Casting low grain 45 acp

[Lonestargrizzly]

Hello, I am thinking about getting into reloading and I was wondering if I could cast a very light projectile for a 45 acp round. I am thinking something in the 115 grain-140 grain ballpark. Is that possible? What would that look like and how would it perform?

[Eljay]

I dunno, even something like a 180gr SWC in .45 has a pretty weird profile that doesn't run in every gun.

[Eljay]

I did a little Googling and you can find some WEIRD experiments out there.

The main approach seems to be either a really deep hollow point cavity or similar. So you're shooting almost like a shell of a bullet.

You can also buy light 45 bullets made out of lighter materials (copper) but I don't think there's anything you could realistically do as a home caster.

[Eljay]

This guy sells 152gr. Look how extreme that profile is. http://www.pennbullets.com/45/45-caliber.html

[R4570]

try here for answers.

http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/

[BeFrank]

Talk to Stilly

http://www.stillyvision.com/files/pc/pcp.pdf

[Lonestargrizzly]

Is it possible to make a hollow fmj projectile?

[sghart]

I cast a 160 gr bullet for my 1911 and HK USP. I load it to +P velocities (1050 fps) and it is very accurate.

I have also used 150 gr LSWC's from Dardas bullets. They are outstanding.

http://www.dardascastbullets.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=dardas&Category_Code=45

Several manufacturers make molds with removeable pins for casting hollow point bullets. You asked about making FMJ hollow points and I'm sure there must be a way but I wouldn't know how.

[TexasJackKin]

I've day dreamed about melting the lead out of FMJ bullets and filling them with epoxy. never done it, but I've thought about it....

[sghart]

I've day dreamed about melting the lead out of FMJ bullets and filling them with epoxy. never done it, but I've thought about it....

In the past I have drilled out the lead noses of soft point jacketed bullets and filled them with various things, including mercury. I would then "cap" them with candle wax.

A lot of work for less than spectacular results. Glaser Safety Slugs work much better.

When I was stationed at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in the early 80's my buddy bought some factory hollow points and filled the cavities with blackpowder. Again, a disappointment.

20 year olds, guns, chemicals and alcohol. Mix these together with a lack of supervision and let the sparks fly. Good times.

[TexasJackKin]

What would doing that accomplish?

I would think it would give you performance similar to a FMJ, but with added air resistance and a reduced BC.. :\...

Just to see how much muzzle velocity I could get out of a .45 ACP....Never done it, just though about it....

[foxtrotuniformlima]

I think the NOE 155 is about as light as you will get and still have a 1911 feed.

I done know if he would make it in a HP mold but that would probably take another 5 gr out

[Lonestargrizzly]

I can fill it with helium..

[Lonestargrizzly]

And I bet they would travel around the world and never drop too...

That would be awesome. Or if I shot them into the air they could travel into space and I could be the first person to put a 45ACP into orbit.

[Lonestargrizzly]

And I bet they would travel around the world and never drop too...

Lol noo they would probably travel all the way around and hit me in the back of the head!