.45 ACP FMJ Load vs TMJ Load

[marathonman]

My Speer Manual #14 says to use 5.6 grs start to 6.2 grs maximum for .45 TMJ RN.

Hodgon's online database says use 4.2grs min to 5.3 grs max for 230 GR. HDY FMJ FP

I'm surprised by the large range.

I have HDY FMJ RN (not FP) 230 grain - I was planning on starting with 4.2 and working up, but according to the Speer TMJ I should start with 5.6.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[iareConfusE]

What powder? Might help us to know what powder you're using...

I would probably start with the lower charge and work your way up. Just make small batches of different charge weights, increasing to the max load. 10 rounds of each charge weight should suffice and give you an idea of accuracy/recoil that you're looking for.

Right now I've been loading 200gr Ranier plated over 4.9gr of Titegroup.

[Oceanbob]

I'am guessing

231..?

And my Lyman 49th says for 231 to use 5.2 to 5.8 max.

Start in the middle somewhere and work it up.

Just stay below the MAX for 231 on all three sources.

I've found that some of these online recipes sites are really not accurate at all. I suspect they purposely bump the numbers down for liability reasons.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

*It helps to have some older reloading manuals. But be aware that formulas for the same powder (Unique for example) are DIFFERENT than they were 15 years ago. Serious stuff.

[gadjeep]

There's quite a lot of important info missing from your question. Powder types, weight of tmj bullet, etc.

The rule of thumb I've frequently heard is: if You don't have a specific load for the tmj projectile you are using, you

[gadjeep]

First and foremost, there us a big difference between fmj and tmj. Fmj has a copper jacket around a lead core. Tmj is a sized, cast lead bullet that has been electrically / chemically plated with an extremely thin copper coating similar to 22lr bullets. They reduce leading compared to pure lead but are not as tough (or expensive ) as fmj/ball bullets.

There's quite a lot of important info missing from your question. Powder types, weight of tmj bullet, etc.

The rule of thumb I've frequently heard is: if You don't have a specific load for the tmj projectile you are using, you should start at a similar shape and weight cast lead load.

That being said, You should be

[marathonman]

There's quite a lot of important info missing from your question. Powder types, weight of tmj bullet, etc.

The rule of thumb I've frequently heard is: if You don't have a specific load for the tmj projectile you are using, you

Sorry guys - Both are 230 grain bullets and Winchester 231

[rsrocket1]

TMJ's are quite a bit softer than FMJ's so since you are using FMJ's, you should be starting your loads according to the FMJ chart, not the TMJ one.

The geometry of the point doesn't matter so much as whether it is plated, bare lead or jacketed. You are using jacketed so use the 4.2-5.3 recommendation.

[bohoki]

fmj hard copper on soft lead
tmj soft copper on hard lead

[smalltime]

Hodgdon's data has OAL at 1.20" which is pretty short for a round nose. Lyman 49th book for the Speer TMJ RN 230gr lists 1.275" OAL and 5.2 - 5.8 gr Win. 231

I've loaded 1k berry's plated at 1.250-1.265 with no problems but never used 231 only bullseye and WST. Now I have a bunch of zero FMJ's loaded to test this weekend. They are cheaper than plated.

[elcordobes]

Always start low and work your way up. Look for signs of excess pressure as you progress. Remember you are not loading for pressure in the abstract but pressure in your gun. Some of the loading manuals are extremely conservative depending on the cartridge and the type of guns it has been chambered for. The .45 has been around for a long time and there are guns from before 1911 chambered for it. The loading data is probably very conservative. Then again if your gun has a tight chamber, even some of the listed loads may produce too much pressure.

What you are trying to find is the most accurate load at a safe pressure.