starting loads somewhere in the middle?

Thanks CalGuns

[sofbak]

7.2 seems like a start charge for 230 gr projectiles. . Are u sure u read that manual correctly?

Go to the powder manufacturers web site. I'd look but my BoLee is in storage for a couple more months.

[sofbak]

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/powderlist.aspx?type=1&powderid=3&cartridge=35

Alliant shows 8.2 gr for 185 Speer Gold dot HP. Should be close enough to the Hornady, and that is MAX load IIRC. So 7.2 should be ok for a startling charge.

[Divehobo]

Looking at the latest Hornady manual, it does not show charge for 185 gr XTP 45 acp using Unique as a powder.

Hornady does not show 45 acp recipe with Unique until 230 gr bullet is used.

Loading manual does have 45 Auto Rim and 45 GAP using 185 xtp with Unique but different cartridge.

Have you been on Alliant's web site?

[09cs]

Looking at the latest Hornady manual, it does not show charge for 185 gr XTP 45 acp using Unique as a powder.

Hornady does not show 45 acp recipe with Unique until 230 gr bullet is used.

Loading manual does have 45 Auto Rim and 45 GAP using 185 xtp with Unique but different cartridge.

Have you been on Alliant's web site?

Yes I have, shows 8.2 as a max. Reducing 10% gives a 7.32 charge

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...3&cartridge=35

Alliant shows 8.2 gr for 185 Speer Gold dot HP. Should be close enough to the Hornady, and that is MAX load IIRC. So 7.2 should be ok for a startling charge.

Thanks

7.2 seems like a start charge for 230 gr projectiles. . Are u sure u read that manual correctly?

Go to the powder manufacturers web site. I'd look but my BoLee is in storage for a couple more months.

Yes I am, and I thought the same thing, though I've gone down as low as 5.7 grains with a 230 gr plated RN bullet. Alliant also has a 7.3 start charge (reducing 10% from their 8.2 gr max for the Speer HP)

I was thinking maybe starting around 6.5 and working up, or should I just go with Alliant's data?

[sofbak]

6.5 will work and should cycle the gun. Note that the 8.2 gr charge is over 1000 fps so it is a stout load for sure.

If it were me n my guns I'd start at 7.0 and go to 8.0 in 0.2 gr steps for starters. Do 10 rounds at each step to see what works best.

[09cs]

6.5 will work and should cycle the gun. Note that the 8.2 gr charge is over 1000 fps so it is a stout load for sure.

If it were me n my guns I'd start at 7.0 and go to 8.0 in 0.2 gr steps for starters. Do 10 rounds at each step to see what works best.

I think I will.

I'm wondering if that 4.8 starting charge in the lyman book is even enough to cycle the gun?

[bruce381]

what ever load you use only make a mag or so to verify it will function ok.
When you verify it feed and functions fine only then laod more, I have a 650 dillion and in my early years loaded a couple hundred light loads and they all would not eject well at all. Had to take apart them all and learned my lesson.

[09cs]

what ever load you use only make a mag or so to verify it will function ok.
When you verify it feed and functions fine only then laod more, I have a 650 dillion and in my early years loaded a couple hundred light loads and they all would not eject well at all. Had to take apart them all and learned my lesson.

Always do! Don't want to be pulling a bunch of rounds!

[JMP]

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...3&cartridge=35

Alliant shows 8.2 gr for 185 Speer Gold dot HP. Should be close enough to the Hornady, and that is MAX load IIRC. So 7.2 should be ok for a startling charge.

Yes, I agree that the GDHP would be a reasonable proxy for the XTP, especially given the low 45 ACP velocities.

I highly doubt you'd squib anything over 4gr. As far as cycling, it varies on the gun. That's the nice thing about 45 ACP as it's cheap and easy, load 10 at 6.0, then 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0. Then, see what worked the best and stop if you get too high.

[JagerDog]

I really enjoy my 6.5gr Unique behind a 200gr Bear Creek HBRN or 6.0 gr behind a 230gr FMJ Delta. Just range fodder, but accurate and very functional. Cycles the Gold Cup, P220 and Camp 45 just fine.

I realize you may be wanting to maximize velocity with 185 gr HP's.

[09cs]

Yes, I agree that the GDHP would be a reasonable proxy for the XTP, especially given the low 45 ACP velocities.

I highly doubt you'd squib anything over 4gr. As far as cycling, it varies on the gun. That's the nice thing about 45 ACP as it's cheap and easy, load 10 at 6.0, then 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0. Then, see what worked the best and stop if you get too high.

Thanks, I will!

[JC Smith]

I have an older Hornady manual that lists Unique with their 185 gr. Hollow Point bullet (#5410). It shows a starting load of 5.7 gr. (700 fps) and max of 8.5 gr. (1050 fps). My Sierra manual has the same starting load for their 185 gr. and a max of 7.7 gr.

[JC Smith]

I should have included Hornady's comments:
"In our 1911 Colt, Bullseye and Unique performed best with the lighter bullets. For target work we recommend loading in the 700 - 800 fps range for best accuracy. For the heavier 230 grain bullets , HS-6 and Unique display the best accuracy/velocity combinations."

[09cs]

I have an older Hornady manual that lists Unique with their 185 gr. Hollow Point bullet (#5410). It shows a starting load of 5.7 gr. (700 fps) and max of 8.5 gr. (1050 fps). My Sierra manual has the same starting load for their 185 gr. and a max of 7.7 gr.

I should have included Hornady's comments:
"In our 1911 Colt, Bullseye and Unique performed best with the lighter bullets. For target work we recommend loading in the 700 - 800 fps range for best accuracy. For the heavier 230 grain bullets , HS-6 and Unique display the best accuracy/velocity combinations."

Interesting they say they work best with lighter bullets but in the new one, they don't list unique till the 230 gr bullets.

I'll be starting around 6 grains I think